“Stitched in Time: The Creations of Beulah Hendrickson,” an exhibit featuring handcrafted folk art, opens in Ward School No. 2 at 2 p.m. on June 16 as part of Path Through History activities hosted by the Chenango County Historical Society (CCHS). Special museum hours and programming are planned from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. that day. (Submitted photo)

NORWICH – The Chenango County Historical Society (CCHS) will again participate in the semi-annual state-wide festivities known as Path Through History weekend on June 16. As part of the celebration, the museum is hosting special open hours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. that day.

Festivities begin at 10 a.m. with “Maple Magic” presented by Friends of Rogers Environmental Education Center in the Miller Pavilion on the CCHS museum campus. Part of the “Maple Sugar Heritage Collaboration” between CCHS and Rogers Center, this interactive program shares the history and heritage of maple sugaring in the region. Museum guests will be able to challenge their palate by comparing the flavors of genuine maple syrup with syrup alternatives in a blind taste test.

Ward School No. 2 hosts an exhibit opening at 2 p.m. for “Stitched in Time: The Creations of Beulah Hendrickson,” featuring pieces from a local textile artist. While Beulah Ayers Barrett Hendrickson (1904-1987) made a living at various times as a teacher, a farmer, and a country store owner, it was her unique ability to handcraft distinctive dolls and figures which has ensured her legacy. This charming display highlights handcrafted regional folk art.

Beginning at 2:30 p.m., the “Growing Innovation: Agricultural Patents of Chenango County,” a display curated by local historian John Antonowicz, will be unveiled in The Loomis Barn. Antonowicz will offer brief observations and insights on his research related to these dynamic examples of creative local inventions.

Immediately following this exhibit opening, join CCHS for a presentation when the Elinor Robb Troicke Memorial Scholarship will be awarded to two graduating high school seniors from Chenango County: Hayleigh Fisher from Sherburne-Earlville High School, who plans to study biology at Caldwell University in New Jersey; and Bainbridge-Guilford Central School District’s Brianna Bartow, who is enrolling at SUNY Oneonta to pursue a degree in early childhood education.

The 11th issue of the Journal of the Chenango County Historical Society will make its debut in the CCHS Museum Shop during the day’s special open hours as well. A CCHS tradition since the summer of 2012, the publication features a wide variety of scholarly articles highlighting the unique history of Chenango County. Topics in this year’s issue include a wide range of stories, from “Bullthistle Hiking Club – Formative Years” to “Brigham Young in Chenango County,” and from “History of Bridges in Bainbridge” to “Sidney R. Ford – Gravestone Carver,” among many others.

First established in 1939, CCHS is the primary organization dedicated to actively and comprehensively preserving the history of Chenango County. The area’s premier heritage museum, the organization celebrates local culture – its enduring traditions, noteworthy residents, and unique stories. CCHS programs are made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.

During Path Through History weekends, special events like this are held to highlight historically and culturally significant sites while offering new perspectives on New York state’s heritage. For more information, visit www.ChenangoHistorical.org or call (607) 334-9227, ext. 2.

The Chenango County Historical Society (CCHS) explores the culture of Chenango County – its enduring traditions, noteworthy residents, and unique stories – through preservation and presentation of local heritage.

- From the Chenango County Historical Society & Museum