Sharon Historical Society - Sharon, New York

Name: Sharon Historical Society - Sharon, New York
Address: Sharon Springs, NY, 13459, US
Telephone: (518) 860-5513

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Sharon Historical Society - Sharon, New York

The Sharon Historical Society and Museum is located in the Village of Sharon Springs across from the Imperial Baths.

08/12/2026

Our next program on August 24th at 7 PM.

Crime, Justice, and Mystery in Schoharie County - Murders, Counterfeiters, Prison Escapes, Disappearances, and Famous Trials

Beneath Schoharie County’s postcard-perfect landscape lies a darker history filled with unsolved murders, daring prison escapes, hidden counterfeiting operations, sensational trials, and mysteries that still raise questions today. Join Sharon Historian Ron Ketelsen for Crime, Justice, and Mystery in Schoharie County, a fascinating journey through more than two centuries of local crime and punishment—from an axe murder that was never solved and a bank robbery undone by a grocery bag to a missing merchant who returned with an incredible tale of pirates. Discover how crimes were investigated before fingerprints and DNA, how newspapers sometimes shaped public opinion before juries reached a verdict, and why some of Schoharie County’s most intriguing mysteries may still be waiting to be solved.

This program is available via Zoom only. (If you are unable to attend the live presentation, a link to the recorded program will be emailed to everyone who registers once the playback becomes available.)

To make your reservation, please click on the link below:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1997701835968?aff=oddtdtcreator

07/31/2026

A bit of Sharon Springs History.

07/29/2026

There is still time to register for our next historic lecture program on Monday, August 10th, at 7 PM. "The Pavilion Hotel – Sharon Springs’ Lost Landmark" will be available both in person and via Zoom. The live presentation will be held in the Community Room of the Sharon Public Library at 129 Main Street in Sharon Springs.

To register for the program, click on the link below:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1995843381280?aff=oddtdtcreator

PROGRAM SUMMARY

Join Historian Sandra Manko for a fascinating journey back to the golden age of Sharon Springs, when the village was one of America's premier spa destinations. Through rare photographs, postcards, advertisements, and firsthand accounts, Sandra brings to life the remarkable story of the Pavilion Hotel. This grand Greek Revival landmark dominated the village skyline for more than a century. Discover how this magnificent hotel attracted presidents, generals, authors, industrialists, and thousands of visitors seeking health, relaxation, and elegance, while exploring its luxurious accommodations, famous cottages, elegant dining, recreation, and the vibrant resort culture that transformed a small Schoharie County village into an internationally recognized destination.

But every great story has its final chapter. Learn how changing travel habits, shifting fashions, and economic realities brought an end to the golden age of Sharon Springs, culminating in the controversial demolition of the Pavilion Hotel in 1941. Was its loss inevitable, or was one of New York's most iconic hotels torn down too soon? Explore the evidence, hear the local legends, and discover how the Pavilion helped shape Sharon Springs' identity for generations. Whether you have lifelong ties to the village or are discovering its rich history for the first time, this engaging presentation will leave you with a deeper appreciation for one of the community's most treasured landmarks.

07/26/2026

Lots of great stuff is still available at the Sharon Historical Society Sale. Sunday from 10 AM to 4 PM. Located at 210 Main Street (Roseboro Ballroom) In Sharon Springs.

07/21/2026

A bit of history to share with you!

07/20/2026

Can you help us out?

07/18/2026

As America commemorates the 250th anniversary of its founding, the Sharon Historical Society invites the public to attend its upcoming online presentation, "Revolutionary War Battles Fought in Schoharie County – How a Frontier Valley Helped Save the American Revolution," presented by Sharon historian Ron Ketelsen via Zoom on Monday, July 27, at 7 PM (Eastern Time). This special program is part of the nationwide America 250 commemoration, celebrating the people, places, and events that secured our nation's independence.

Most Americans know about Lexington, Saratoga, and Yorktown—but few realize that one of the most important struggles of the Revolutionary War unfolded right here in Schoharie County. Known as the "Breadbasket of the American Revolution," the fertile Schoharie Valley supplied thousands of bushels of grain that helped feed George Washington's Continental Army. Determined to destroy this vital food source, British forces, Loyalists, and their Native American allies launched repeated raids across the valley, burning homes, barns, mills, and crops while ordinary settlers fought desperately to defend their families and preserve the American cause.

Through dramatic storytelling, historic images, maps, and firsthand accounts, forgotten chapters of the Revolution will be brought vividly to life. You'll witness the legendary defense of the Middle Fort by Major Melanchthon Woolsey against nearly 800 British-led troops, follow famed frontier marksman Timothy Murphy as he tracked enemy raiders through the wilderness, and discover how Colonel Marinus Willett led just 150 men into a daring swamp ambush near Sharon that defeated a force twice its size. Along the way, you'll meet the remarkable men and women whose courage, sacrifice, and determination helped save the Revolution from the New York frontier.

This program is available via Zoom only. (If you are unable to attend the live presentation, a link to the recorded program will be emailed to everyone who registers once the playback becomes available.)

To make your reservation, please click on the link below:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1994106999716?aff=oddtdtcreator

07/11/2026

There is still time to register for our next historic lecture program on Monday, July 13th, at 7 PM. "More Old Farms Etc. in Summit, Schoharie County, NY" will be available both in person and via Zoom. The live presentation will be held in the Community Room of the Sharon Public Library at 129 Main Street in Sharon Springs.

The Sharon Historical Society is pleased to present an engaging journey into the agricultural heritage of Summit, Schoharie County, with local historian and author Karen McLaughlin Cuccinello on Monday, July 13th at 7:00 PM.

Based on her recently published book, More Old Farms Etc. in Summit, Schoharie County, NY, Cuccinello's presentation explores the stories of seventeen historic farms that helped shape the landscape and character of Summit. The program highlights farm families, their homes, barns, and outbuildings, offering a fascinating glimpse into rural life across generations. One of the featured farms remains in operation today, providing a living connection to the area's agricultural past.

Through a richly illustrated slideshow, attendees will view historic and contemporary photographs of farmhouses, barns, and the people who lived and worked on these properties. The presentation will also include biographical sketches of several farm owners and families, bringing to life the personal stories behind these historic places.

Karen Cuccinello has authored numerous books and articles on the history of Schoharie and Delaware Counties and serves as the Town Historian for Summit. Her extensive research and passion for local history have helped preserve countless stories that might otherwise be lost to time.

Whether you have family roots in Schoharie County, an interest in agricultural history, or simply enjoy learning about the people and places that shaped our region, this program promises to be both informative and entertaining.

To make your reservation, please click on the link below:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1992504194683?aff=oddtdtcreator

07/04/2026

Happy Fourth of July from everyone at the Sharon Historical Society!

(Photos from past Sharon 4th of July parades.)

07/03/2026

I am deeply shocked and saddened to learn of Stephanie Ruquet's passing. Stephanie passed away last night at Ellis Hospital at the age of 82. She had been hospitalized since suffering a heart attack.

It is difficult to put into words just how much she meant to all of us. While so many people knew Stephanie for her tireless dedication to the Jefferson Historical Society, I was fortunate to know her as a gifted historian whose depth of knowledge was remarkable and who was always willing to share what she had learned. Stephanie was also a Lifetime member of the Sharon Historical Society.

Stephanie was almost always the first person to join our weekly historians' Zoom call, ready to exchange ideas, answer questions, and generously contribute her knowledge for everyone's benefit. Her enthusiasm for local history, her willingness to help others, and her genuine love of learning made every discussion richer. I always looked forward to seeing Stephanie's name appear on the screen, knowing our conversation would be better with her there.

Thank you, Stephanie, for your years of dedication, your generosity, your friendship, and your love of history. You not only made Jefferson a better place, but you also enriched the lives of every historian who had the privilege of knowing you and learning from you. You will be deeply missed, fondly remembered, and never forgotten.

Address

Sharon Springs, NY
13459

Telephone

(518) 860-5513

Website

http://sharonhistoricalsocietyny.org/

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