The Schenectady County Historical Society brings to life the region’s dynamic history through interactive exhibits, programs and community events for all audiences. SCHS is also home to an extensive research library, with a focus on local history and genealogy.
We're nestled in the heart of Schenectady’s Stockade Historic District (described by the National Park Service as “the highest concentration of historic period homes in the country”). Our Museum and Library are the perfect starting point for discovering the history of Schenectady County. Through programs, research, and interactive exhibits, visitors can explore how Schenectady County has changed over the years, the impact the Schenectady area has had on national events, as well as the rich and diverse history that Schenectady County has to offer.
Mission: The Schenectady County Historical Society shares stories, inspires dialogue, and encourages understanding of the history, people, and cultures of Schenectady County.
The Night of Lights is happening this Friday at 7pm with great food, wine, and music. Hope you'll stop by and enjoy an exclusive evening of wintertide enchantment and decorated fir trees. Tickets are $20 and available at www.schenectadyhistorical.org/programs
Major thanks to The Daily Gazette of Schenectady for reporting on the arts and cultural space we've created over at Brouwer House Creative!
https://dailygazette.com/article/2019/11/24/this-old-house-repurposed
Local artisans and artists fill Brouwer House Creative in the Stockade; open house set Saturday
Our final Drinking the Seasons: Christmas Cocktails is coming up on December 12. Join us for stiff drinks, old maps, and a big holiday mood. Tickets are $25 and available at www.schenectadyhistorical.org/programs.
Our annual First Snow picture! Winter is here; celebrate with the Night of Lights on Dec 6, tickets at www.schenectadyhistorical.org/programs
The Night of Lights (Dec 6 at 7pm) is soon, and we're so excited that Wagon Train BBQ and Villa Italia Bakery are back as sponsors of this enchanting event! Join us for this exclusive evening of lighted fir trees, great food, fine wine, and live music! Tickets are $20 and available at www.schenectadyhistorical.org/programs.
Thanks for visiting us this weekend, and for this great shot of the historical society!
Schenectady County Historical Society, Museum & Library, 32 Washington Ave, Stockade District
The friendly receptionist provided us with all the information we needed for the Museum, Library and Walking Tours of the Historical Stockade District in Schenectady. Quickly jumping on the perfect opportunity to photograph the Stockade District we downloaded the izi.Travel App and began the "Discover the Schenectady Stockade" walking tour. This is a 1 hour, 1.4 mile, 25 stop walking tour start to finish. The tour highlights the 350 year old urban Schenectady Stockade neighborhood. The Stockade has more than 40 pre-Revolutionary War houses, churches and it's all within a compact walk-able area.
This was a ton of fun, and we hope you will enjoy some of what the walking tour has to offer! Look out for more Stockade photos in the days ahead!!
Captured: 11/14/2019 Jenny Kielbasa Galough
Schenectady, New York
Chris, our gardener at Brouwer House Creative is truly an artist. It’s always a pleasure to see what seasonal changes he makes to the gardens, and to the house itself. Seeing the porch like this brightens even the greyest of November days!
Will we see you this Saturday at 2pm? Journalist and County Historian Bill Buell will be here to discuss his new book that details the life of George Lunn, the popular Socialist mayor of Schenectady. Buell has won numerous awards for his work at the Daily Gazette, including a New York Press Association Award. $5 or free for SCHS members.
County Historian and The Daily Gazette of Schenectady journalist, Bill Buell, did a nice write up of all the great stuff happening at Brouwer House Creative this month. Check it out! https://dailygazette.com/blogs/electric-city-archives/historic-brouwer-house-new-home-artists
nbsp Back in I talked to Fred Kindl about his home the Brouwer House being part of the Stockade Walkabout and his decision to dress up in period costume and portray Schenectady founder Arendt Van Curler for the day I can't say I got to
Wow, an incredible article in the Albany Times Union about the evolving role historic houses play in preserving the past: https://www.timesunion.com/living/article/Historic-houses-play-key-role-in-preserving-past-14823308.php
There is a building in each of the Capital Region's core counties where the history of the community is preserved and interpreted. Each one was once a family home, where people lived out their private lives without knowing future generations would study their interior design choices for clues about....
We’re so excited about what’s happening at The Brouwer House, and even more excited that the NY History Blog covered what’s happening over at Schenectady’s oldest house:
https://newyorkhistoryblog.org/2019/11/schenectadys-oldest-house-becomes-arts-space/
At Brouwer House Creative, the Schenectady County Historical Society has turned expectations of a “historic house” upside down.
Our County Historian, Bill Buell, will be here November 16 for his Book Talk: “George Lunn: The 1912 Socialist Victory in Sch'dy". Hope you can join us!
https://newyorkhistoryblog.org/2019/10/george-lunn-the-1912-socialist-victory-in-schenectady/
Bill Buell's new book George Lunn: The 1912 Socialist Victory in Schenectady looks back at Schenectady native George Lunn, and his life in politics.
Have orchard, brew (hard) cider. Cheers!
Plans for Halloween? Perhaps attending A Stockade Seance, the last of the season? Tickets are very limited and available at https://astockadeseance.simpletix.com.
NorthEast Theatre Ensemble presents: A Stockade Seance
Schenectady County Historical Society's cover photo
Join us Saturday, October 26 from 10am to 2pm as we spruce up the grounds! Please bring your rake and gloves and any other appropriate gardening equipment…we have the bags!
Join us for the last Candlelight Tour of the season, this Friday Oct 25, at 7 and 730pm. Tickets at www.schenectadyhistorical.org/programs.
Bill Buell will be at SCHS on Nov 16 at 2pm to present his new book, and sign copies!
https://dailygazette.com/article/2019/10/20/when-schenectady-elected-a-socialist-mayor
George Lunn, the subject of a new book, went from the pulpit to politics
We're pleased to be partnering with NorthEast Theatre Ensemble to bring their site-specific brand of theatre to life this Halloween season! Gather with the spirits of the season at A Stockade Seance, a Victorian Halloween séance, featuring mediums who will guide us through ghost tales from the region. Offered October 19, 20, 26, 27, & 31. Tickets are $20 and available at https://astockadeseance.simpletix.com/e/47130
Glenville, in the autumn. A lot of folks confuse SCHS with a building preservation/enforcement organization. In fact, what we do is not focused on preservation of structures (besides the ones we own.) Our mission to share stories of Schenectady, of its people, its history, and its culture. So, we’re not involved with this old, abandoned house. All we want to do is document it, and share it with you, in case *you* have any stories about it. Schenectady County is FULL of stories. Hopefully you’ll visit us, and share *yours*
Genealogy Day is this Saturday, featuring some of the top presenters in the field of family history. Stop by for a full day of discussions that will help you on your genealogical journey! 9am-4pm, with light refreshments. Guest speakers include Judith Herbert, Certified Genealogist®, Tina Post, and Christopher White.
Genealogy Day is this Saturday, featuring some incredible guest speakers! Join us from 9am-4pm for a day off things genealogical!
Special friend at today’s FallFest!
Some things are best in the fall. Speaking of, Schenectady County Fall Foliage Festival is tomorrow! Free, with all things celebrating autumn. 11-3 at Mabee Farm.
A Trifecta of Exhibition Openings! is at Mabee Farm is tomorrow, featuring the unveiling of a brand new gallery! Join us at 2pm for curator talks, refreshments, art, history, and more!
Things are about to get really spooky this Friday at our first night of Candlelight Tours! The "Colonial Hauntings" tours are just about sold out, but we still have space on the “Ghostly Victorian” tours, which delve deep into Schenectady's scariest stories. Tickets are $12 at www.schenectadyhistorical.org/programs
Another great Farm to Fork dinner! Congratulations to Paul D. Tonko for winning the annual Food and Farm award!
It’s Drink the Seasons: Autumn Cocktails at the Brouwer House! Miss this night of historic libations? We’ve got another one coming up in December. Registration at www.schenectadyhistorical.org/programs
Time to #AskAnArchivist! Archivists around the country are ready and waiting to answer your questions. Marietta is online and in person at Grems-Doolittle Library, so ask away!
October is American Archives Month and Wednesday, Oct. 2, is #AskAnArchivist Day! Have questions about our collection, preserving your family history, or archives in general? Join Marietta, the SCHS Librarian, on Facebook and Twitter, or visit the Grems-Doolittle Library on Wednesday, and ask away!
Schenectady County Historical Society's cover photo
The Stockade Walkabout is here! Swing by before 4pm to peek inside the incredible homes featured on the tour!
Good morning from a deliciously autumnal Brouwer House! Its colonial architecture, friendly in-house artists, and colorful garden are sure to please visitors on Saturday’s Stockade Walkabout! For tickets, visit www.historicstockade.com, and join us as we peek inside seven other private homes!
Congratulations to Jacob for completing this Eagle Scout project in a local cemetery.
We’re glad the resources in our Grems-Doolittle Library were helpful!
https://dailygazette.com/article/2019/09/23/glenville-scout-gives-old-cemetery-new-life
Glenville scout gives old cemetery new life Bill Buell @buell_bill | September 23, 2019 SHARE SHARE TWEET SHARE PIN Boy Scout Jacob Leffler has restored the Van Patten cemetery end of Stone Arabia Road. Photographer: Marc Schultz When Jacob Leffler decided to bury himself into Glenville history last...
Happy Monday! The Stockade Walkabout is THIS Saturday 😃😃😃 tickets at www.historicstockade.com
A little cheat sheet of what's coming up at SCHS this fall!
Stockade Walkabout - September 28
Candlelight Tours - Fridays in October
A Stockade Seance - Throughout October
Mabee Farm to Fork - October 5
Genealogy Day - October 19
+ lots more at www.schenectadyhistorical.org
Our Brouwer House Creative Space has a freshly painted porch and a vibrant garden brought back to life this summer by our master gardener. And, it will be on the Stockade Walkabout on Sept 28, tickets at www.historicstockade.com
What are you doing tonight? How about next Wednesday? How about joining us for history, and a bit (well, ok, two pints) of beer? Schenectady Suds: A Beer Walking Tour has a few spots left. Register at www.schenectadyhistorical.org/programs.
We’re down to the last 1️⃣0️⃣ days before the Stockade Walkabout! The exteriors of these historic homes are almost always exquisite — especially when decorated with flowers and window boxes. Imagine the curiosities and splendor inside the homes. Join us Sept 28 for a peek inside nine stockade homes! Tickets at www.historicstockade.com.
The latest, mouthwatering blogpost from the library is up! You won't want to miss these delicious recipes...or our upcoming fall events in the Stockade and at Mabee Farm Historic Site!
If you visited the Mabee Farm page or talked to John Ackner, SCHS Facilities Manager, in the last few weeks, you know it is ha...
This Friday the 13th we invite you to join us for A Stockade Seance.
Gather with the spirits of the season as we partner once again with NorthEast Theatre Ensemble to bring you their special brand of site-specific theater to life! Join our hostesses for a Victorian Halloween séance, as mediums guide us through gruesome tales and ghost stories from the region. Performance dates are October 19, 20, 26, 27, & 31.
Tickets are $20 and available at https://astockadeseance.simpletix.com/e/47130
Here's to hoping you'll help support our work as a local non-profit by attending this excellent benefit dinner! Tickets at www.schenectadyhistorical.org/farmtofork.
We're excited to announce that Bountiful Bread will be making the bread for Mabee Farm to Fork, using Mabee Farm's homegrown rye & wheat! Tickets for this locally-sourced feast are available at www.schenectadyhistorical.org/farmtofork
This seems like a problem we can help with 😂
Another gem that will be open for the Stockade Walkabout! 1️⃣8️⃣ days until nine private homes are opened to the public. Tickets available now!
With 1️⃣9️⃣ days until the Stockade Walkabout we’re not messing around. Check it out! These signs popped up this morning! This glorious Union Street beauty will be open for your viewing pleasure on Sept 28! Tickets are $20 at www.historicstockade.com.
32 Washington Ave
Schenectady, NY
12305
| Monday | 09:00 - 17:00 |
| Tuesday | 09:00 - 17:00 |
| Wednesday | 09:00 - 17:00 |
| Thursday | 09:00 - 17:00 |
| Friday | 09:00 - 17:00 |
| Saturday | 10:00 - 14:00 |
Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Schenectady County Historical Society posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
Send a message to Schenectady County Historical Society:
Absolutely perfect night to kickoff our Kayak Through History tours, made possible by Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor. We are sold out for folks renting kayaks but if you’d like to bring your own, there are still tickets. Contact 518-374-0263x5.
When you know it’s breakfast time.
A peaceful paddle down the Mohawk tomorrow afternoon sounds pretty good right now. Our 10am Kayak Through History paddle is full, but there’s a few spots left on the 2pm paddle! Tickets at www.schenectadyhistorical.org/tours
Who's ready to celebrate!?! We are expecting a big crowd for the #schenectadysymphony and #fireworkspectacular 💥 Don't be the only one missing out!
Spacious skies, waves of grain, and fruited plains... Mabee Farm Historic Site is the perfect spot to contemplate what's important in life. In honor of our troops, SCHS is participating in the Blue Star Museum Program by offering free admission to the nation’s active-duty military personnel and their families, including National Guard and Reserve, from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. We hope everyone has a wonderful Memorial Day weekend! #americathebeautiful #memorialday #thankful #alwaysremember
Dylan’s in Albany next month, but his spirit is at #mabeefarm today in this incredible cover by Reggie Harris and Charlie King
#farmchores
Barred owl release to the wild. Thanks Outpost #4 for rescuing this fellow. Maybe we'll see him around!
Museum of Prints and Printmaking
150 Barrett StreetMuseum of Innovation and Science
15 Nott Terrace HtsMiSci - Museum of Innovation & Science, Schen
15 Nott Terrace HtsHighland soccer club concession
Maalawyck park road, GlenvilleEmpire State Aerosciences Museum
250 Rudy Chase Dr, AlplausEmpire State Aerosciences Museum
250 Rudy Chase Dr., Glenville
Museum of Innovation and Science
15 Nott Terrace Hts
MiSci - Museum of Innovation & Science, Schen
15 Nott Terrace Hts
Museum of Prints and Printmaking
150 Barrett Street