Things to do, places to eat, shows to see, places to stay in Madison County, NY      

In honor of Abraham Lincoln’s birthday and Black History, the Gerrit Smith Estate National Historic Landmark will display a replica of the Preliminary Emancipation Proclamation given to the National Abolition Hall of Fame and Museum in Peterboro by the New York State Library in Albany. The exhibit will be at the Visitor Center at the Gerrit Smith Estate Saturday and Sunday, February 13 and 14 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.One of the nation's greatest documentary treasures, the Preliminary Emancipation Proclamation issued by President Abraham Lincoln on September 22, 1862, has been part of the New York State Library's collection since 1865. “The unassuming appearance of this four page declaration in Lincoln's hand tends to mask the significance of what one source declared to be the ‘most important and far-reaching document ever issued since the formulation of this government.’ …Though Lincoln had always found slavery morally repugnant, he consistently stated that the Civil War was being fought solely for the purpose of restoring the Union. … Besides, as Lincoln knew, simple justice and moral imperative demanded it.The partial Union victory at the terrible Battle of Antietam in September 1862 provided an opportunity for Lincoln to issue his epoch-making decree. It had taken nearly a century, many years of abolitionist agitation and two years of America's bloodiest war to begin to apply the meaning of the Declaration of Independence to the nation's black population.” (NYS Library)

“Lincoln read this document to his Cabinet on September 22 and told them that he firmly believed in its principles, though he would accept minor changes of wording. Secretary of State William H. Seward, a former Governor of New York and lifelong abolitionist, suggested certain additions which strengthened it and then actually wrote in his revisions. Except for these revisions and the formal beginning and ending written by the Chief Clerk, the document is otherwise entirely in Lincoln's hand. The next day the nation's newspapers gave prominent attention to the Proclamation, beginning a discussion of its importance which culminated three months later.” (NYS Library)

“The proclamation declared that all slaves in states which were still in rebellion on January 1, 1863 ‘shall be then, thenceforward, and forever free.’ ” (NYS Library)

In February and March of 1864, the Army Relief Bazaar was held to raise money for the U.S. Sanitary Commission, an agency that helped provide medical care for Union soldiers. To assist the Bazaar in its fund drive, Lincoln donated the Preliminary Proclamation, sending it to Emily Weed Barnes through Frederick W. Seward, son of the Secretary of State. On the very last day of the Bazaar, the manuscript was won in a lottery by well-known abolitionist Gerrit Smith. Smith generously gave the proclamation to the U.S. Sanitary Commission to be sold to raise more money. Said Smith, “My purpose when I purchased the tickets…was to let it go to the individual or association, who should pay the largest price for it…As I believe the putting down of this infernal Rebellion to be our highest and holiest work, so I recognize no other claim upon my possessions to be as strong as that of the Soldiers, who are prosecuting this work.” (Letter, Gerrit Smith to William Barnes, March 12, 1864)

Three days after Lincoln's funeral train passed through Albany on April 25, 1865, the New York State Legislature purchased the proclamation for the New York State Library.

The Chicago Historical Society acquired the manuscript copy of the final proclamation. Unfortunately, it was lost when the Society's building was burned during the great Chicago fire of 1871. However, the New York State Library's collection includes 19th century photographs of the final proclamation.

At the Visitor Center on Sunday, February 14 at 2 pm, Norman K. Dann, Ph.D. will present a program on Lincoln as “The Great Emancipator,” the Preliminary Emancipation Proclamation’s ties to Peterboro, and describe the Central New York origins of “Lincoln’s party.” Dr. Dann is the author of the 2009 biography of Smith, Practical Dreamer: Gerrit Smith and the Crusade for Social Reform. 

For both days of the exhibit the National Abolition Hall of Fame and Museum (NAHOF) invites participation in “Linking Lincoln.” A paper chain of 2010 red, white, and blue links with the names of donators of currency with Lincoln’s image will be featured at a ribbon cutting October 24, 2010 to celebrate the Heritage NY Underground Railroad project.

The two day February exhibit is hosted by the Chair of the Gerrit Smith Estate National Historic Landmark Lodge Squad, Jody Jones, a Morrisville State College Resort and Recreation Management Technology Intern. The program is part of a series of programs provided by the Stewards of the Gerrit Smith Estate National Historic Landmark through a PACE grant to the Smithfield Community Association from the Central New York Community Foundation. The Estate is on the National Park Service Underground Railroad Network to Freedom, and the Heritage NY Underground Railroad Trail as part of the New York State Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation. The Visitor Center is open during the summer on Saturdays and Sundays from 1 – 5 p.m. and by appointment. Programs and tours are $2 per person, $5 for a season pass, and free to children, stewards, and residents of Smithfield with season passes from The Lodge. For more information mail@sca-peterboro.org or 315-684-3262.

As is often the case, the best travel ideas come from the visitors to Central New York themselves.  We received the following email over the weekend from a pair of travelers that took our Architectural Trail and turned it into a bike tour of the county:

Hello,

I wanted to send the folks at madisontourism.com an e-mail to say how much my sister and I enjoyed the Madison County Architectural Heritage Trail.  We learned about the trail through an article in the Post Standard, and immediately thought it would be an interesting multi-day bicycle tour.  So this past September we took to the road in Oneida, NY and followed the trail starting in Sherrill all the way around to Rte. 31.  We camped the first night at the Lebanon Reservoir, and the second night on the Stoney Pond State Forest land before returning home on the third day.  We thoroughly enjoyed the architectural highlights, and appreciated the well-written descriptions in the online pamphlet. 

Along the way we met some amazing people, including a man who gave us an inside tour of Madison Hall, the owner of the Lebanon Reservoir Campground who graciously offered us warmth next to her wood stove, even a pair of bicyclists on a 7-year bicycle ride around the world!  We also discovered many other "hidden attractions" of Madison County, including spectacular views of Oneida Lake, the Fenner wind farm, the "Red & White Café" in Deruyter, and the nordic ski trail at Stoney Pond.

Thank you again for creating the trail and publishing it on the web. In addition to many wonderful memories, we have a new appreciation for the varied terrain, interesting architecture, wonderful people, and different attractions that make Madison County so unique!

Sincerely,

Andy and Jenny Cleary

Andy and Jenny

Thanks for visiting and sharing your story with us.  We are so glad you enjoyed your trip! Come back soon.

The Canastota Canal Town Museum will have an Open House on Sunday, December 6, from 3:00 until 5:00 pm. This year¹s Art Show will be dedicated to the memory of Carlo Raineri who participated in former shows and whose painting of the Canastota Lift Bridge will be on permanent display at the museum.
Harp music and refreshments will be provided.
The open house will feature the art of more than 30 local artists.  The exhibit will also be open Saturday, December 12 and 19, from 10:30 until 1:00.
The new ³2009 historical ornament featuring the 200th birthdays of Canastota and Town of Lenox, along with the others in the series, will be sold.  Also Canal Town will have on sale a 2010 bicentennial color calendar.

The Madison County Historical Society’s Victorian Christmas Open House is December 13 from 1-4 pm at Cottage Lawn, headquarters of the society, on 435 Main Street, Oneida.  The public is invited to this free event to tour the beautifully decorated period rooms, sample holiday sweets, and delight in joyous Christmas Carols from area school choirs.

Balloons and Blossoms, Oneida Floral and Gifts, and Unique Flower and Gift Boutique, of Oneida are all returning to decorate the period rooms at the society.  Lisa Marshall of Oneida Floral will address the holiday spirit in the music parlor while Denise Goodwin of Balloons and Blossoms will create a holiday scene in the dining room. Diane Gunthorpe, owner of Unique Flower and Gift Boutique will be adding her seasonal touches to one of the bedrooms. Area garden clubs, Green Thumb of Oneida Castle, and the Sherrill Garden Club will also be adding some holiday embellishments to period rooms. 

Holiday music has become an enjoyable tradition in the society’s music parlor. Joining us this year will be Oneida High School’s Select Choir directed by Jeff Welcher from 1:15-1:45.  From 2-2:30, North Broad Street Mini Jazz Machine under the direction of Heather O’Connell will continue to delight the crowd with Christmas Carol favorites.  

Otto Shortell Middle School Choir under the direction of Roselle Lynch will perform from 2:45-3:15. The afternoon will draw to a close with St. Patrick’s Shining Angels under the direction of Pam Maihafer from 3:15-3:45.

Our holiday gift shop will have the many Madison County Historical Society items for sale, such as local area history books, note cards, postcards, mugs, videos, and, shirts, and specialty gift baskets.  Come view the society’s new exhibit Madison County Underground: Cemeteries and Gerritt Smith.

Be our guest this holiday season and join us on Sunday, December 13 from 1 -4 pm at the Madison County Historical Society’s Annual Victorian Christmas Open House.  There is no admission to enjoy an afternoon filled with the holiday sights, sounds, and refreshments for all!

 For more information, please contact the Madison County Historical Society at (315) 363-4136 or (315) 361-9735, or 435 Main Street, Oneida, NY 13421, email: history@mchs1900.org, or visit our website at www.mchs1900.org

It is a fall event that people all over Central New York look forward to and it is the rare event that combines great food, fabulous craft beers, entertainment, education and history into 3 exciting days.   It is the annual Hop Fest sponsored by the Madison County Historical Society and it kicks off tonight with a paired brew dinner at the Copper Turret restaurant in Morrisville. 
Executive Chef John Wisinewski has prepared a four course dinner with each course paired with an appropriate beer.  The menu looks fabulous.  This year's dinner is sold out so make sure you make plans to attend in 2010. 
The festival part of Hop Fest kicks off Saturday at noon with the Taste of Hops.  In this event, local chefs are given a beer and they prepare a dish using that beer.  The food is then sampled with the beer from noon until 2.  Participating restaurants include the Landmark Tavern, Copper Turret, Colgate Inn and Meyers Chocolates of Oneida.  Tickets can be bought today for $15 at www.mchs1900.org or you can buy them at the door tomorrow for $20. 
The craft brew tasting begins at 2:30 tomorrow afternoon and features some of the best craft brews in North America.  Participating brewers include Saranac-Matt, Dogfish Head, Smuttynose, Cooperstown, Ithaca, Middle Ages, Southern Tier, Magic Hat, High Falls, Ommegang, and many more.  Tickets can be bought today for $25 or tomorrow at the door for $30. 
On Sunday, the annual Hop tour commences, with an expanded stop list this year.  The bus will travel to historical Hops locations in Madison, Oneida, and Otsego counties while also stopping for lunch at the Colgate Inn.  Limited seats are still available for the tour by calling the Historical Society at 315-363-4136.

On Saturday, September 19 from 12-2pm at the Madison County Historical Society, 435 Main Street will be The Taste of Hops: a food and beer pairing. This event is one of the many activities happening at the 14th Annual Madison County Hop Fest on September 19th!

From 2:30-5:30 on the society’s grounds under the Brewery Sampling Tent come sample over 40 styles of craft beer from the following breweries: Matt-Saranac; High Falls; Dogfish Head Craft Brewery, BluePoint; Butternuts; Magic Hat; Southern Tier, Long Trail, Ithaca, Sam Adams, Flying Bison, Middle Ages, Cooperstown, Ommegang, Brooklyn, Smuttynose, and more!! Tickets for the Brewery Sampling are $25 advance and $30 at the door. Tickets can be purchased at Kraig’s Kegs in Sherrill, the Madison County Historical Society, or online at www.mchs1900.org.

The Taste of Hops: a food and beer pairing event matches an area restaurant with a craft brewery to create an appetizer, or chocolate that uses beer as one of the ingredients. We are excited to announce this year’s line-up of participating restaurants and breweries.  The Colgate Inn of Hamilton is preparing St. Louis Pork Ribs paired with Sackets Harbor Brewery’s 1812 Amber; Copper Turret of Morrisville is preparing Brooklyn Lager Steamed Pork Dumplings paired with Brooklyn Brewery’s IPA; Meyers Chocolates of Oneida is creating delicious milk and dark chocolate truffles filled with LongTrail’s Harvest Ale; Ye Olde Landmark Tavern of Bouckville will be making beer-braised pork tacos with a variety of condiments paired with Landmark Brewery’s Sunrise Amber. Tickets are limited- only 150 will be sold.   Tickets are $15 advance or $20 at the door if available. Tickets can be purchased online, or by sending a check payable to the Madison County Historical Society, or by contacting the participating restaurants and chocolatier.

The Hop Fest opens on Saturday, Sept. 19 at 10:00 am- 5:30 pm with presentations by guest speakers on a variety of hop related topics throughout the afternoon and the crowning of the Madison County Hop Fest Queen at 2:00 pm. Stop in the Hop Shop for some hop-related items and hop plants. Throughout the afternoon purchase your raffle tickets to win great beer related merchandise. Visit with Home Brew Clubs all day. Make your reservations now for the paired brew dinner at the Copper Turret in Morrisville on Friday, Sept.18 and the Hop Tour on Sunday, September 20. Tickets for the dinner are $40 and $45 for the tour. Both events require reservations by Sept.8th, as seats are limited!

For more information about the 14th Annual Madison County Hop Fest and all the events happening throughout the weekend of Sept. 18-20, please contact the Madison County Historical Society at 435 Main Street in Oneida, 315-363-4136, 315-361-9735 or www.mchs1900.org. All proceeds from the Madison County Hop Fest support the educational programming at the Madison County Historical Society.   There is no admission to attend the Hop Fest. Admission is charged for the Brew Dinner, Taste of Hops, Brewery Sampling, and the Hop Tour.  No one under the age of 21 will be permitted to enter the events where beer is served. Proper id is required for entrance to all areas where beer is served! Please do not bring children, strollers, or pets to the event. Tickets will be available for designated drivers (who must be 21 years of age) at the entrance of the brewery sampling tent.