The Smithville Historical Society will host “Abandoned in Chenango County” a presentation by Henry Drexler, at 2 p.m. on February 18, Snow date February 25, in the Smithville Community Center, located at 5285 State Highway 41. (Photo by Kelli Miller)

SMITHVILLE — The Smithville Historical Society will host “Abandoned in Chenango County” a presentation by Henry Drexler, at 2 p.m. on February 18, Snow date February 25, in the Smithville Community Center, located at 5285 State Highway 41.

Historian and Painter, Henry Drexler, will discuss abandoned farmland in Chenango County based on 1920's research he collected from the Cornell University and how the devastation led to the creation of New York State forest lands.

He will also explain how the abandoned properties changed local communities, rural culture, and the county economy.

“I will show how abandonment often precedes renewal, repurposing, or replacement,” said Drexler.

He said the focus will be on abandoned dairy farms throughout the county, amongst the various photos of structures, places, and things.

The event is free and open to all with refreshments following the presentation.

Drexler, a resident of Guilford, holds a bachelor's degree in history and is a professional artist who has been painting for over 30 years.

Drexler specializes in nature-themed paintings inspired by life in rural upstate New York and his award-winning work has been in solo and group exhibitions throughout New York and surrounding states.

His paintings have also appeared in American Artist magazine and More than Land or Sky: Art from Appalachia, a book published by the Smithsonian Institution Press.