Wow! What a whirlwind this year has been so far! We cannot thank our membership and community enough for all of the support and attendance at our events thus far this year! We have even more planned for May and June! Below is a list of the upcoming events and descriptions about each of them.
Hattie’s War Presented by Peter Serko
May 11, 2024 11:00 a.m. at Logan’s Landmark, Hector, New York
Hattie’s War is the story of a young girl’s quest to find herself and her place in the world in an era when women had few options. Plagued by debilitating depression, a “curse” that runs in her family, she fears being sent to an insane asylum. Against all odds, she bucks convention, guided and supported by a most unlikely cast of characters. Her courage and determination finally pay off. Yet, in the end, she makes a surprising decision.
Set against the backdrop of the post-Civil War, Hattie’s War draws on true first-hand accounts of those who fought in the War. Adding a further twist to the story, Hattie, in real life, is the author’s great-great-grandmother.
Hattie’s War is a coming-of-age tale that pays homage to their struggles, as well as their hopes and dreams. Hattie’s journey of discovery illuminates the harsh reality of the Civil War, and the lives of grieving families left in its wake. The story takes place in Hector, New York, and includes mentions of the Wickham, Murphy, Howell and Phelps families! Curious? Come out to Logan Landmark and Saturday and hear all about it!
Peter Serko has a knack for reinventing himself. He’s been a counselor, stay-at-home dad, nurseryman, IT professional, playwright, solo performer, photographer, filmmaker, and author. He was inspired to write his middle-grade historical fiction novel, Hattie’s War, after acquiring the diaries of his late great-grandmother. Curiosity sparked further research, uncovering his family’s surprising ties to the American Civil War. His great-great-great-grandfather Hannibal Howell died at The Battle of Gettysburg, leaving behind a wife and five children. His youngest child, Hattie, is Peter’s great-great-grandmother. Hattie was born five months after her father joined the Union Army. Hattie never knew her father… their story was begging to be told. This Talkin’ History program is FREE and open to everyone! For more information, call the Brick Tavern Museum at (607) 535-9741.
Watkins Glen 4th Grade Visits the Lee School, BC Cate 2nd Graders Learn About the Erie Canal
In May, the Watkins Glen 4th graders will attend a 19th century class at the Lee School. Our schoolmarms have dusted off the desks, cleaned out the winter cobwebs and are looking forward to teaching about the 19th century classroom. Also in May, BC Cate students will learn about the Erie Canal from our County Historian Gary Emerson. While these events are not open to the public, we are excited to share that once again we are partnering with our local school districts.
50th Anniversary Grande Tour! June 1, 2024 12:30 p.m. until 5:30 p.m.
The Schuyler County Historical Society has announced a rare opportunity in celebration of their flagship location celebrating 50 years as a museum.
On May 31, 1974 the Schuyler County Historical Society held a dedicatory dinner at the M&M Club. The Brick Tavern Stand Museum, opened its doors to the general public on June 1 and 2 of 1974. The establishment of the Brick Tavern Museum was made possible at the time with the generous bequest of the late Mrs. Dorothy Longnecker and her son, Frank Longnecker.
To celebrate 50 Years as a museum, the Society is offering a special Grande Tour of all three of their historic sites on June 1, 2024. The Historical Society will provide bus transportation, talkin’ history presentations, light refreshments and a short music concert.
Guests will be asked to arrive at the Schuyler County Human Services Complex by 12:30 p.m. to check in. The first stop will be the Brick Tavern Museum with a guided tour, music and tea time. The second stop will be the Lee School where our schoolmarms will welcome you to your school day! There will be some lessons, followed by a 19th century school snack. The final stop will be the Lawrence Chapel with a guided tour of the cemetery, a special presentation of the building’s history follow by a sweet treat and a 30 minute harp concert. All guests will be bused back to the Schuyler County Human Services Complex by 5:15 p.m.
Tickets are $40 per person and must be purchased ahead of time. There is a $3.00 processing fee for each ticket purchased. Follow this link to Grande Tour Tickets to order your tickets. We look forward to celebrating with you!
The Brick Tavern Museum is located at 108 N. Catharine St./Route 14, Montour Falls. Admission is free. Hours are Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Thursday 2-8 p.m. Museum exhibits and all operations of the Schuyler County Historical Society are supported by a Tourism Assistance Program grant administered by the Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce.
For more information, call the Brick Tavern Museum at (607) 535-9741.
Talkin’ History! The Great Steam Canal Boat Race of 1873 by Gary Emerson
June 2, 2024 2:00 p.m. at Seneca Harbor Station
County Historian Gary Emerson will talk about the use of steam and canal boats on the Finger Lakes. He states, “When we think of canal boats, we often picture mules or horses plodding along a towpath pulling the boats through the canals. But almost as soon as the Erie Canal opened, people were experimenting with applying steam power to canal boats.” Many people today are not aware that our area was important in promoting steam powered canal boats. In 1873, New York State sponsored a steam canal boat race to encourage the development of steam power on the Erie Canal. The state offered a $100,000 prize to the best designed boat, and one of the top competitors was made in Watkins Glen. Come learn about the fascinating story of steam canal boats and the great race of 1873.
Gary grew up in Elmira and graduated from St. Bonaventure University with a BA in History. He received his MS in Education from Elmira College. Gary taught American history for 36 years, mostly at Newfield Central School. Gary earned his PhD in American History from Binghamton University in April 2024. Since retiring from teaching, Gary has become active with the Schuyler County Historical Society and in 2018 became the Schuyler County Historian. He and his wife have resided in Schuyler County for the past 46 years.
This talk is $30 and includes lunch at the Seneca Harbor Station. Reservations are required. Please email: director@schuylerhistory.org or call 607-535-9741 to make your reservation and choose your lunch option. Payment will be taken at the door.
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