Adults

Any New Yorker can tell you that the Erie Canal had a massive impact on the development of the state, but the ‘hows’ and ‘whys’ aren’t always apparent. Join historian David Brooks from the Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site for a presentation on the canal’s history, building process, and the politics surrounding its construction. This program will provide a broad overview of the Erie Canal’s development, and is part of a series of local events commemorating the Erie Canal’s bicentennial.

If you love to read, be sure to check out the Next Page Book Club! This group meets monthly on the second Wednesday, and are always welcoming new members! This month they're reading and discussing: Cutting for Stone by Abraham Vergese

We were first introduced to local author Maryann Proper when she presented her book The Hill: a Story from a Basket Maker's Daughter, and we're excited to have her back to present the sequel. Join us for a reading and discussion about The Hill: Trying Times. Books will be available for purchase, and Maryann may share some details about her newest book series!

Join fellow book enthusiasts for our non fiction book club on the third Monday of each month at 7:30pm. Discuss biographies, sociology, history, and more with a lively group of lifelong learners and readers! Upcoming Titles: September 15: Fields of Blood by Karen Armstrong

If you’re interested in learning the art of tarot, you will not want to miss our newest meetup! Our tarot club will provide attendees with the chance to develop a deeper understanding of the individual cards and how to interpret them through hands-on practice. Help us get this new and exciting club off the ground as we learn together.

Poetry is an art that deserves as much to be spoken aloud as read silently. We're excited to offer you the chance to share some of your favorite poems with others! Bring a work by a poet you love, or maybe even something you've written yourself, and experience the joy of sharing those words with others. We will also have information about The Poetry Caravan, a local volunteer group dedicated to sharing poetry with the community.

Poetry is an art that deserves to be spoken aloud as well as read silently. We are excited to offer you the chance to share some of your favorite poems with others! Bring a work by a poet you love, or something you’ve written yourself, and experience the joy of sharing poetry! Plus, we will have information on The Poetry Caravan, a local volunteer group dedicated to sharing poems with the community.

Around the year 1730 Dutch farmer Martin van Bergen commissioned the artist John Heaton to make a painting of his farm and its people. This painting is thought to be the first depiction of the ethnic diversity of the Hudson Valley at the time. Now the African American Archive of Columbia County is organizing a panel of historical reenactors to bring the stories of all those various peoples to life: from Dutch colonists, enslaved Africans, and Lenape people Native Americans. Join us to learn more about the history of this place so many of us call home.