For generations, the Indigenous people in the northeast region of North America have used wampum, onikó:lha’ (o knee goal), for ceremonial, ornamental, diplomatic and commercial purposes. Wampum has represented friendship, alliances, and rank. In some cases, it is considered part of the historical record. [Read more…] about Oneida Wampum: Ceremonial, Ornamental, Diplomatic and Commercial
Rome Historical Society
Airplane Tales From Central NY and Rome Army Airfield
The Rome Historical Society will host “Airplane Tales II,” a program with aviation historian James “Jim” Coulthart set for Wednesday, December 21st. [Read more…] about Airplane Tales From Central NY and Rome Army Airfield
Holiday Music & Traditions of the Mohawk Valley
Colonial America was a melting pot of people from varied nations and traditions. The Puritans of New England did not celebrate Christmas at all. The early German and English immigrants to the Mohawk Valley were more accustomed to celebrating the holiday. In combining elements from various cultures, America developed its own unique traditions.
The custom of burning the Yule Log goes back to before medieval times. Yule is the name of the old Winter Solstice festivals in Scandinavia and other parts of northern Europe, such as Germany. From 1659 to 1681, the celebration of Christmas was outlawed in Boston, and law-breakers were fined five shillings. [Read more…] about Holiday Music & Traditions of the Mohawk Valley
When New York Hops Were King
In the nineteenth century, hops dominated the rural economy in central New York including Madison County where they were first cultivated.
The Rome Historical Society will host “When Hops Were King,” a program with Madison County Historian, Matt Urtz set for Wednesday, September 21st at the Rome Historical Society. [Read more…] about When New York Hops Were King
Fort Bull – Oneida Carrying Place Archaeology Funded
Fort Bull and the Oneida Carrying Place were important parts of the military and Indigenous landscape that shaped the development of the Upper Mohawk Valley region.
The Oneida Carrying Place, a four-mile overland route that connected the Mohawk River and Wood Creek, was vital to British military campaign strategies beginning with the French and Indian War. The Carry also saw significant action during St. Leger’s American Revolution Campaign (1777), which included the Siege of Fort Stanwix/Schuyler and the Battle of Oriskany. [Read more…] about Fort Bull – Oneida Carrying Place Archaeology Funded
1758: The Fall of Fort Frontenac
In August 1758, during the French and Indian War Lieutenant Colonel John Bradstreet launched a secret military expedition against the French Fort Frontenac on Lake Ontario.
The expedition left from the Oneida Carrying Place, a several mile long portage where boats had to be dragged between the Mohawk River and Wood Creek. It is was located at what is now Rome, Oneida County, NY. [Read more…] about 1758: The Fall of Fort Frontenac
Battle of Oriskany Commemoration On Saturday
A significant turning point in the American Revolution, the Battle of Oriskany was fought on August 6th, 1777, and is considered one of the bloodiest battles of the war.
During the battle Continental forces led by General Nicholas Herkimer defeated the British army under Barrimore Matthew “Barry” St. Leger in the heart of New York’s Mohawk Valley. It was a hard-won victory, but Herkimer’s troops and their Oneida allies prevented the British from splitting the colonies in two. [Read more…] about Battle of Oriskany Commemoration On Saturday
Bike Tour to Retrace Rome, NY’s Brewing History
The Rome Historical Society will host “Bikes Beer & History (Retracing Rome’s Brewing History),” a bike tour around Rome, NY with Rome Historical Society Educator, Miranda Sherrock, and Bob Allers, set for Monday, August 1st. [Read more…] about Bike Tour to Retrace Rome, NY’s Brewing History
Not HYPE – Not the History You Probably Expected
The Rome Historical Society (RHS) will host award-winning educator and local historian Gary Ford and the Project Fibonacci Foundation for the grand premiere of “Not HYPE – Not the History You Probably Expected,” on Tuesday, June 19th.
These free events will feature historical discussion, the debut of an episode of the “Not HYPE” educational series, a Q&A with Gary Ford, light refreshments, the historical collections at the Rome Historical Society, and more. [Read more…] about Not HYPE – Not the History You Probably Expected
Retracing Rome’s Brewing History
One hundred years ago, the beer industry was flourishing in Central New York. Hop farms and local breweries were plentiful until Prohibition and improved transportation pushed the industry elsewhere. [Read more…] about Retracing Rome’s Brewing History