Schoharie County Historical Society Museum

Schoharie County Historical Society Museum is a cultural institution dedicated to preserving the rich history of Schoharie County, New York, with a focus on the Mohawk Valley and its significance in the American Revolution. The museum is situated in the historic Old Stone Fort, a National Historic Landmark that dates back to the 18th century, and is near the Schoharie Creek and the Mohawk River. The museum's mission is to collect, preserve, and interpret the history of Schoharie County, with a particular emphasis on the experiences of Nicholas Herkimer, Joseph Brant, and other notable figures from the region, including George Washington and Benedict Arnold.

● History

The Schoharie County Historical Society was founded in 1889 by a group of local historians, including William Leete Stone and Jeptha Root Simms, who were dedicated to preserving the history of the region. The society's early efforts focused on collecting and documenting the history of Schoharie County, with a particular emphasis on the American Revolution and the role of the Mohawk Valley in the war. The society's first museum was established in the Old Stone Fort, which had been built in 1772 by Philip Livingston and other local leaders, and had played a significant role in the Battle of Oriskany and the Sullivan Expedition. Over the years, the museum has expanded its collections and exhibitions to include a wide range of artifacts and exhibits related to the history of Schoharie County, including the experiences of Iroquois Confederacy and the Dutch West India Company.

● Collections

The museum's collections include a wide range of artifacts and exhibits related to the history of Schoharie County, including furniture, textiles, and other household items from the 18th and 19th centuries. The museum also has an extensive collection of documents and photographs related to the history of the region, including the Schoharie County Census and the Mohawk Valley Gazette. The collections also include artifacts related to the Agricultural history of New York, the Erie Canal, and the Delaware and Hudson Canal, as well as the experiences of notable figures such as Theodore Roosevelt, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Eleanor Roosevelt. The museum's collections are also significant for their inclusion of artifacts related to the Oneida Nation, the Tuscarora Nation, and other Native American tribes that have historically been present in the region, including the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe and the Seneca Nation.

● Exhibitions

The museum's exhibitions are designed to showcase the history and culture of Schoharie County, with a focus on the Mohawk Valley and its significance in the American Revolution. The museum's permanent exhibitions include a recreated 18th-century kitchen and parlor, as well as exhibits on the history of agriculture and industry in the region. The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions on a wide range of topics, including the experiences of women in history, the Underground Railroad, and the Civil War. Recent exhibitions have included exhibits on the Battle of Saratoga, the Battle of Monmouth, and the Treaty of Paris, as well as the experiences of notable figures such as Abraham Lincoln, Ulysses S. Grant, and Robert E. Lee.

● Education and Programs

The museum offers a wide range of educational programs and activities for visitors of all ages, including guided tours, workshops, and lectures. The museum also offers programs specifically designed for school groups and scouting organizations, including the Boy Scouts of America and the Girl Scouts of the USA. The museum's educational programs are designed to promote a deeper understanding of the history and culture of Schoharie County, with a focus on the Mohawk Valley and its significance in the American Revolution. The museum also partners with other local organizations, including the Schoharie County Library and the Schoharie County Chamber of Commerce, to offer programs and activities that promote the region's history and culture, including the National Park Service and the New York State Museum.

● Building and Grounds

The museum is located in the historic Old Stone Fort, a National Historic Landmark that dates back to the 18th century. The fort was built in 1772 by Philip Livingston and other local leaders, and played a significant role in the Battle of Oriskany and the Sullivan Expedition. The museum's grounds also include a number of other historic buildings, including the William Badgley Museum and the Schoharie County Jail, as well as a cemetery and a garden. The museum's building and grounds are also significant for their proximity to other historic sites in the region, including the Saratoga National Historical Park, the Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site, and the Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site. The museum is near the New York State Thruway and the Adirondack Park, making it a popular destination for visitors to the region, including those interested in the Olympic National Park and the Hudson River Valley. Category:Museums in New York