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Welcome to the Old Stone Fort
Presenting three centuries of rural New York history in and among seven historic and exhibit buildings on 25 acres in the scenic Schoharie Valley, the Old Stone Fort Museum welcomes you to discover, explore, and experience the multitude of stories woven into the rich history of Schoharie County.
Featuring thousands of artifacts on display, the centerpiece of the museum complex is the Old Stone Fort, built in 1772 as a High Dutch (German) Reformed Church, the structure was fortified in 1777 and attacked by British forces in 1780.
The Schoharie County Historical Society has been operating the Fort as a museum for more than 130 years. The Society has a collection of more than 50,000 artifacts related to the history of Schoharie County; maintains a research library and a local genealogy collection; publishes a semi-annual local history magazine; and offers a wide range of educational and recreational activities. Society offices are in the William Badgley Museum, across the street from the Old Stone Fort.
Hours
Open May - October
Monday, Tuesday & Friday: 10am-4pm
Saturday & Sunday: 10am-5pm
Closed Wednesdays and Thursdays except by appointment
Closed (or by appointment only) November – April
Admission is $10 for adults and $8 for seniors (65+). Children, Members, Military (Active & Retired) & NARM get in for free.
Museum History
Originally constructed in 1772 as a High Dutch (German) Reformed church, the Old Stone Fort was the third building erected by the Palatine German settlers of Fuchs Dorf (Fox Town).
With the outbreak of the Revolutionary War, the church was fortified in 1777 with a surrounding log stockade, transforming it into what became known as the Lower Fort, one of three defensive forts along the Schoharie River. The fort complex expanded to enclose approximately one acre and featured blockhouses with mounted cannons at two corners. Inside the walls, huts were built to shelter local families, with their roofs doubling as firing platforms for defenders. Initially garrisoned by troops from the 5th New York Continental Regiment, the fort was later manned by Albany County militia and New York State levies.
On October 17, 1780, a force of approximately 800 Loyalists and Native American allies led by Sir John Johnson and Mohawk Captain Joseph Brant raided the Schoharie Valley. The fort was briefly attacked before the force moved north toward the Mohawk Valley.
Following the war, the stockade was removed in 1785, and the building resumed its role as a church until 1844, when the congregation divided and established new churches in Schoharie and Gallupville.
In 1857, the building was sold to New York State for $800 and converted into a militia armory. During this time, structural modifications were made, including raising the tower, removing the belfry, and adding a second floor. The fort served as an armory through the Civil War and until 1873, when it was transferred to Schoharie County for preservation.
In 1889, the Schoharie County Historical Society was officially chartered to operate a museum at the site. By 1899, the Society had already cataloged 2,500 items in its growing collection. For more than 135 years, the Society has remained dedicated to preserving the rich history of Schoharie County.
At the heart of its mission is the Old Stone Fort, a significant site from the Revolutionary War era. The Fort is owned by Schoharie County and continues to be jointly operated by the County and the Historical Society. In addition, the Society owns and maintains six other historic buildings on the site.
