Programs

Hours of Operation:

Monday-Friday 10:00 am - 4:00 pm

Closed Labor Day Weekend

Saturday-Monday

Research by appointment:
Call 315-735-3642

Thursday, August 18 at 6:00 p.m.

Beers, Bikes, and Barges

The Erie Canal Museum has teamed up with cultural sites and breweries across the state to develop a summer-long cycling series along the Erie Canal titled “Beers, Bikes, and Barges.” This series aims to showcase the Erie Canal’s diverse history, the newly completed Empire State Trail, and the unique breweries found throughout the state. Each event will occur on Thursdays at 6 pm and will consist of an approximately hour-long guided cycling tour of that week’s highlighted community, followed by a drink at the partner brewery. The first drink will be covered as part of a $20 registration fee that will also provide a donation to the Erie Canal Museum and that week’s partnering cultural organization. Helmets are required.

Utica Ride August 18
Experience Erie Canal history by bike, then enjoy a pint in this statewide summer series along New York’s Canals! Join the Erie Canal Museum and us on August 18th for an approximately hour-long bike tour of Utica that will end at a local brewery (TBD).

For more information and to register, visit: https://eriecanalmuseum.org/cycling/

VOLUNTEERS WANTED to ADOPT-A-SPOT:
Bagg Commemorative Park

At the foot of North Genesee Street, nestled beneath the overpass, lies a hidden gem of a park, Bagg Commemorative Park. Maria Proctor created this park in 1933 to honor the memory of Utica’s famous Bagg’s Hotel, which operated on the spot where the park is located from 1815-1932. The park also contains a beautiful stone building known as the Proctor Memorial, which once housed relics from the hotel.

We need your help!

Staff and volunteers have planned a monthly clean-up to spruce up the place by picking up trash, raking debris, weed whacking, planting flowers, and more.

What to bring: Gloves, rakes, and water. The History Center will provide trash bags and other materials.

When: Spring through Fall on the Fourth Friday each month at 4:30 p.m. Starting July 21st, 2022.

Where: Bagg Square Memorial Park, 301 Main Street, Utica, NY 13501

We hope to see you there!

Oneida County Scavenger Hunt

Saturday, July 9 and August 13 at 10:30 a.m and 12:00 p.m.
Historical Walking Tour: Utica’s Shoe District
Utica shoes! Who knew?

Many people don’t realize Utica once had a thriving shoe manufacturing industry, producing as many as two thousand pairs of shoes daily. Please meet us at the Oneida County Public Market for a 30-minute guided walking tour and learn about the rise and fall of Utica’s Shoe District. Stop by our booth at the market inside the REA Wing at Union Station and join us for a tour!

Tuesday, September 6, 2022, at 6:00 p.m.

Tuesdays on the Towpath: Sponsored by Oneida County History Center

Tuesday on the Towpath is a regional partnership and recreational series to encourage biking along the canal. This ride sponsored by the History Center starts and ends at the Utica Trailhead for the Erie Canalway Trail on Harbor Lock Rd. West. Riders will stop along the way to learn a little history about the area. All riders who have at least some experience on a bike are welcome for this FREE event. Helmets are required.

Please follow this link to register: REGISTRATION FORM.

Click Here to Visit the OCHC Youtube Page for a Complete List

Waiver

Utica Scavenger Hunt

Upcoming Programs & Events

The programs below are free and open to all. Please direct any questions to preynolds@oneidacountyhistory.org, or call the OCHC at 315-735-3642

Available any time!
Walking Tour of Utica's Historic Shoe District

Utica Shoes! Who Knew? Utica was once home to a thriving shoe industry producing thousands of pairs of shoes each day. This self-guided tour features the sight of several factories in Utica and traces the rise and fall of an amaizing partof the history of the area. Follow this link to start your tour!

August 5 through August 31
6th Annual Historical Selfie Scavenger Hunt

Grab your camera or smartphone to learn about the people, places, and events that shaped Oneida County and your community. Venture on a county or city-wide scavenger hunt and follow the clues to historical sites, monuments, and markers. Document your travels with a photo or selfie and share on social media. All ages are encouraged to participate in this free program with prizes from local businesses including Stewart’s, Bagel Grove, Holland Farms Bakery, Mohawk Valley Diamond Dawgs, and So Sweet Candy Shoppe. Clue sheets and instructions are available starting August 5-31.

Available any time!
The Oneida County Freedom Trail Walking Tour

Created in partnership with the Oneida County Freedom Trail Commission, this self-guided tour features eight historic sites that tell the story of the Underground Railroad and the struggle for freedom in Utica, New York. Follow this link to start your tour!

Wednesday, August 24 at 10:30 a.m.

Children's Story Hour

Join the OCHC for a history-themed story hour on select Saturdays. Created in partnership with the Utica Public Library, each story includes a hands-on make and take activity. In-person only.

Closed Labor Day Weekend

Saturday-Monday

Research by appointment:
Call 315-735-3642

Recent Programs

from the Oneida County History Center