Oneida County History Center Upcoming Events and Programs

Spring is just around the corner, and Oneida County History Center is blooming with new programs! From Saturday lectures on local arboriculture and historic cemeteries to hands-on workshops and exhibits, here is what’s happening.

New Forest Cemetery

Saturday, March 21 at 2:00 p.m.

Over its long history, Utica’s New Forest Cemetery has been abandoned and revived twice. Founded in 1886, this non-profit cemetery is the final resting place for many notable people. Sara Mohr will discuss the cemetery’s history, its role in Utica’s past, and a recent project that documents gravesites and trains local students to create digital maps.

The Tryon County Committee of Safety

Saturday, March 28 at 2:00 p.m.

Years before the first shots of the Revolution were fired, a wave of activism swept through the Mohawk Valley. Local leaders didn’t just protest—they organized. Forming the Tryon County Committee of Safety, these pioneers created a “shadow government” that managed everything from military defense to local law. Terry McMaster will share the story of everyday people who worked behind the scenes to spark a movement and forever change our region.

Author Talk with Jack Henke: Oneida Lake History: Facts, Fables, and Photographs

Saturday, April 4, 2:00 p.m.

Dive into the deep waters of local lore with author Jack Henke as he explores the captivating history of Oneida Lake. His newest book goes beyond the surface, blending stories, fables, and legends that have shaped the lake’s identity over generations. Featuring rare historical photographs, Henke brings the history of Oneida Lake to life, offering a unique look at the people and events that make this waterway a regional treasure.

Author Talk with Tom Guiller: The Hand Crafted Utopia, Arts and Crafts Communities in America’s Progressive Era

Saturday, April 11, 2:00 p.m.

In the late 1800s, the world was changing quickly as industry grew.Fed up with the exhausting work in factories and the unattractive products of mass production, the Arts and Crafts Movement spread across America. It promoted a bold idea: beauty and hard work should be for everyone. Three leaders of this movement set out to create their own small communities to address the economic and social problems of industrial capitalism by living together, focusing on art and craft, and selling well-made furniture, buildings, metalwork, and more. Tom Guiller, Oneida Community Mansion House director of museum affairs, shares the story.

Paper Marbling Workshop

Saturday, April 18, 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Ever wondered how those beautiful, swirling patterns inside antique books were made?

Now’s your chance to find out! Join us at Oneida County History Center for a hands-on paper marbling workshop. It’s part art, part chemistry, and 100 percent mesmerizing. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or haven’t picked up a brush since grade school, you’ll walk away with several of your own unique, marbled masterpieces.

Registration is required as space is limited to ensure a quality experience for all participants. Cost: $20 for members, $25 for non-members. Visit oneidacountyhistory.org to register.