The public is invited to join an “America250 Conversation” being hosted by the Chenango County Historical Society and the Chenango County Historian’s Office from 6–7:30 p.m. on Feb. 4 at the James. S. Flanagan Research Center. This community dialogue is being held to begin the planning process for this summer’s “Turtle Island” festival, part of the local commemorations of America250. (Photo credit Sonia Clark)

NORWICH — The Chenango County Historical Society (CCHS) and the Chenango County Historian’s Office are proud to be collaborating on this summer’s “Turtle Island” festival, part of the local commemorations of America250, a national initiative centered around the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. These two organizations are inviting people of Chenango County to a brainstorming session to discuss how local communities can participate in this dynamic community event, which will feature a majority of America250 themes, including: Indigenous History is New York’s History; Changing Interpretations of the Revolution; Doing History; Power of Place; Unfinished Revolutions; and We the People.

This community dialogue — the fourth in a multi-year series — will take place 6–7:30 p.m. on Feb. 4 at the James. S. Flanagan Research Center, located at 43 Rexford St., Norwich. The goals for this conversation are to begin initial planning activities and to establish collaborative partnerships among interested organizations to produce a memorable festival. “Turtle Island” welcomes the participation of libraries, arts organizations, historical societies, and other community organizations in this historic community event.

This day-long festival is scheduled for July 5 and will feature an outdoor performance spectacle bringing the Haudenosaunee Creation Story to life. Directed and guided by Indigenous artist and historian G. Peter Jemison and created in collaboration with French company Plasticiens Volants, the “Turtle Island” experience features a giant inflatable puppet, the Sky Woman Iroquois Dance Theater, and traditional Indigenous music to depict the birth of the world on a turtle’s back.

“The possibility of hosting ‘Turtle Island’ during this first year of our America250 commemoration is exciting,” said County Historian Henry Drexler. “A project of this magnitude will also have tremendous community engagement, both locally and for regional tourists, as the next closest stop of ‘Turtle Island’ is nearly two hours away.”

First established in 1939, CCHS is the area’s premier heritage museum dedicated to celebrating local culture — its unique traditions and noteworthy 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. 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 www.ChenangoHistorical.org for more details about this and other museum programs.

“Turtle Island,” a vibrant fusion of aerial puppetry, dance, and storytelling, is produced by Unicycle Productions LLC & Plasticiens Volants. Visit www.unicycleproductionsllc.com/turtle-island to learn more.

The mission of the Chenango County Historical Society (CCHS) is to explore the culture of Chenango County through preservation and presentation of our local heritage.

- from the Chenango County Historical Society & Museum