By Matthew Urtz, Madison County Historian
(Madison County, NY – Nov. 2015) On Tuesday November 3rd from 3 pm until 7 pm (or until sold out) the Town of Madison Historical Society will host an election day Chicken and Biscuit Dinner. The dinner will include a chicken and gravy, biscuit, butternut squash, mashed potatoes, lemonade, water or coffee and gingerbread for dessert all for only $10. All proceeds will benefit the Town of Madison Historical Society. Madison High School students will be the servers for the event. To place an order (on November 3rd) or for more information please call 225-5694 or 729-8323.
On Saturday, November 7th at 10:30 am the Oneida Public Library will host the final weekly seminar entitled “Five Forgotten Presidents.” Historian Tom Henry returns to the Oneida Public Library and each week Henry will address the career of each “forgotten” president and recount the trials and accomplishments of his administration. For the final week Henry will discuss Benjamin Harrison, the grandson of President William Henry Harrison. For more information please call 315-363-3050.
On Saturday November 7th at 1 pm the Oneida County Historical Society welcomes local railroad historian John Taibi who will present “A Look at the Adirondack Park.” Taibi recently acquired Utica photographer Dante Tranquille’s archive of the Adirondack Park during the 1950’s. Visitors will be taken on a virtual tour of the park as it appeared them. There is no charge for this event, but donations are encouraged. For more information please call 735-3642 or visit www.oneidacountyhistory.org.
On Tuesday November 10th at 7:00 pm the Historical Association of Vienna welcomes Madison County Historian Matthew Urtz to the Vienna United Methodist Church to present “Samuel Beckwith; Grant’s Shadow.” Urtz will tell the story of Beckwith who was born and raised in Hamilton, NY and worked as the cipher operator for Ulysses S. Grant and at the end of the war President Lincoln. There is no charge for this event. For more information please call 315-366-2453.
On Friday November 13th at 6:30 pm the Morrisville Public Library welcomes Madison County Historian Matthew Urtz who will present “Friday the 13th…in Madison County.” Come and hear the origins of the “famous date” and some of the historic events that happened on this date in the US and Madison County. There is no charge for this event. For more information please call 315-366-2453.
On Saturday November 14th from 9:30 am to 12:00 pm the Madison County Historical Society will host a Theorem Painting Workshop. Instructor Pamela Vogan Lynch will teach the early American decorative technique utilizing cut stencils that have been carefully positioned. Registration is required by November 6th, and is $14 for members and $16 for non-members. For more information or to register please contact the Madison County Historical Society at 315-363-4136 or visit www.mchs1900.org.
On Monday November 16th at 7:00 pm the History Club of New York Mills welcomes Madison County Historian Matthew Urtz to the New York Mills Community Center to present “Samuel Beckwith; Grant’s Shadow.” Urtz will tell the story of Beckwith who was born and raised in Hamilton, NY and worked as the cipher operator for Ulysses S. Grant and at the end of the war President Lincoln. There is no charge for this event. For more information please call 315-366-2453.
On Tuesday November 17th from 6 pm to 8 pm the Madison County Historical Society will open its new exhibit entitled “Churches of Madison County.” Pastor Kevin Bailey will open the exhibition giving a brief overview of churches in Madison County and their impact on local communities. The exhibition showcases loaned items from churches and the opening event will have local church historians on hand taking part as well. There is no charge for this event. Light refreshments will be served. For more information please call 315-363-4136 or 315-361-9735 or visit www.mchs1900.org.
On Thursday November 26th from 9 am to 11 am the Cazenovia Preservation Foundation will host its annual “Average Turkey Trail Trot” on the Gorge Trail at Clark Street in Caz. Start your Thanksgiving with a 5k run or walk along CPF’s Gorge Trail which runs along the bed of the former Lehigh Valley Railroad. Awards are given for the average time in each category. There is no charge for this event. For more information please visit www.cazpreservation.org.
On Wednesday December 2nd from 6 pm to 8 pm the Friends of Lorenzo will host a member guest preview party. Christmas at Lorenzo is an annual tradition and members of the Friends of Lorenzo will bet to see the house bedecked in this year’s theme Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker.” Hosted by the friends, members and their guests are treated to a special evening of live music and seasonal delights. An admission fee is charged. To join the friends or for more information please visit www.lorenzony.org or call 315-655-3200 ext. 100.
On Friday December 4th from 7 pm to 9 pm the Friends of Lorenzo will host Christmas by Candlelight at the Lorenzo State Historic Site. Christmas at Lorenzo is an annual tradition and guests will get to see the house bedecked in this year’s theme Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker.” Hosted by the friends, members and their guests are treated to a special evening of live music and seasonal delights. Sleigh rides (weather permitting) will be available throughout the weekend, and ornamental crafts and holiday treats will also be featured at the Rippleton School House. Admission is $5 for adults, $2 for children 12 and under. For more information please visit www.lorenzony.org or call 315-655-3200 ext. 100.
On Saturday December 5th and Sunday December 6th from 1 pm to 4 pm the Friends of Lorenzo will host “Christmas at Lorenzo” at the Lorenzo State Historic Site. Christmas at Lorenzo is an annual tradition and guests will get to see the house bedecked in this year’s theme Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker.” Hosted by the friends, members and their guests are treated to a special evening of live music and seasonal delights. Sleigh rides (weather permitting) will be available throughout the weekend, and ornamental crafts and holiday treats will also be featured at the Rippleton School House. Admission is $5 for adults, $2 for children 12 and under. For more information please visit www.lorenzony.org or call 315-655-3200 ext. 100.
On Sunday December 6th from 1 pm to 4 pm the Madison County Historical Society will host their annual Victorian Christmas themed open House. More information to come.
On Thursday December 31st from 4 pm to 6 pm the Smithfield Community Center will hold its annual “Watch Night for Emancipation.” More information to come.