October 12-14 marks Path Through History Weekend in New York State, and October is also New York State History Month! It’s the perfect time to celebrate the state’s rich and vibrant past, from the lush Adirondacks to the sandy shores of Long Island. Below, we’ve selected a series of can’t-miss events, from gravestone cleaning workshops to mansion mystery “whodunnit” dramas, and even a 19th century baseball game. With dozens of events across the state, be sure to check out the Path Through History events calendar for a full guide to the historical and educational attractions offering something special during the weekend.

Adirondacks

Spend a day with furry friends at the farms! The Thurman Fall Farm Tour features a mix of new farms and those that have been around for over 200 years, producing maple syrup, cheese, jams, cider, and sugar. Take a self-guided tour to all 13 stops to enjoy  wagon rides, pumpkin chuckin’, a quilt show, sugar house tours, maple boiling demonstrations, antique cider pressing, artisan markets, and of course—animal interactions! At each stop, take the opportunity to shop for farm-fresh products and learn about how they’re made. Thurman; 10/12, 10:00am-4:00pm. Free.

Soak in the beauty of the “Queen of American Lakes” from the decks of the oldest, continuously-operated and -inspected ship in the USA. Climb aboard the Lake George Steamboat Company‘s historic vessel, Mohican, and sail off on a fall foliage cruise for stunning views of mountains, islands, mansions, and more as the captain narrates the lake’s history. There will be a snack bar and grill along with a cocktail bar for your ride. Lake George; 10/12, 10:00am-3:00pm. Adult/$45, Senior/$41.25, Child/$23.

Capital-Saratoga

Get a taste of Revolutionary War history and the fall season at the Bennington Battlefield State Historic Site. An expert guide will take you to Hessian Hill, the park’s highest point, before heading over to the Barnett House where cider, donuts, pit cooking demonstrations, and children’s crafts await! The tour ends with a stop at Tory Fort across the Walloomsac River. Hoosick Falls; 10/12, 1:00pm-4:00pm. Free.

Step back in time with a Living History Tour at Grant Cottage. Led by a guide in period costume and character, this tour brings to life the compelling story of the final days of famed Civil War General and 18th U.S. President Ulysses S. Grant. You’ll explore the grounds (weather permitting) and tour rooms filled with original and unique artifacts as your guide shares a heartwarming and engaging tale of perseverance and family devotion. This premium experience offers a unique and memorable way to discover Grant Cottage. Wilton; 10/13, 3:30pm-4:30pm. $18.

Catskills

Celebrate the 150th anniversary of the historic Hudson Athens Lighthouse with a special art exhibit that shines a light on this iconic beacon. The Athens Cultural Center and Hudson Athens Lighthouse Preservation Society (HALPS) partnered with local high schools  to showcase student artworks depicting the lighthouse, river life, and local lore. These works will be accompanied by poetry and long-form writing created in the classroom. Athens; 10/12-10/13, 12:00pm-5:00pm. Free.

Venture to the Time and the Valleys Museum to explore fall farm activities like harvesting, canning, and root cellar storage at the 1930s Catskill Family Farm. Experience the age-old tradition of cider making with a hand-operated cider press, a classic fall activity on farms with apple orchards. In early America, concerns over drinking water safety made cider the preferred beverage, and settlers believed it could ward off various illnesses. Grahamsville; 10/13, 1:00p-3:00pm. Members/Free, Non-members/$5.

Central New York

Class is in session! Immerse yourself in a history lesson like no other during Sensory Saturday at the Rippleton Schoolhouse, located at the Lorenzo State Historic Site. All ages and abilities are invited to step inside this one-room school and experience a hands-on journey through time to get a glimpse into student life in the late 19th century. Enjoy traditional games and activities, and explore the picturesque grounds including the formal garden, great lawn, and 1807 Federal style home of John Lincklaen, Holland Land Company agent and founder of Cazenovia, for a truly enriching day out. Cazenovia; 10/12, 1:00pm-3:00pm. Free.

Join in for a guided walking tour starting at the historic Phelps Mansion Museum, in Binghamton. Explore Downtown Binghamton’s vibrant history, as you take in its stunning architecture and notable public sculptures. This tour is inspired by the Sculpture Outdoors project, a collaboration with Binghamton University and Associate Professor Kevin Hatch. The tour will be led by Joe Schuerch, Educator at the Phelps Mansion Museum. Binghamton; 10/12, 1:30pm. Free.

Chautauqua-Allegheny

Embark on a creepy, crawly outdoor expedition at Evangola State Park. Explore the eerie side of the great outdoors on this guided walk and uncover the creatures and wildlife that call the park home. Prepare for a fun and educational experience that will showcase the sights and sounds of nature in all of its fall glory. Irving; 10/12, 10:00am-11:30am. Free.

Guys, gals, and ghouls will love the Fenton History Center’s 19th annual Saints & Sinners Cemetery walking and horse-drawn carriage tours at Lake View Cemetery, final resting place of comedy legend Lucille Ball. These historically informative tours are an excellent way to get in the spirit for All Hallows’ Eve, as costumed actors tell revealing stories about Jamestown’s famous and infamous former residents. Jamestown; Walking Tours and Carriage Tours are 10/12, Mausoleum Tours are 10/13, times vary. Walking Tours, $15/adults, $2/children. Mausoleum Tours, $20/person. Carriage Tours, $25/person.

Finger Lakes

Immerse yourself in a captivating experience at Sonnenberg Gardens, one of the Finger Lakes region’s most cherished landmarks. This New York State Historic Park features one of the few remaining Queen Anne Victorian-style mansions in America, surrounded by stunning formal gardens. Discover the estate’s rich history and its distinguished owners, Frederick Ferris and Mary Clark Thompson, while enjoying Mansion Mysteries—a live whodunnit drama set inside the Sonnenberg Mansion itself. Canandaigua; 10/12-10/13, 7:00pm-9:00pm Saturday, 4:00pm-6:00pm Sunday. Members/$30, Non-members/$35.

Are you a fan of video games and classic computer systems? Then RetroGameCon is the place to be! It features the largest interactive vintage computing exhibit on the East Coast, boasting over 50 playable classic computer systems from the mid-1970s to the late 1990s. Expect to see legendary systems like the IBM PC, Apple II, Commodore, Tandy, Amiga, and more. Beyond the nostalgia, RetroGameConoffers special guests, hundreds of exhibitor tables, industry panels, video game music, tournaments, tabletop games, free play, charity events, and incredible art. Syracuse; 10/12-10/13, 11:00am-8:00pm Saturday, 11:00am-5:00pm Sunday. Ticket prices vary.

Greater Niagara

Fall is the perfect time to visit the Medina Railroad Museum and take a leisurely, old-fashioned excursion through New York’s stunning autumn landscapes. Step aboard a vintage train for a two-hour round-trip ride through scenic woodlands along the Erie Canal. You can also enhance your journey with breakfast or lunch! After your ride, explore the Medina Railroad Museum, home to New York State’s largest Railroad and Toy Train exhibit. Medina; 10/12-10/13, 10:00am & 1:00pm. Prices range from $24 to $52 per person.

Credit: @kryptonist on Instagram

Discover the important people and events that shaped and preserved our nation’s oldest state park on this guided walk through Niagara Falls State Park. As you stroll through the Frederick Law Olmsted-designed landscape, spanning over 400 acres of lush terrain and scenic trails, you’ll learn about the visionaries who fought to protect this natural wonder. Along the way, encounter wildlife and explore exciting attractions like the Maid of the Mist, Cave of the Winds, Niagara Adventure Theater, and the Niagara Scenic Trolley. With breathtaking views of the falls as your backdrop, this hike seamlessly blends nature and history, dating back to 1885, and brings the park’s rich heritage to life with every step. Niagara Falls; 10/12, 2:00pm-3:30pm. Free.

Hudson Valley

If you’re a fan of historic homes, Glenview is a must-see. This 1877 residence, designed by esteemed architect Charles W. Clinton, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. On a guided tour, you’ll explore six fully restored period rooms, marveling at the fine woodwork, elegant furnishings, artwork, and stunning architectural details that make Glenview one of the most significant Gilded Age homes open to the public. Plus, if you love HBO’s The Gilded Age, you’ll recognize it as Mrs. Astor’s home from seasons 1 and 2 of the Emmy Award–winning series by Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes. Yonkers; 10/12-10/13, 1pm & 3pm. Prices range from $13-$20 per person.

History often highlights the heroic deeds of men during the Revolution, and now at the Stony Point Battlefield State Historic Site you’ll get to hear the stories of the courage of women in the time of war. In this illustrated lecture, Site Interpreter Susan Overgard will shine a spotlight on the brave American and British women who played key roles in the Revolutionary War. She will also debunk a few popular legends that emerged after the war, offering a more accurate portrayal of their contributions. Call 845-786-2521 for a reservation. Stony Point; 10/12, 2pm-3pm. Free.

Long Island

Get into the spirit of the season at Sagtikos Manor’s Fall Festival. There will be crafts, pumpkin painting, a puppet show, games, and a costume dress-up area for the kids along with a variety of activities and demonstrations, including quilting, spinning, beekeeping, tinsmithing, sheep shearing, historic cooking, and live music. The 67th Civil War Regiment will also be encamped on-site, performing drills and routine maneuvers. The event also features “Mourning at the Manor,” which brings you through the historic 42-room house to experience the solemn steps of a Victorian era mourning ritual, including a funeral procession to the family cemetery for one of the members of the Thomas-Gardiner family, who resided in the manor for over 200 years. Bay Shore; 10/13, 10:00am-4:00pm. Adults/$12, Seniors/$10, Children/$6, Children under 5 are free.

Step back in time with a guided walking tour of historic Oyster Bay, where the past comes alive with every step. The 2-hour Oyster Bay Historic Walk covers a 1.5-mile loop that takes you to key historic sites, each revealing stories of the town’s vibrant colonial roots and its pivotal role in America’s early history. From the serene Fort Hill Cemetery to the bustling waterfront once alive with oyster harvesting and pirate tales, and past churches that have stood for centuries, this tour weaves together a fascinating narrative. Hear about notable figures like George Washington’s spy, Robert Townsend, and Theodore Roosevelt. Oyster Bay; 10/12, 10:00am-12:00pm. $25/non-member, $20/member.

New York City

You’re in for a grand slam of a day at Fort Totten Park! Watch the New York Mutuals take on the Brooklyn Atlantics in an exciting re-creation of an 1880s baseball game, played just as it was back then. The teams will be dressed in authentic 19th-century uniforms and use replica balls and bats from the era—no gloves, as they hadn’t been invented yet! After the game, the players will answer questions from the audience and invite children to try fielding grounders. It’s a fun-filled way to experience the history of America’s favorite pastime. Fort Totten; 10/12, 11:00am-2:00pm. (Rain date 10/13.) Free.

Discover Seneca Village, the largest community of free African-American property owners in pre–Civil War New York. On this tour, you will read the physical landscape of Seneca Village to understand the particular value it provided to Black New Yorkers seeking refuge from the crowded conditions and racial discrimination prevalent in early 19th Century NYC. Conservancy guides offer insight into this unique community and the events that resulted in the displacement of Seneca Village residents through the process of eminent domain for the construction of a new park. Manhattan; 10/12, 2:00pm. Adults/$33, Seniors, Students, Military/$28.05, Children 12 and under are free.

Thousand Islands-Seaway

Explore the world’s largest collection of art and archival materials from Western-American artist Frederic Remington. Art and history enthusiasts will revel in the exhibits of a renowned collection of bronze sculptures, paintings, drawings, and other artworks capturing the spirit of the Old West. Ogdensburg; 10/12-10/13, 10:00am-5:00pm Saturday, 12:00pm-4:00pm Sunday. Prices range from $5-$15 per person.

Set sail for a day out on the water filled with exciting activities on the St. Lawrence River with the Antique Boat Museum’s Small Craft Festival! Enjoy a variety of demonstrations, presentations, and hands-on experiences, including sailboat and canoe rides, rowing sessions, model boat displays, and engaging kids’ crafts. Clayton; 10/12, 10:00am-5:00pm. $15.

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