NORWICH — The Chenango County Historical Society (CCHS) and the Chenango County Historian’s Office—along with collaborators C.S Miller Books, Colorscape Chenango, Commerce Chenango, Live Event NY, and the Otselic Valley Fishing & Heritage Association—are hosting the “America’s Potluck & Turtle Island Festival” from 4–8 p.m. on July 5 at the Chenango County Fairgrounds. Part of the local commemorations of America250, a national initiative centered around the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, this free family event is made possible by the NY 250 Commission, the Community Foundation for South Central New York’s Racial Justice and Equity Fund, and UHS Chenango Memorial Hospital.
A highlight of this dynamic regional event includes an interactive open-air family-friendly production which brings 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.
Through involvement in large events like the Olympics and international festivals, Plasticiens Volants brings visual grandeur to outdoor performances, demonstrating that art in public spaces can achieve the same awe and technical sophistication as traditional theater. The outdoor spectacle of Turtle Island honors ancestral narratives while addressing contemporary themes of balance, environmental stewardship, and collective responsibility. It invites audiences to witness the birth of the world atop the turtle’s back—a story that resonates across cultures as a symbol of resilience and interconnectedness.
“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. “America’s Potluck & Turtle Island Festival” is supported by the NY 250 Commission and the New York State Department of Education. 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.
“America’s Potluck” is an opportunity for neighbors to join one another to share a communal meal, creating a sense of connection and belonging, and fostering interactions among people from all walks of life. “Turtle Island,” a vibrant fusion of aerial puppetry, community engagement, dance, and storytelling, is produced by Unicycle Productions LLC & Plasticiens Volants. Visit Unicycleproductionsllc.com/turtle-island to learn more.
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Caption: The “America’s Potluck & Turtle Island Festival” will be held from 4–8 p.m. on July 5 at the Chenango County Fairgrounds. This free family event is made possible by the NY 250 Commission, the Community Foundation for South Central New York’s Racial Justice and Equity Fund, and UHS Chenango Memorial Hospital. (Photo credit Alex Hammer.)
About CCHS: 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.
