Path Through History Events Slated for Schoharie Crossing

FORT HUNTER – Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site will host events for the statewide Path Through History Weekend on Saturday, October 12th and Sunday, October 13th. These events are meant to bring awareness to our rich heritage in New York and the Mohawk Valley.  The site offers these programs for free to the public. 

On October 12th, two tours will take place at the Erie Canal historic site. First is the Aqueduct Tour at 10:00am.  The tour meets at the Schoharie Aqueduct Boat Launch on Hartley Lane, Fultonville for a walking tour along the Schoharie Creek and to the Aqueduct.  Attendees will discover the history of this crossing of the Schoharie Creek, what it did to transform commercial traffic and how its engineering is connected to other parts of NY's History.

Later that day, at 1pm there will be a tour to Empire Lock leaving from the Visitor Center and Museum, 129 Schoharie Street, Fort Hunter.  The walk will be along the original Erie Canal towpath. This tour will be a mile loop exploring the growth and success of the canal from the 1820's to 1860's. Discover some of the fascinating history, engineering, and commercial success of this human-made waterway.

On Sunday, October 13th, the site will offer two chances to play an Erie Canal Immigration board game.  The game will be played at 10:00am and 2:00pm inside the Putman Canal Store at Yankee Hill Lock, 550 Queen Ann Road, Amsterdam.

The game will expose players to the challenges and historical events that faced immigrants coming to New York in the 19th century. Focus will be on moving up and away from the city, using the Hudson River, the rail lines, and the Erie Canal. The goal is to reach as far into the continent as possible, settle and hopefully thrive, but many won’t, which was part of the immigrant experience and not foreign to anyone who plays board games. Sometimes you win and sometimes you lose.

We ask that you register for one of the time slots by emailing: david.brooks@parks.ny.gov. 

The Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site Visitor Center and Museum is located at 129 Schoharie Street, Fort Hunter, NY 12069; the telephone number is (518) 829-7516 or email: SchoharieCrossing@parks.ny.gov.  The grounds of the site are open from sunrise to sunset every day of the year. 

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees more than 250 parks, historic sites, recreational trails, golf courses, boat launches and more, which saw a record 79.5 million visits in 2022. For more information on any of these recreation areas, visit parks.ny.gov, download the free NY State Parks Explorer app or call (518) 474-0456. Joins us in celebrating our Centennial throughout 2024, and connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and the OPRHP Blog.