The Beat

Scheduled for Wednesday, September 30 at 6:30 PM

Join Oneida County Historian Joseph P. Bottini for a virtual lecture to discover the history behind Utica’s Union Station. He will share details of the station’s history, construction, architectural features, and renovations. This free online presentation takes place on Wednesday, September 30, 2020 from 6:30- 7:30 pm. Advanced registration is required and can be completed using the link below. A recording of the presentation will be available on the History Center YouTube channel after the event.

Utica, NY (August 18, 2020) — Oneida County Tourism (OCT) is excited to celebrate the 100^th anniversary of the 19^th Amendment (Women’s right to vote) in conjunction with their 2020 Sunflower Selfie Project. The purpose of this project is to educate locals on the history of our state and encourage them to visit Wagner Farms now through mid-September and post a selfie in the sunflower fields with the hashtag #SunflowerSelfieNY.

Completion of Pedestrian Bridge and New Trail Connections in Onondaga County Bring Visionary Plan for Statewide Pathway Closer to Completion  

Project Complements "CNY Rising" - The Region's Comprehensive Strategy to Revitalize Communities and Grow the Economy  

(August 6, 2020) – Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced a major milestone in the construction of the Empire State Trail, the state's historic initiative to create a 750-mile pathway from New York City to Canada, and from Albany to Buffalo. Major construction has been completed on a new pedestrian bridge over Interstate 481 and key sections of the trail in the City of Syracuse and the Town of Dewitt in Onondaga County, helping to connect several of the last remaining gaps in the Empire State Trail, which is expected to be completed in 2020.

Scheduled for Wednesday, August 12, 2020 at 12:30 pm

Utica, N.Y. – The Mohawk Valley has produced professional baseball players since the late 1800s from some of the very first professionals in baseball history, to some of the greatest players ever, to those who played only a few games in Major League Baseball. Join Lou Parrotta, the City of Utica Historian, as he shares stories of the local ballplayers who made it to the Major League in this virtual lunchtime lecture. Based on book Glove Along the Mohawk (2012) by Lou Parrott and Scott Fiesthumel.

Scheduled for Wednesday, July 22, 2020 at 12:30 pm

While the Erie Canal took only 8 years to dig, getting to the point where people could start digging was a nearly 100-year long process. This virtual lecture by Erie Canal Museum Educator Derrick Pratt looks at the early efforts to harness New York’s interior waterways and the political wrangling that almost kept the “Eighth Wonder of the World” from happening.

This free online presentation takes place on Wednesday, July 22, 2020 from 12:30- 1:30 pm. To view the stream or for more information, please visit the event Facebook page The Conception of the Erie Canal  or visit the Oneida County History Center website.

Syracuse, NY (July 13, 2020) - The Milton J. Rubenstein Museum of Science and Technology (MOST) will be reopening to the public for weekends only on August 1, 2020.

The MOST will be open every weekday for summer day-camps running until Friday, August 21 with pre-registration. More information here: https://www.most.org/learn/camps/.

Utica, NY (July 9, 2020) — Oneida County Tourism (OCT) is excited to announce an updated version of their 10^th Annual Ambassador (FAM) Tour. The event has gotten a refresh given the circumstances and physical distancing guidelines. OCT typically hosts with local hoteliers and residents to explore all the county has to offer during a one-day tour. This year, OCT has partnered with CNY Kiss, Bug Country, Talk of the Town and Wellnesste Lodge & Sanctuary to showcase attractions that can be visited during the summer while remaining safe.

Howes Cave, NY--The Iroquois Indian Museum announces the outdoor exhibition “Tonto, Tepees, and Totem Poles: Considering Native American Stereotypes in the 21st Century,” which will be displayed in July and August in the open-air pavilion on the museum’s grounds in Howes Cave. The museum also announces a summer series of Facebook Live mini-lessons and demonstrations by Iroquois educators and artists, as well as a virtual raffle. 

In response to COVID-19 and in the interest of public health

Howes Cave, N.Y. – We hope you are all staying healthy during this difficult time. The COVID-19 pandemic has certainly changed our world in ways we could never imagine! Due to concerns for the safety of our visitors, artists, performers, and staff we have made the very difficult decision to cancel all special events for 2020. This includes social dance Saturdays, artist demonstrations, and the annual Iroquois Festival on Labor Day weekend. The Museum itself will remain closed until we feel confident that we can navigate the necessary health protocols. Our Nature Trails are always open.

Scheduled for Wednesday, June 17 At 12:30 Pm

Utica, N.Y. – Dive into Oneida Lake and Sylvan Beach history with author and local expert, Jack Henke.  Henke will talk about "The Beach" during its heyday, ~1900, sharing fun facts and photos from the past.  Henke is the author of four books about Oneida Lake history including From “The Beach” to Brewerton: Stories of Oneida Lake, and Oneida Lake: “The Only Happiness” Place Names and History.

This free online presentation takes place on Wednesday, June 17, 2020 from 12:30- 1:30 pm. To view the stream or for more information, please visit the event Facebook Page The Coney Island of Central NY or visit the Oneida County History Center website.