EDUCATIONAL MEAL

Explore distilling and art-park history at upcoming event in Cazenovia

CAZENOVIA, N.Y. >> Where there’s history, there are creative ways to explain it. That’s just what the Madison County Historical Society aims to do with one of this year’s end-of-summer events, “History Where You Eat.”

Exploring the past via food, History Where You Eat, will take place on August 30 at the Madison County Distillery at 6 p.m. Distilling is an industry in Central New York that goes as far back as the 1800s, explained Madison County Historian Matthew Urtz. From whiskey and cider to high wine and other spirits, commercial distilling was at one time booming in this area, he said. Now, Madison County Distillery, in Cazenovia, flaunts a modern twist on a practice fine-tuned over centuries.

Participants at this free educational event can enjoy the thrill of history— through a brief presentation with pictures and placement of past distillers on a county map—and the intrigue of a modern distillery, through a group tour of the premises.

A specialty cocktail, crafted by Distillery staff, will be available for enjoyment. Attendees will have to be 21 years or older to have a taste, but there’s no age limit for the event itself.

The event will also feature the history of the Stone Quarry Hill Art Park, located nearby. Attendees will receive a voucher for a discounted tour of the park’s Hilltop House.

“Stone Quarry Hill Art Park’s founder, Dorothy Riester, was known for throwing very fun parties,” Urtz explained. The

“We hope to have a big crowd and have fun with it, that’s what this is all about. Learn a little bit of history, eat a little food, and enjoy a nice night out in Madison County.”

— Dorothy Riester, Stone Quarry Hill Art Park’s founder

specialty cocktail, available just that night, is a nod to Riester’s legacy.

Those interested in distilling, history, or simply meeting with friendly locals may be interested in attending. To reserve your free spot, email madisoncountydistillery@gmail. com. Reservations are encouraged to allow the host to properly staff for the event.

“We hope to have a big crowd and have fun with it, that’s what this is all about. Learn a little bit of history, eat a little food, and enjoy a nice night out in Madison County.”

History Where You Eat is a program started in 2018 to accentuate historic eateries in Madison County. Previous tours have been given at Ye Olde Landmark Tavern, the Colgate Inn, Hotel Solsville, the Copper Turret, the Linkclean House, the Brewster Inn, and The Horned Dorset Inn. The program was derailed in 2020 due to COVID-19, but it is back for the first time since then with this event in Cazenovia.

SUBMITTED PHOTOS (Top left) Distilling equipment, which can be found at Madison County Distillery (top right) in Cazenovia, will be the center of attention at a “History Where You Eat” event hosted by the Madison County Historical Society at the distillery. Bottom photo is the Hilltop House and Studio at Stone Quary Hill Art Park in Cazenovia. The park and its history will also be featured at the event.

Captured is a past “History Where You Eat” event located at the Linkclean House in September 2019.