NEWS
Step Back into Revolutionary-Era Schoharie: Two Engaging Lectures Explore Local History
SCHOHARIE - History comes alive this spring as the Schoharie County Historical Society invites the public to a special afternoon of compelling presentations exploring the region’s role during the American Revolution.
On Saturday, May 2, two engaging lectures will be held at the Badgley Annex, located at 148 Fort Road in Schoharie, offering attendees a deeper understanding of Schoharie County’s wartime experiences and legacy.
At 2:00 PM, historian Mark Stolzenburg, trustee of the Schoharie County Historical Society, will present “The Battle of Normanskill and the Battle of the Flockey.” This talk examines two lesser-known but significant conflicts from the turbulent summer of 1777, when British forces advanced toward Albany and Loyalist uprisings threatened the region. Stolzenburg will explore how Patriot forces in Old Albany County responded, sparking a localized civil war that disrupted Loyalist efforts and marked an early achievement for the United States Army.
Following a brief intermission, at 3:30 PM, local historian Jeff O’Connor will present “Schoharie County: Breadbasket of the American Revolution?” This thought-provoking program revisits the long-held belief that the Schoharie Valley served as a critical food supplier to American forces. Drawing on decades of research, O’Connor will examine historical records, firsthand accounts, and key wartime events, including the dramatic events of 1780 and Sir John Johnson’s raid, to assess whether the “Breadbasket of the Revolution” title holds up under closer scrutiny.
Together, these presentations offer a unique opportunity for history enthusiasts and community members to explore Schoharie County’s vital and complex role in America’s fight for independence.
Both events are open to the public, with a suggested donation of $5 per person to support ongoing programming. The lectures are generously sponsored by Fenimore Asset Management as part of the Historical Society’s 2026 lecture series.
For more information, please contact the Schoharie County Historical Society at theoldstonefort@gmail.com or call (518) 295-7192.
The Old Stone Fort Museum Complex
145 Fort Road, Schoharie, NY 12157