NEWSLETTER
Utica, N.Y. - Oneida County History Center is excited to announce the Historical Hall of Fame class of 2026! The inductees include five remarkable individuals: Catherine M. Buckley (1898-1996), naturalization pioneer and civil servant; Anna L. Deecke (1855-1916), teacher and founder of Utica's first kindergarten; Steven J. DiMeo (1954-2024), visionary economic development leader; Henry Howard (1816-1897), a freedom seeker and Civil War veteran; and Bill Worden (1942-2023); beloved WKTV and journalist news anchor.
These inductees will be honored alongside the 2026 Richard W. Couper 'Living Legends' class and celebrates: Michael Cariglio, artist, illustrator, and children’s television creator; Robert Cohen, business leader, industry innovator, and philanthropist; Anthony Colon, community advocate, educator, and cultural connector; Anna Tobin D'Ambrosio, arts leader and MUNSON President; and Hon. David N. Hurd: respected federal judge and public servant.
The Historical Hall of Fame was started in 1946 and honors individuals from Oneida County who made an impact on our community and the world. Its goal is to ensure that noteworthy people and their achievements are recorded in local history. The Living Legends category was added in 2001 to celebrate our present-day models of people making a difference. Oneida County History Center is excited to continue this tradition and celebrate remarkable individuals from our community.
Proceeds from the event will support exhibit development, collections care, and facilities projects. This includes:
· Exhibit lighting
· Digital archives storage and support
· Subscription for our museum software, Past Perfect Web Edition
· 2026-2027 snow removal
The inductees will be honored during the annual Historical Hall of Fame and Living Legends awards celebration at the Irish Cultural Center in Utica on Thursday, October 8, 2026, starting at 5:00 pm. Tickets are $65 for current History Center members, $75 for the public, and $700 for tables of 10. Tickets should be purchased before October 1 and are available on-site at the History Center, online, through its e-Bookstore, or by calling 315-735-3642.
These projects will allow the History Center to share the stories of Oneida County and keep the past alive in a digital age. Sponsorship and advertising opportunities are available. Contact rmclain@oneidacountyhistory.org for more information.
Oneida County History Center is a private 501(c) (3) not-for-profit educational institution dedicated to history, education, and community. Founded in 1876, its mission is to preserve and share the past of Oneida County and central New York for present and future generations. Engaging public programs, rotating exhibits, educational opportunities for all ages, and preservation of a vast archival and artifact collection are at the core of its mission. Please contact the History Center at 315-735-3642 or visit www.oneidacountyhistory.org for additional information.
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