Museum Announces Acquisition of New Paintings
The Schoharie County Historical Society is excited to announce the acquisition of two exceptional John Wilkinson original folk art paintings which will be added to the society’s permanent collection. The pieces each depict the historic Hartmansdorf House, located on the Old Stone Fort Museum Complex grounds, at two important milestones in the historical society’s history.
Created in 2019, the first painting captures a scene of colonial reenactors from the opening day celebration of the Schoharie County Historical Society’s 130th Anniversary. While a casual viewer of the painting might simply see a charming depiction of a day in the life of those who might have lived and worked in the c. 1786 Hartmansdorf House, those who are familiar with the incredible individuals who create immersive living history experiences at the museum can easily identify the painting’s subjects.
The same can be said of the second painting, which was created in 2021 on the heels of the Stone Fort Day living history event, the first large-scale event held at the museum since it was forced to close its doors to the public at the beginning of 2020. Also set in the area surrounding this historic Harmansdorf House, the second painting depicts an even wider array of individuals weaving, dipping candles, preparing food, visiting with each other, and perhaps even coordinating military strategies.
“This painting is a beautiful addition to the society’s collection and showcases one of our most popular structures,” said Museum Director Melinda McTaggart. “We would like to thank the benefactor who made this acquisition possible and look forward to exhibiting it at the museum and utilizing the image on items such as notecards and tote-bags.”
The painting of the 130th Anniversary Celebration, or the “sister” to the Stone Fort Day painting, was generously donated to the museum’s collection by Chris Osinski, who not only tirelessly volunteers her time, talent, and hard work to bring history to life throughout the Schoharie and Mohawk Valleys and beyond, is also a prominent subject in the painting.
