The Albany County Historical Association invites the public to celebrate Path Through History Day on Saturday, October 11, from 11 am until 4 pm. This free, county-wide event offers a unique opportunity to explore Albany’s past through guided tours, live music, lectures, and hands-on activities for all ages.
A highlight of the day is the free Crossroads of History Lecture Series, “Material Worlds of the American Revolution in Albany County,” held at King’s Place on the Ten Broeck Mansion campus.
Participants are encouraged to choose their own path — whether by car, foot, or bicycle — to visit a selection of historic sites across Albany County. Each location will be open for free tours and interpretation throughout the day.
The Ten Broeck Mansion, located in Albany’s historic Arbor Hill neighborhood, is the suggested starting point, with free parking available at 136 Livingston Avenue. Special tours highlight Albany County’s connection to the American Revolution.
Historic sites participating in this year’s event include the Ten Broeck Mansion, Albany Rural Cemetery in Menands, the Irish American Heritage Museum and the Stephen and Harriet Myers Residence in Albany, and the Watervliet Historical Society Museum and Cultural Center.
Special programming and free tours will be offered at several sites. At the Watervliet Historical Society, Board President Tom Ragosta will present “Boats and Boatmen on the Canal” at 1 pm, commemorating the completion of the Erie Canal.
The Ten Broeck Mansion will host a full day of activities. The Village Volunteers Fife & Drum Corps will perform on the Ten Broeck Mansion grounds at 11:30 am, and at 12:30, 1:30, and 2:30 pm. Free full-length mansion tours will be offered at 1, 2, and 3 pm, with pre-registration recommended. Walk-through tours will be available from 11 am until 1 pm.
Visitors will also have the opportunity to meet historians and representatives from local history organizations, including the American Italian Heritage Museum, the New York State Archives Partnership Trust, and the Rapp Road Historical Association.
Family-friendly art kits and self-guided garden discovery tours will be available throughout the day. The Ten Broeck Mansion Museum Shop will be open, featuring history books and locally made artisan goods.
The lecture series will explore how archives, artifacts, and art reveal new stories from the Revolutionary era. Lectures include:
At noon: Marietta Carr, Schenectady County Historical Society — “Archives Discoveries of the Revolution” – Carr will discuss archival discoveries that shed light on lesser-known aspects of the Revolution;
1:00 pm: Tyler Warman, New York State Museum — “The Gunboat at Ground Zero: A Revolutionary War Mystery” – Warman will present findings from a Revolutionary War vessel excavation, including over 600 pieces of timber and thousands of artifacts; and
2:00 pm: Kathryn Kosto, Albany County Historical Association — “New Faces of Liberty: Founders & Freedom in Revolutionary Era Art of Albany County” – Kosto will examine how Revolutionary-era art from Albany County reflects evolving ideas of liberty, freedom, and identity.
Each lecture is free and open to the public, with registration encouraged due to limited seating. Free parking is available adjacent to the lecture site.
Visitors are encouraged to pace themselves and plan their route using maps provided in advance. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, as many sites feature uneven walkways. Some sites are located near private property; guests are asked to respect boundaries and avoid parking on or visiting private land.
All programs are free, and donations are appreciated to support the ongoing work of Albany County’s historic sites. As a special bonus, program attendees will receive exclusive discounts at Albany Distilling Co. and Cider Belly Donuts, both of Albany NY. To receive a discount sticker, guests must check in at the Ten Broeck Mansion.
Registration is at www.tenbroeckmansion.org or call 518-436-9826 for assistance.
Photo: Watervliet Historical Society exterior and Meneely bell.
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