Welcome!
The Old Stone Fort Museum Complex celebrates and preserves the rich, historic legacy of New York’s beautiful Schoharie County.
About us
The Old Stone Fort
Presenting three centuries of rural New York history in and among seven historic and exhibit buildings on 25 acres in the scenic Schoharie Valley, the Old Stone Fort Museum welcomes you to discover, explore, and experience the multitude of stories woven into the rich history of Schoharie County.
Featuring thousands of artifacts on display, the centerpiece of the museum complex is the Old Stone Fort, built in 1772 as a High Dutch (German) Reformed Church, the structure was fortified in 1777 and attacked by British forces in 1780.
The Schoharie County Historical Society has been operating the Fort as a museum for more than 130 years. The Society has a collection of more than 50,000 artifacts related to the history of Schoharie County; maintains a research library and a local genealogy collection; publishes a semi-annual local history magazine; and offers a wide range of educational and recreational activities. Society offices are in the William Badgley Museum, across the street from the Old Stone Fort.
Our website is sponsored by the Schoharie County Historical Society in support of its educational mission and the Old Stone Fort museum complex in Schoharie, New York. The Society is a membership organization chartered as a museum by the New York State Department of Education, and is tax-exempt under section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code.
Mission and Vision
The Schoharie County Historical Society is dedicated to encouraging and promoting a knowledge of and appreciation for the history and cultures of Schoharie County and its inhabitants from the prehistoric period to the present through advocacy, education, research, interpretation, preservation and restoration.
Plan Your Visit
October
Mondays: 10am-4pm
Weekends: 10am-5pm
October 28 is the last day of the 2024 season.
Group Tours & Programs
Group tours & programs are suitable for all ages. You must give advance notice before your visit. Call (518) 295-7192 or e-mail office@theoldstonefort.org
Virtual Exhibits
Find an ever growing digital catalog of unique, interesting and intriguing artifacts both on display and stored in the collections at the Old Stone Fort Museum and Schoharie County Historical Society here.
Visit The Library
The Library is currently in a temporary space due to building repairs, so it is not currently open during regular hours. You must call in advance and make an appointment so that we can try to accommodate your schedule and try to find materials ahead of time.
There are many other subjects relating to Schoharie County history that can be researched in the SCHS library, in addition to genealogy. Our card catalog, Archives and Manuscript Guide, and photo index are all finding aids to our other resources. We have information on Schoharie County history, military history (especially where it relates to this county) and information on surrounding counties.
Volunteer
You can help unlock the history that is preserved at the Old Stone Fort Museum. Help us with events, work with our collections or help with ongoing projects in our office. Schedule and hours are flexible, and training will be provided.
2024 Quilt Raffle
You could win this beautiful 40″X50″ quilt! We are selling raffle tickets for $1 each or $5 for 6 tickets. You can purchase your tickets with PayPal or Venmo below […]
Reds on the Ballot: Communists, The Bonus Army, and the 1932 Election
By Bradley Towle Tucked inside The Jackson Law Office by the old voting machines at The Stone Fort Museum’s Early Law and Government exhibit is a replica of […]
“Loyalty Prevailed Over Every Other Consideration”
Thank you to all of our participants and visitors who made this event a success!
Dana Cudmore Book Release Celebration and Signing
NEW BOOK Explores Mysterious Deaths in Caverns and Dramatic Courtroom Fight for Justice that Followed As a college-age tour guide at Howe Caverns during the Seventies, Cobleskill author Dana […]