Staff Report / June 28, 2026
Residents and visitors will have numerous opportunities to explore local history and celebrate the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary as a series of America250 events gets underway across Schuyler County. The Schuyler County Historical Society, the Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Village of Watkins Glen are partnering to present programs and activities from late June through September commemorating the country’s founding.
The celebration will feature three separate event series: “Celebratin’ America 250! Talkin’ History,” “Celebratin’ America 250! Walkin’ History,” and a July 4 Block Party in Watkins Glen. The free Talkin’ History programs will examine a variety of Revolutionary War-era topics and local historical themes. Presentations will be held at venues throughout Schuyler County, including Montour Falls, Watkins Glen, Alpine, and Burdett.
Scheduled Talkin’ History programs include:
- Geological & Agricultural Paradise with Heather O’Grady-Evans on June 28 at 2 p.m. at the Silver Spoon Cafe in Montour Falls.
- Revolutionary Veterans & British Prison Ships with Dr. Gary Emerson on July 7 at 6 p.m. at the Watkins Glen Elementary Auditorium.
- Sullivan/Clinton Failed Campaign with Michael Ariano on July 11 at 1 p.m. at Lake Grove Park in Alpine.
- Hector Military Lots with Martha Evans on July 26 at 2 p.m. at the Burdett Fire Department.
- Women & the Revolution with Heather O’Grady-Evans on Aug. 9 at 2 p.m. at the Silver Spoon Cafe.
- Haudenosaunee & the Revolution with Dr. Gary Emerson on Aug. 18 at 2 p.m. at the Montour Falls Fire Department.
- Historic Markers & the Sullivan Campaign with Dr. Gary Emerson on Aug. 29 at 1 p.m. at the Watkins Glen Elementary Auditorium.
- War Journals: Excelsior to Burdett & Beyond with Martha Evans on Sept. 27 at 2 p.m. at the Burdett Fire Department.
Organizers will also host several Walkin’ History tours that invite participants to explore historically significant locations throughout the county. The guided tours, which are expected to last about an hour, will take place rain or shine, and participants are encouraged to dress for weather conditions.
Walkin’ History events include:
- Historic Catharine’s Town on July 1 at 6 p.m. and again on July 4 at 11 a.m., beginning at the Montour Falls Library.
- Seneca Lake: Indian Trails & Sullivan on July 2 at 6 p.m. and July 4 at 11 a.m., beginning at Kayak Beach in Watkins Glen.
- Montour Falls Cemetery Tour: Revolutionary War Veterans on July 3 at 6 p.m. at Montour Cemetery.
The celebration include a July 4 block party at Clute Park in Watkins Glen. Organizers said the event will feature food vendors, children’s activities, live music, and official America250 merchandise as the community marks the nation’s milestone anniversary.
