Chris Thomas and the Haudenosaunee Smoke Dancers will perform during the second annual “Museums & More!” Day, part of the Path Through History commemoration to be held at the Chenango County Historical Society on Oct. 12. Festivities also include demonstrations by heritage artisans, living history interpreters, guest presentations, and the unveiling of the Chenango County in Fifty Stories exhibit refresh. (Submitted photo)

NORWICH – Thanks to generous support from the Friends of the Museum District, the Chenango County Historical Society (CCHS) will again host offerings for the semi-annual statewide commemorations known as Path Through History weekend.

As part of “Museums & More!” Day on Oct. 12, CCHS will host special programming from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Experience “Life on ‘The Lillie’” with the Chenango Canal Association and “18th Century Living” with historic interpreter George Cummings. Scheduled presentations include “Airplane Tales” by Jim Coulthart, “Haudenosaunee Beadwork” by Dolores Elliot, and “Maple Sugar Heritage Collaboration” with Friends of Rogers.

Festivities feature the Purple Mums with an industrial heritage toy “Make & Take” station, Wooly Wonders’ Fiber Arts demonstrations, and Curious Kids 4-H with agricultural activities. Performances include a preview of the Civil War play Toliver & Wakeman, Chris Thomas and the Haudenosaunee Smoke Dancers, and the Real Time Jazz Band.

Visitors can also take a “Journey Through Chenango: Land of the Oneidas” with a book discussion, lacrosse making demonstration, and atl atl (indigenous spear) throwing facilitated by Birchwood Archaeology. The Chenango Valley Amateur Radio Association will host a special event station, and the Chenango County in Fifty Stories exhibit refresh will be unveiled.

“We are grateful for the tremendous generosity of the Friends of the Museum District and our community partners,” said Jessica Moquin, CCHS executive director. “Museum guests will be able to immerse themselves in local heritage, which will be brought to life through amazing performances, engaging demonstrations, and historical reenactments. What better way to share and celebrate community culture than through these interactive experiences?”

In 2021, the Friends of the Museum District began improvements along Rexford Street in Norwich, resulting in significant revitalization of the neighborhood. “Museums & More!” Day is a celebration of the Museum District and the community, offering a wide range of family-friendly activities in and around the museums on Rexford Street.

During Path Through History weekends, special events are held to highlight historically and culturally significant sites, and offer new perspectives on New York state’s heritage. While there is no charge for “Museums & More!” Day activities at CCHS, the organization welcomes contributions to support future operations. Visit www.ChenangoHistorical.org for more details about this and other programs.

First established in 1939, CCHS is the area’s premier heritage museum dedicated to celebrating local culture – its unique traditions and noteworthy stories. 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.

Chris Thomas and the Haudenosaunee Smoke Dancers will perform during the second annual “Museums & More!” Day, part of the Path Through History commemoration to be held at the Chenango County Historical Society on Oct. 12. Festivities also include demonstrations by heritage artisans, living history interpreters, guest presentations, and the unveiling of the Chenango County in Fifty Stories exhibit refresh.

- Information from the CCHS