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

Come join us and explore arts and leisure at the turn of the 20th century at The Madison County Historical Society’s Charles E. Page Summer History Camp August 2nd- 4th  from 10 am- 3 pm.   The camp is geared for children between the ages of 8-12 years. MaryBeth Russo, a fourth grade teacher at Willard Prior, Madison County Historical Society Trustee, and Co-Chair of Education Committee will lead the camp at the society.

 

The camp will offer a series of presentations and activities focused on various art forms, trends, and games prevalent at the turn of the 20th century in America. On Tuesday, guest speaker, Linda Russell, a historical musician and Pam Lynch, an art educator will present programs on art and music followed by workshops on silhouette making, decoupaging, and playing period instruments. On Wednesday, the artistry of floral design, a popular leisure activity, will be demonstrated by Oneida Floral. The program continues as travel and fashion come to life as Mary Jeanne Bialas, educator and historical re-enactor of the Victorian era, will time travel into the past with trunks and satchels, packed and ready to go.On Thursday, Julie Colvin, of Oneida, will demonstrate the art of bead making followed by a presentation by Oneida Indian Nation educators on Native American’s cultural perspective on arts and leisure. Daily the campers will be journaling about their experiences, touring the society’s beautiful home, Cottage Lawn, and playing a favorite leisure pastime game of croquet.

The enrollment fee for the camp is $50 for MCHS members and $60 for nonmembers. No refund will be given to those who withdraw after the first day of camp. The deadline to enroll, as space is limited to 15 children, is July 26th.  Children must bring their own lunch each day. Snacks will be provided.

There is still time to apply for the Charles E. Page Summer History Camp Scholarship. The scholarship valued at full enrollment cost of $60 will be granted to a Madison County child that has an interest in learning about history. Applicants must be a Madison County resident between the ages of 8- 12 years and are required to submit a 100 word or less essay describing why learning about history is interesting and important to you.

Essays will be judged on creativity, neatness, and grammar.  Typed or handwritten essays are acceptable. The deadline for the scholarship is July 15th with notification on July 21st. All submissions must be sent to the Madison County Historical Society, Attn: Charles E. Page Scholarship Award, 435 Main Street, Oneida, NY 13421. Please include your name, address, age, and phone number along with your essay.

The society’s summer history camp is named in memory of Charles E. Page.  Mr. Page, a native of Madison County, operated a farm for 20 years until he was appointed Farm Employment Representative in New York State Department of Labor. Mr. Page's hobbies were gardening, wood sculpture, violin playing, genealogy, and writing about Madison County.  His passion for learning and teaching history is best recounted by his children who fondly remember their father instilling in them the importance of teaching respect for every aspect of our heritage. 

For more information or to enroll your child, please call the historical society at 315.363.4136, or email us at history@mchs1900.org. The deadline to enroll in the Charles E, Page Summer Camp is July 26th.