Guests enjoy the annual Summer Barn Party in support of the Chenango County Historical Society (CCHS). This year’s festivities – to be held on Thursday, June 27 – are themed around the CCHS exhibit, “Kaleidoscopic Visions: The Architectural Glass Art of David Wilson” thanks to Premier Sponsor, Live Event NY. (Submitted photo)

NORWICH – The Chenango County Historical Society (CCHS) hosts the annual Summer Barn Party from 6-8:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 27 at 41 Rexford St., Norwich Kaleidoscopic Visions.

An evening of food, fun, and friends to benefit the museum, this year’s celebration is inspired by the newest Community Gallery exhibit, “Kaleidoscopic Visions: The Architectural Glass Art of David Wilson.” Live Event NY returns as the event’s Premium Sponsor, with festivities specially designed to reflect the evening’s theme.

CCHS is commemorating eighty-five years of service to Chenango County this year. In celebration of this milestone, the museum is seeking to raise $8,500 to support the continued preservation and sharing of unique local heritage. Proceeds from the Summer Barn Party will help the museum reach this fundraising goal.

In keeping with Summer Barn Party tradition, guests will enjoy a delicious catered reception featuring beverage tastings from Better Daze Winery, Forged Brewing Company, Good Nature Brewing, Old Home Distillers, and Uncommon Kin Cidery. Reception fare includes beverages by Brewery Ommegang and Hidden Springs Brewhouse, catering by Nina’s Restaurant, soft drinks by Norwich Beverage, and “stained-glass” cookies by the Cottage Bakery. Live Event NY is coordinating the celebration, with special event photos by 5th Dimension Photography and entertainment by radio personality Mike McCann Tauss.

Continuing a tradition established in 2019, the evening will feature honored guests who have the distinction of “Making History.” This year’s honorees are Jim Baldwin of Oxford and David Wilson of South New Berlin, who have both shared creative inspiration in venues throughout the region. In celebration of the evening’s theme, local artist Tony Capaccio will provide live demonstrations, sharing with guests his process for creating captivating images using stained-glass as his primary medium.

“Our ‘Kaleidoscopic Visions’ exhibit truly represents the museum’s mission,” said CCHS Executive Director Jessica Moquin. “Thanks to our Premier Sponsor, Live Event NY, along with this year’s Lead Architect Sponsors, Chianis & Anderson Architects and Preferred Mutual, this year’s Summer Barn Party is sure to be a vibrant celebration of community history and cultural heritage.”

The ultimate way to enjoy a summer evening, the Summer Barn Party is a major fundraiser for CCHS, attracting more than 125 community supporters each year. Event proceeds support a significant portion of the organization’s annual operating budget. Early Bird tickets, available through June 20, are priced at $45 each. From June 21 through the event day, ticket prices are $60 each.

First established in 1939, CCHS is the primary organization dedicated to actively and comprehensively preserving the history of Chenango County. The area’s premier heritage museum, the organization celebrates local culture – its enduring traditions, noteworthy residents, and unique stories.

The Chenango County Historical Society (CCHS) explores the culture of Chenango County – its enduring traditions, noteworthy residents, and unique stories – through preservation and presentation of local heritage.

CCHS programs are made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.

- Information from the CCHS