Guests enjoy the annual Summer Barn Party in support of the Chenango County Historical Society (CCHS). This year’s festivities, to be held on June 26, are themed around the CCHS exhibit, “Creativity in Bloom: The Storied Illustrations of Suzanne Bloom.” (Submitted photo)

NORWICH – The Chenango County Historical Society (CCHS) will host its annual Summer Barn Party from 6 to 8:30 p.m. on June 26 at 43 Rexford St. An evening of fun, food, and friends to benefit the museum, this year’s celebration is inspired by the newest Community Gallery exhibit: “Creativity in Bloom: The Storied Illustrations of Suzanne Bloom.” Live Event NY returns as the event’s Premium Sponsor, with festivities specially designed to reflect the evening’s theme.

CCHS is commemorating 86 years of service to Chenango County this year. In celebration of this milestone, the museum is seeking to raise $8,600 to support the continued preservation and sharing of unique local heritage. Proceeds from the Summer Barn Party will help the museum reach this fundraising goal.

In keeping with Summer Barn Party tradition, guests will enjoy a delicious catered reception featuring beverage tastings from Better Daze Winery, Bittersweet Farm Brewery, Forged Brewing Company, Good Nature Brewing, Old Home Distillers, and Uncommon Kin Cidery. Reception fare includes beverages by Brewery Ommegang, catering by the Canasawacta Country Club, soft drinks by Norwich Beverage, and themed desserts by the Cottage Bakery. Special event photos will be taken by 5th Dimension Photography with live music provided by The Eddie & Bird Dog Show.

Continuing a tradition established in 2019, the evening will feature an honored guest who has the distinction of “Making History.” This year’s special attendee is Suzanne Bloom, Chenango County’s own award-winning children’s author and illustrator. Honored with a 2006 Theodor Seuss Geisel Award, Bloom has twice been selected for the Texas 2×2 list of 20 best picture books. She has spent the past 40 years living and working in McDonough. In celebration of the evening’s theme, Bloom will provide an interactive “In the Poem Zone” demonstration, along with insight into her creative process.

“Our ‘Creativity in Bloom’ exhibit truly represents the museum’s mission,” said CCHS Executive Director Jessica Moquin. “Thanks to our Premier Sponsor, Live Event NY, along with this year’s Author Sponsors, Chianis & Anderson Architects and Preferred Mutual, this year’s Summer Barn Party is sure to be another spectacular celebration of community history and cultural heritage.”

The ultimate way to enjoy a summer evening, the Summer Barn Party is a major fundraiser for CCHS, attracting nearly 150 community supporters each year. Event proceeds support a significant portion of the organization’s annual operating budget. Early Bird tickets, available through June 13, are priced at $46 each. From June 14 through the event day, ticket prices are $66 each.

First established in 1939, CCHS is the area’s premier heritage museum dedicated to celebrating local culture—its unique traditions and noteworthy stories. 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. CCHS is also a proud partner of Bloomberg Connects, an app that allows visitors to enhance their exhibit experience through audio clips, videos, and more. Download this free digital museum guide via the Apple Store or Google Play, and visit ChenangoHistorical.org for more details about this and other museum programs.

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.

- Chenango County Historical Society & Museum