Historic events abound in Madison County

Here is a list of upcoming historic events in the Madison County area:

Saturday May 14

From 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m., Cazenovia Heritage and the Cazenovia Preservation Foundation invite community members to begin clearing and clearing the historic Farnham Cemetery near Grassy Lane Road in Cazenovia. Coffee and donuts will start the day, along with a brief program about the history and people of the cemetery. Bring weeding tools, pruners, tarps, and work gloves. Rain date Sunday May 15th. For more information, visit www.cazheritage.org or email info@cazheritage.org.

1 p.m., the National Abolition Hall of Fame and Museum will open registration, exhibits and exhibits for the Madison County AntiRacism Collaborative. Programs beginning at 2 p.m. will include presentations from county anti-racism groups, explanations of the power of the pen (Thirteenth Amendment, Confederate flag symbolism, journalism, municipal equity and reparations), a Growing Up Black in Madison County panel, Teen Abolition Award, and the birth of the NAACP in New York State. For more information, call 315-684-3262 or visit www.NationalAbolitionHallofFameandMuseum.org.

Wednesday May 18

At 7 p.m., the Fabius & Pompey Historical Societies will have a special presentation on the 1950 Census by Laurie MacPherson. MacPherson will discuss what’s new and different with this census and how you can access it. There is no charge for this event. Light refreshments will be served after the program. For more information, email Sandra Beglinger at peterpan007@peoplepc.com.

Thursday May 19

At noon, the Erie Canal Museum in Syracuse will host a lunchtime lecture with Ambrose Barbuto, director of waterway maintenance for the NYS Canal Corporation. Barbuto will provide a brief overview of the maintenance activities that have taken place on the NYS channel system during the off season. This conference will take place one day before the start of the navigation season on the entire canal system, a 197-year tradition. Learn all about the fascinating work that is required to keep this system operational. There is no charge for this event, but a $10 donation is encouraged. The program will be available in person and online. For more information or to register, go to https://eriecanalmuseum.org/store/product/lecture/.

6:30 p.m., the Canastota Public Library will host a special presentation by John Taibi on his new HOJACK hook. Taibi, who has written over a dozen railroad books, will talk about his new book on the Rome, Watertown, and Ogdensburg Railroad. There is no charge for this event. For more information, call 315-697-7030.

Friday May 20

The Lorenzo State Historic Site will open for the season. Lorenzo will be open for the 2022 season from May 20 to October 10; Wednesday to Sunday and bank holiday Mondays; from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Guided tours are available every half hour, with the last tour beginning at 4 p.m. Groups of twelve or more can call for a reservation, 315-655-3200, ext. 106. The Visitor Center and Gift Shop will also be open during these hours. The grounds, including the formal garden, are open daily from dawn to dusk. Admission is $5 for adults, seniors and students are $4, children 12 and under are free. Groups of 12 or more can receive a reduced rate of $4 with a reservation. For more information, visit the Lorenzo State Historic Site Facebook page, visit www.parks.ny.gov, or call 315-655-3200.

Saturday May 21

From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Oneida Community Mansion House will host its first annual Oneida Community Mansion House car show. Come enjoy this free car show featuring classic cars galore. The event will feature 22 different judging classes in categories such as: Model Ts, Corvettes, Volkswagens, Tractors and more. There will be three prizes in each class as well as an overall “Best in Show” winner. The event will feature tours of running homes, as well as specialty offerings like an architectural tour. On top of all that, there will be a DJ, vendors and food trucks. There is no cost for participants. If you’re interested in showing a car, it’s $15 the day of the show. To register or your car, visit https://www.oneidacommunity.org/event-details/car-registration-for-the-1st-annual-oneida-community-mansion-house-car-show. To register or for more information, call Tom Guiler at 315-363-0745 or email tguilder@oneidacommunity.org

From 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Cazenovia Heritage will host a special walking tour of the hamlet of New Woodstock led by Ted Bartlett and Roger Cook. Participants should assemble shortly before 10 a.m. at the Old Railroad Depot on Railroad Street. This event is rain or shine. For more information, visit www.cazheritage.org or email info@cazheritage.org.

1 p.m., Lorenzo State Historic Site will host a special presentation on Preserving African-American Eating Habits by Lavada Nahon. Lavada Nahon is the African American History Interpreter for the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. There is no charge for this event. For more information, please visit the Lorenzo State Historic Site Facebook page, visit www.parks.ny.gov, or call 315-655-3200.