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Fulton County Historical Society programs are made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.
Upcoming Events
Cabin Fever Virtual Conversation Series: “The Deputy: George Croghan and the Phenomenon of Go-Betweens in 18th Century Frontier Politics” with Malcolm DePalma, Johnson Hall State Historic Site
Tuesday, February 10th, 7pm
Register for Zoom presentation here
The unofficial term “go-between” refers to one who was a facilitator of relations, primarily between Indigenous and European societies during the colonial era. These were individuals who were able to operate in a multitude of cultural settings and had specific talents for bridging gaps between disparate populations, particularly in frontier settings. They functioned in a variety of capacities from traders to negotiators, warriors to translators and often, as all of the above.
George Croghan was one of the most consequential go-betweens of the 18th century in North America, especially in his relevance to Sir William Johnson and the diplomatic world at Johnson Hall. Like Johnson, Croghan was an Irish immigrant who began his rise to prominence through the fur trade. During these initial interactions he made efforts to learn Native languages, customs, and diplomacy. He later married a Mohawk woman and was adopted into Haudenosaunee society, even becoming a sitting member on the council at Onondaga.
Recognizing Croghan’s skill and prominence as a negotiator, Sir William Johnson bestowed upon him the official title of Deputy Superintendent of Indian Affairs for the British. Working under Johnson, Croghan often negotiated on his behalf and was the primary diplomat for the British Empire on the Ohio and Pennsylvania frontier. In addition to his importance as an emissary, Crogan became well known for his involvement in land speculation. He was an integral facilitator in several treaties and land deals including the well known 1768 treaty of Fort Stanwix. Like Johnson, Croghan’s influence and legend would subside in aftermath of the American Revolution.
Cabin Fever Virtual Conversation Series: The Veeders of Montgomery County with Nathan Turowsky, Saint Kateri Tekakwitha National Shrine and Historic Site
Tuesday, February 24th, 7pm
Register for Zoom presentation here
The Veeder family, whose members included Colonel Volkert Veeder and state legislators Johannes Veeder and Simon Veeder, owned the land that the Saint Kateri Tekakwitha National Shrine & Historic Site stands on for much of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. In this program, we will learn about the family’s history and about the 1782 Veeder farmhouse and barn. Hear about the continued work restoring the Early Republic-era family graveyard, and about the continued importance of the area’s Colonial and Revolutionary-era history to understanding our shared past.
Nathan Turowsky is Museum & Archive Assistant at the Saint Kateri Tekakwitha National Shrine & Historic Site. He holds a Master of Theological Studies from Boston University School of Theology; his writing on religious, historical, and cultural topics, as well as fiction and literary translation, can be found at his website, silicatesiesta.com. For the past three years he has been giving presentations for New York State Path Through History Weekend each June and October.
Cabin Fever Virtual Conversation Series: “Freedom & whisky gang thegither:” Whisky & Revolution in the Mohawk Valley with Samantha Saladino
Tuesday, March 3rd, 7pm
Register for Zoom presentation here
Whisky is deeply intertwined with Scotland’s identity, culture, and economy. When Scottish emigrants landed in the colonies, they brought the skill and knowledge of distilling with them. Whisky was an important currency; in Outlander, Jamie and Claire Fraser counted on their homemade whiskey not only to gift to friends but also to trade for other much-needed items. In the years leading up to the Revolution, taverns and public houses became epicenters of political discussion, meeting places for patriots and Loyalists alike. As Scottish poet Robert Burns wrote: “Freedom & whisky gang thegither.”
Cabin Fever Virtual Conversation Series: Four Kings & a Queen with Loretta Tucker, Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site
Tuesday, March 10th, 7pm
Register for Zoom presentation here
In 1710, four Mohawk and Mohican dignitaries travelled to London to meet with Queen Anne, a meeting that would eventually lead to the establishment of Fort Hunter. This program explores English-Native American alliances in early 18th century New York, and the motives behind their mutual cooperation.
This program will be presented by Loretta Tucker, Administrative Assistant & Interpreter at Schoharie Crossing Historic Site. She was previously a Historic Interpreter at Crailo State Historic Site. She received her BA in Anthropology from SUNY Geneseo and attended graduate classes in Anthropology at the University at Albany.
Beyond the Book with the FCHS: Bloody Mohawk by Richard Berleth
Saturday, March 21st, 1pm
Pre-registration required
Join us for inaugural meeting for our new quarterly book club, Beyond the Book with the FCHS!
This year, we’ll explore the histories and stories of the American Revolution, to the Mohawk Valley and beyond. Our first read is Bloody Mohawk: The French and Indian War and American Revolution on New York’s Frontier by Richard Berleth. Copies are available for purchase at Mysteries on Main St.
Participation is FREE for FCHS members or $10 for non-members (payable at the door). Meetings take place at the Fulton County Historical Society and include a close-up examination of a relevant item from our collection and light refreshments.
Fulton County Day
Saturday, April 18th, 10am-1pm
Free (donations appreciated!)
Celebrate 188 years of Fulton County! Stop in the museum for a special display about our county’s founding and explore all things Fulton County.
Ice Cream Social & History Fair
Friday, May 15, 6-8pm
$5 a ticket or 5 for $20
Ice cream + history = fun! Please click here for more details.
Opening Day!
Saturday, June 6, 12-4pm
The museum officially opens for the summer season. June hours are Saturdays and Sundays from 12-4pm. Extended hours (Thursday-Sunday from 12-4pm) begin July 2.