Oneida County History Center
1608 Genesee Street
Utica, New York 13502-5425
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION,
CONTACT PATRICK REYNOLDS AT (315) 735-3642
What’s in the basement?
Oneida County History Center invites the public to explore behind the scenes.
What does it take to tell the history of a county that stretches from the Revolutionary War battlefields to modern-day industry? At Oneida County History Center, it takes a lot of “old stuff.” Like many historical institutions, the History Center has a vast and growing collection of over 250,000 documents and thousands of artifacts, with the majority kept in secure storage. The public is invited to step behind the scenes on November 15, for a rare and intimate glimpse into the incredible objects that chronicle Oneida County’s past, present, and future.
Participants will journey through the stacks and shelves, exploring exciting artifacts from the History Center collection. Tour highlights include seeing historical maps that chart the region’s early growth, a fascinating collection of vintage hats that reflect changing local fashion, prized examples of Utica-made White’s pottery, and more.
This unique opportunity provides an up-close, personal setting to appreciate the breadth of the collection, which also encompasses rare American glass, paintings, and countless documents detailing the lives of local farmers, and pioneers. For students of history, genealogists, or anyone curious about what lies beyond the exhibit walls.
The tours will be held on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Tickets are $10 for History Center members and $15 for non-members. Due to the nature of the storage areas and the constraints of the tour, space is limited, and a minimum age of 12 is recommended.
TO BOOK TICKETS AND FOR MORE INFORMATION: Visit: oneidacountyhistory.org
About the Oneida County History Center
Oneida County History Center is a private 501(c) (3) not-for-profit educational institution dedicated to preserving the history, heritage, and culture of the Greater Mohawk Valley for present and future generations. Please contact the History Center at 315-735-3642 or visit oneidacountyhistory.org for additional information.
