Old Stone Fort Museum Acquires New Folk Art Paintings

The Schoharie County Historical Society has announced the acquisition of two John Wilkinson original folk art paintings which will be added to the society’s permanent collection.

The pieces each depict the historic Hartmansdorf House, located on the Old Stone Fort Museum Complex grounds in Schoharie, NY, at two important milestones in the historical society’s history.

Created in 2019, the first painting captures a scene of colonial reenactors from the opening day celebration of the Schoharie County Historical Society’s 130th Anniversary. While a casual viewer of the painting might simply see a depiction of a day in the life of those who might have lived and worked in the c. 1786 Hartmansdorf House, those who are familiar with the individuals who create immersive living history experiences at the museum can easily identify the painting’s subjects.

The same can be said of the second painting, which was created in 2021 on the heels of the Stone Fort Day living history event, the first large-scale event held at the museum since it was forced to close its doors to the public at the beginning of 2020. Also set in the area surrounding this historic Harmansdorf House, the second painting depicts an even wider array of individuals weaving, dipping candles, preparing food, visiting with each other, and perhaps even coordinating military strategies.

The painting of the 130th Anniversary Celebration, or the “sister” to the Stone Fort Day painting, was donated to the museum’s collection by Chris Osinski.

The Old Stone Fort Museum For more information on the Old Stone Fort Museum visit their website or call (518) 295-7192.

Photos, from above: Local artist John Wilkinson presents a painting to Schoharie County Historical Society Director Melinda McTaggart and historical society trustees Ted Shuart, Peter Lindemann, Catherine Adams, and Bill Howe, and museum staff Gabriel Goldswer; and painting depicting the area around the historic Hartmansdorf House during the Stone Fort Day living history event held in October by John Wilkinson.