Hours of Operation:
Monday-Friday 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Research by Appointment
June 14, 5:30 p.m.
A Look Back at Sylvan Beach
Dive into Oneida Lake and Sylvan Beach history with author and local expert Jack Henke. Henke will talk about "The Beach" during its heyday, sharing fun facts and photos from the past.
Sylvan Beach saw its initial growth in the 1870′s. Referred to as the “Coney Island of Central New York,” Verona and Sylvan Beaches transformed in the 1880s through the 1890′s. Numerous hotels and two amusement parks brought in thousands of vacationers.. This program is available both in person and virtually. To register for the virtual presentation: CLICK HERE
Friday, July 21 at 10:30 a.m.
Story Hour: The Good Old Summertime
Kids of all ages are invited to the History Center for story hour. Created in partnership with the Utica Public Library, each program includes stories, songs, and a make-and-take activity. Families are encouraged to explore the “Kids Corner” of the museum before or after storytime. In July we will learn about summer celebrations in the good old' summertime.
June 7, 5:30 p.m.
The History of Utica Breweries with Bob Allers
Utica has had a long and rich history of brewing ale and beer. From the 1790s to today, there have been over forty breweries active in the city. Owners and names changed often, but two areas of the city supported the industry with breweries that lasted a year or two to some in operation for a century or more.
On Wednesday, June 7th, Bob Allers will present a program on the people, products, and locations associated with Utica’s brewing history. German and Irish immigrants brought the Old-World beer styles along with brewing experience, and skills. Changes in technology aided the growth and production of high-quality lager beers. Bob will use maps, images, and accounts from the History Center collections to describe this thriving industry over time. This program is available both in person and virtually. To register for the virtual presentation CLICK HERE.
Mr. Dickens Comes to Utica
Famous 19th-century English author Charles Dickens made two trips to America. Noteworthy for Oneida County’s history, Dickens made an unscheduled 18-hour layover in Utica March 17-18, 1868, en route to performances in Albany. His unexpected presence at Bagg’s Hotel caused a stir among the locals. Why Utica? That is the topic of this Oneida County History Center documentary created by local filmmaker Dennis Dewey.
Thursday, July 20, at 6:00 p.m.
BREWS ALONG THE MOHAWK: Brewing History Bike Ride
Join us for a five-mile bike ride to visit the former sites of Utica’s many breweries. The tour will start and finish at the Saranac Brewery Beer Garden, with a complimentary drink at the end of the ride. Preregistration is required, $10.00 for Members, $15.00 for Non-Members. Preregistration is required: CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Upcoming Programs & Events
The programs below are free and open to all unless otherwise noted. Please direct questions to preynolds@oneidacountyhistory.org or call 315-735-3642.
Wednesday, June 21 at 5:30 p.m. Author Talk and Book signing: Meral with Barb Granato
While cleaning out the family home, genealogist Barbara Granato discovered a box in the attic that contained letters written by her grandmother's brother, Meral. This is the story of his life, his family, and the time he spent as a soldier in World War I.
Saturday, July 8, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Open House at Proctor Memorial Building
Some believe the little stone building under the Genesee Street bridge is Bagg’s Hotel, but it’s not! Maria Proctor erected this building to memorialize her husband, Thomas R. Proctor, and their beloved Bagg’s Hotel. Join the History Center for an exclusive tour of the Proctor Memorial Building at Bagg Commemorative Park with City of Utica Historian Lou Parrotta.
Closed Monday, May 29, 2023
Closed Monday, May 29, 2023
Hours of Operation:
Monday-Friday 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Research by Appointment
Copyright © Oneida County History Center. All Rights Reserved. 2023
Oneida County History Center
1608 Genesee Street, Utica, New York 13502-5425
315-735-3642, e-mail: ochc@oneidacountyhistory.org
Research Requests: research@oneidacountyhistory.org