11th Annual NYS History Month Lecture Series

NYS History Month Programs

Schoharie Crossing Hosts 11^th Annual History Month Lecture Series

Fort Hunter, NY – Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site will host their 11^th Annual New York State History Month Lecture Series starting on October 3^rd at 1pm.  This series will cover a wide variety of topics related to state history as it connects to America 250 commemorations. The Erie Canal historic landmark site will recognize the work of historians by offering four Saturday afternoon presentations inside the Enders House, adjacent to their Visitor Center and Museum on Schoharie Street.

To begin the series, Schoharie Crossing welcomes Dr. Susan A. Brewer to speak on, “The Best Land: Natives and Settlers on Oneida Territory” on October 3^rd.  Brewer will trace the history of a parcel of land in central New York and the stories of the two families---her own European settler family and the Mohawk/Oneida family of Polly Denny---who called it home. Her talk considers the struggle over this place in war and peace, tales of pioneer progress, and native dispossession. She explores how, as neighbors for centuries, these families moved from the Mohawk and Schoharie Valleys to Oneida territory to experience dramatic twists and turns over sovereignty, justice, and the land.

On October 10^th, Schuyler Mansion staff Kayla Whitehouse will offer the presentation, “Topography and Transportation in the Northern Department.” It will look at Major General Philip Schuyler as a skilled planner and logistician.  Whitehouse will look at the early years of the Revolutionary War and Schuyler’s work to supply troops with provisions. This presentation will also examine historical maps and letters to explore the different ways in which the natural environment affected the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War, with a focus on the Northern Department.

Thacher State Park educator, Peter Farquharsson will offer a look into the “Helderberg Anti-Rent War” during his presentation on October 17^th.  In the mid-1800s, tenant farmers across eastern New York sought to end feudal land practices still common across the region. This introductory lecture will explore the origin of this system, how tenants sought to end it, and the enduring legacy of their pursuits.

Historian Jeff O’Conner will finish up our NYS History Month series on October 24^th  with the presentation, “On Penalty of Death.” O’Conner takes a look at the late spring of 1776, before the Declaration of Independence as Loyalists began recruiting in the region. This program uncovers the actions surrounding Sir John Johnson the Tryon County Committee of Safety discovering Johnson’s agents were going door to door seeking support and that the details of those discussions were not to be made public “on Penalty of Death.” What transpired in the committee’s investigation reveals much about the forming of a Loyalist community while the American Revolution began unfolding on New York’s western frontier. As Crown support solidified, the chain of events that followed would affect this community, its neighbors, and the entire region for the duration of the American Revolution. This is a story not usually told locally but helps us understand some of the strange doings in New Dorlach during the war; there is also a peek into how a Loyalist community could endure it.

NYS History Month was established in 1997 as a way to recognize historians, scholars, curators, preservationists, librarians, archivists, genealogists, re-enactors, and educators across the state.  The month has evolved to also celebrate and promote New York’s rich and complex history in public places as we honor the essential role we all have to document our heritage and the importance of safeguarding it for future generations.

These programs are free and open to the public. They are held inside the Enders House on Schoharie Street, Fort Hunter, adjacent to our Visitor Center and Museum.  For more information, please call the Visitor Center: 518-829-7516 or email SchoharieCrossing@parks.ny.gov. Schoharie Crossing, PO Box 140, 129 Schoharie Street, Fort Hunter, NY 12069.