Old Fort Johnson

Summer Garden Teas

Join us on the second Tuesdays of the summer months for Tea in the gardens of Old Fort Johnson. The cost is $25.00 per person and includes your choice of tea, savory sandwiches, assorted sweets, and fresh fruit.  Held indoors in case of rain. Seating is limited and places fill quickly.  PRE-PAID RESERVATIONS ARE NOW REQUIRED.

Book your tea reservation by calling 518-843-0300. 

Paul Gorgen, a board member of Kanatsiohareke Mohawk Community, shares his research on the complex interrelationships between Mohawks and Europeans in 17th-18th century Mohawk River Valley. Come learn more about the worlds of Molly Brant, Clarissa Putman, the Johnson family, and other settlers in this region. The lives of native Mohawks were more closely interwoven with those of their Rona’sharó:nih (European) neighbors than you might have thought.

 All lectures are free to MCHS members, $2.00 donation for others.

August 25 - Outdoor Movie - “Drums Along the Mohawk” 7:30 pm

A classic tale of the Mohawk Valley returns to the big screen. Henry Fonda and Claudette Colbert are newlyweds who settle on the frontier in 1776.  They soon find themselves in the middle of the American Revolution, with attacks from Tories and Native Americans threatening their neighbors and their future. Donations accepted.

Pack a picnic dinner and enjoy our gardens beforehand!   Popcorn & refreshments available on site. Bring your favorite lawn chair, bug spray and a blanket for enjoying a movie in the great outdoors. Event is free & open to all.

Montgomery County Historical Society Annual Membership Meeting

Wednesday, September 12,  6:30-8:30 pm

Our annual gathering of the membership of the Montgomery County Historical Society will be a special concert and reception in the Old Fort exclusively for current members of the Montgomery County Historical Society.  Invitations will be mailed out in August to all memberships in good standing.

A Taste of History:   Saturday, September 22, 5:30-7:30 pm

Our annual fall fundraiser features a sampler of the county’s best homemade soups, breads and pies. Enjoy amazing regional cooking while supporting the preservation of Old Fort Johnson.

Limited seating, advance tickets recommended.

$25 adults, $10 children includes unlimited soup samples, bread, pie, beverage and     a special limited edition commemorative mug.  

Held rain or shine under tents in our beautiful gardens.

Holiday Open House at Old Fort Johnson

Saturday November 24, 1:00-5:00 pm

This year celebrate the beginning of the holidays with an afternoon Open House at Sir William’s 1749 home.  We will be open to show off our holiday decorations with live seasonal music and light refreshments. Bring your friends and family to start off the holidays, and stop into our holiday shop to find the perfect gifts.   Suggested donation of $5.00.

Holiday Tea at Old Fort Johnson - Saturday, December 1

Seatings at 11:00 am and 2:00 pm

Celebrate the holidays with an old-fashioned tea party in the decorated rooms of Old Fort Johnson. Enjoy tea & a tasty tower of sweets & savories for a good cause:  all proceeds support the restoration of the Old Fort.   $30.00 donation per person.  Seating is limited!

Due to the popularity of this event, non-refundable PRE-PAID Reservations are required –

Call 843-0300 for details.

Evenings at the Fort:   3rd Wednesdays 6:30-8:00 pm

July 18    “Natural Cures from the Garden”
 

Betty Pillsbury, herbalist and NOFA organic gardener from Green Spiral Herbs in Middleburgh, shares stories of the many native and natural cures for ailments that you can grow in your garden. Punch and cookies will be served on the lawn after the talk, and attendees are invited to explore the gardens of Old Fort Johnson. Many of the herbs and flowers grown here in the 18th century were used for medicinal or household purposes.  Plant labels developed by our volunteers provide the details.

All lectures are free to MCHS members, $2.00 donation for others.

Beers with Billy: An Old Fort Johnson Tavern Night

Friday, June 29 5:30-9:00 pm    

Billy Johnson, age 23, arrived in the Mohawk Valley June 1738.  Help us celebrate his arrival with a midsummer party on the lawn of Old Fort Johnson featuring Wolf Hollow craft beers, homemade BBQ and a variety of 18th century tavern games.  Proceeds benefit our Restoration Fund. 

$25.00 admission includes a pint of Wolf Hollow's finest brew, pulled pork barbecue & 3 sides, dessert and a souvenir glass. Tickets required in advance.  Available online through Eventbrite.