Potato Stamp WorkshopApril 11-15, 10:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.

Utica, N.Y. - In celebration of spring and Easter the History Center is hosting a drop-in potato stamp workshop April 11-15, 10:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. In this fun event, kids ages 6–12 will use potatoes to make easy and appealing stamp designs that they can use to make festive cards. Stop in to view Maria Proctor's Easter card collection, which will be on exhibit to inspire your artistic creation.

There is an important historical connection to potatoes in Oneida County. In Utica, N.Y., Rev. Chauncey Goodrich, chaplain of the New York State Lunatic Asylum, wanted to produce a potato that would not be ravaged by the blight that had caused so much misery in Ireland. He bought seeds from the potato’s original habitat, Chile. From this original planting, he grew a plant that he named Garnet Chili. This fabled tuber, with its light red flesh and silky-smooth skin, was an immediate success for all tastes.

According to local historian Janice Reilly, “when you dine on mashed potatoes and gravy, or nibble a chip with your hamburger, remember that every golden fry at McDonald’s has a link to central New York and how the genetics of 94% of every American potato traces back to Rev. Goodrich’s Garnet Chili potato in Utica, New York.

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ABOUT:

Oneida County History Center is a private 501(c) (3) not-for-profit educational institution dedicated to preserving the history, heritage, and culture of the Greater Mohawk Valley for present and future generations. Admission to this program is free for the general public; donations are encouraged. Please contact the History Center at 315-735-3642 or visit the OCHC website (www.oneidacountyhistory.org) for additional information

Contact:

Patrick Reynolds

Director of Public Programs

Oneida County History Center

315.735.3642