History-related events coming up around the area

Spring is in the air and we have lots of fun and exciting historical events this month in CNY

Saturday March 5

At 1 p.m. the Oneida County Historical Society will host a panel discussion entitled “The Syrian Community.” Descendants of Syrian immigrants: Carol Koury Potter, Rose Toukatly, Mary Nassimos and Bob Zaloom will tell show pictures and tell personal stories of nearly 70 Syrian families living in Utica at the start of World War I. This program is free and open to the public. For more information visit www.oneidacountyhistory.org or call (315) 735-3642.

Wednesday March 9

At 7 p.m. the Cazenovia Preservation Foundation and the Cazenovia Public Library will host “From Bingley to Busti,” the story of a Madison County mill that existed for nearly 160 years, before being torn down. Remnants from the mill are now part of a thriving mill in western NY, and the miller’s home is a residence in another town. There is no charge. For information, visit http://cazpreservation.org.

Saturday March 12

From 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. Onondaga County Community College will host the Central New York National History Day Competition. History Day is a year-long educational program sponsored by the New York State Historical Association that encourages students to explore local, state, national and world history. Students select a historical topic that relates to this year’s theme, “Explore, Encounter, Exchange,” and research it using libraries, archives, museums and oral history interviews. Each student’s final project is presented before a grading committee. Local project winners will be eligible to take part in the state-wide competition in Cooperstown. The deadline for entries is Feb. 27. For information, call Scott Peal at (315)- 4281864, ex. 317.

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From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. the Oneida Community Mansion House will host a basket-making workshop with Linda Scherz Allen of Adirondack Basketry. She has been weaving for nearly 30 years and has taught basketry throughout the United States. $55 includes all materials with choice of colors. Bring a bag lunch. Registration is required. For more information or to register please call (315) 363-0745.

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At 1 p.m. the Oneida County Historical Society show the movie “A Thousand and One Journeys… The Arab Americans.” John Zogby, producer Abe Kasbo and Mark Harf will host the presentation. The film chronicles powerful stories of immigrants from the Middle East, North Africa, and the Arabian Peninsula while celebrating their accomplishments in pursuit of the ‘American Dream.’ This program is free and open to the public. For more information, visit www.oneidacountyhistory.org or call (315) 735-3642.

Sunday March 13

At 2 p.m. the Village of Clinton Historical Society will host a talk entitled “One Room Schools in Kirkland.” More information to come. There is no charge for this event. For more information, visit www.clintonhistory.org, or call (315) 859-1392.

Thursday March 17

At 7:30 p.m. the Town of Marshall Historical Society will host a presentation by Oneida County Historian Joe Bottini entitled “TBD.” For more information contact Yvonne Brady via email at ybskyline@gmail.com.

Saturday March 19

At 1 p.m. the Oneida County Historical Society will host “Wind of the Land.” Dr. Eugene Nassar, Professor Emeritus of Utica College and Founder and Director of the Ethnic Heritage Studies Center at Utica College, will tell his personal stories growing up in a Lebanese Christian family in the Italian neighborhood in East Utica. This program is free and open to the public. For more in- formation, visit www.oneidacountyhistory.org or call (315) 735-3642.

Tuesday March 22

At 7 p.m. the Canastota Public Library will host a special Canalside talk on Matilda Joslyn Gage. Sarah Flick will talk about Gage’s history as an abolitionist, suffragette, defender of Native American rights, mother-in-law to L. Frank Bamand more. There is no charge for this event. For more information please call (315) 697-7030.

Saturday March 26

At 1 p.m. the Oneida County Historical Society will host “The Bosnian Experience in Oneida County.” Bosnian Immigrants will tell the stories of why they settled in Utica, and the discoveries and challenges they encountered as they adjusted

to their new life. Featured speakers include Mohawk Valley Community College Professor Dina Radijas, Rome City Hospital Nurse Amelia Thompson and Utica’s first Bosnian police officer, Edin Selimovic. This program is free and open to the public. For information, visit www.oneidacountyhistory.org or call (315) 735-3642.

Wednesday March 30

At 7 p.m. the Friends of Lorenzo will host their annual meeting at the Lincklaen House. Upon completion of the meeting Cornell Cooperative Extension Hop Specialist will present a talk on “Hops in Madison County: Then and Now.” Reservations are required. For information or to reserve a place call (315) - 655-3200.

Saturday April 2

At 1 p.m. the Oneida County Historical Society will host a book signing and presentation by author Roger Chambers. Chambers will present and sign copies of his book, “A sense of Place: An Almanac of Festivals in the Mohawk Valley.” This program is free and open to the public. For information visit www.oneidacountyhistory.org or call (315) 735-3642.

Contact Matthew Urtz: PO Box 668, Wampsville, NY 13163; (315) 3662453; Matthew.urtz@madisoncounty.ny.gov; http://www.madisoncounty.ny.gov/historian/home