HERKIMER, NY, April 16, 2026 — Herkimer County Community College (HCCC) will
host a special Symposium on the Revolutionary War on Thursday, April 23 at 7 p.m. in
Alumni Hall, followed by a “Liberty” Art Show and Reception and Awards Ceremony in
the Cogar Gallery on Saturday, April 25 at 1 p.m.
This event is a collaboration between HCCC and Herkimer County’s 250th Commission,
commemorating the region’s role in the American Revolution. The symposium will bring together local educators and historians to explore key moments and perspectives from the American Revolution, with a particular focus on the Mohawk Valley’s historical significance. Featured presentations include:
“Turning Point at Oriskany: General Herkimer’s Crucial Victory in the American
Revolution” by Logan D. Valerio, history teacher at Herkimer High School, who
holds a master’s degree in secondary education (history) from SUNY Plattsburgh.
“Seeds of Rebellion”, focusing on the Palatine Germans and their transformation
from refugees to revolutionaries, presented by Sharon Powell, adjunct professor
of history at HCCC, who holds a master’s degree in American history and political
science from American Public University. Powell is also serving as chair of
Herkimer County’s 250 th Revolutionary War Commission.
“Women Revolutionaries during the American Split with Britain” by Dr. Lisa
Elwood-Farber, professor of English at Herkimer County Community College,
who earned a Ph.D. from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.
“Fort Dayton: The Forgotten Fort” presented by Jeff Steele, professor of history
at Herkimer County Community College, who holds a master’s degree in history
from University at Albany.
In addition, the “Liberty” Art Show will feature creative works inspired by themes of
freedom and revolution. The reception on April 25 will include light refreshments, a
presentation, and recognition of participating artists.
Both events are free and open to the public.
For more information about the symposium, contact Sharon Powell at
powellsm@herkimer.edu. For more information about the art show, contact Associate Professor of Art Justin Como at comojm@herkimer.edu.
About Herkimer County Community College: Located in central New York State, just off the NYS Thruway exit 30, HCCC is one of 30 community colleges in the State University of New York (SUNY) system. Herkimer offers a quality and affordable educational experience and is ranked among the top two-year colleges in the nation based on transfer and graduation rates. HCCC offers a variety of associate degree and certificate programs in art, business, communication arts, criminal justice and law, education, healthcare and service, liberal arts and sciences, and STEM, and is a leading provider of fully online degree programs. The student body of approximately 2,500 students hails from throughout the nation and several foreign countries. With on-campus housing for more than 600 students, a nationally ranked athletics program, and a variety of student activities, clubs, and events, HCCC students enjoy the complete college experience. HCCC is a fundamental contributor to the economic
development of Herkimer County and the South-Central Adirondack region. More information is available at http://www.herkimer.edu.
