Spring Lecture Series To Be Held At the Library

Note:  Cindy Russell’s 3/19/22 lecture and John Zornow’s 3/26/22 lecture are now available on the Videos page.

Covid cases continue their trend downward.   Still, we like to be cautious when we can.  So in the interest of improved safety, we will hold the Spring Lecture Series in the Community Room (downstairs) at the Newark Public Library.  It’s larger with more opportunities for ventilation than the museum.  Masks will be optional.

If it’s not the right time for you, we will be streaming the lecture live on Facebook.  Just search for “NewarkHistory” if you’re on Facebook, or go to https://www.facebook.com/NewarkHistory

The Topping Ladder Company was started by Howell Topping in 1860 in Marion, NY where it existed until 1997. The Topping family owned it from its beginning until 1965 when Clifford Topping sold the business to Connor Ladders in Rochester.
It manufactured ladders, cutting boxes, churns, wagon jacks, peach crates and croquet sets, among other things. Doug Topping, a descendant of Howell Topping, will discuss the company’s history.

The lectures start at 11 AM and are about an hour in length.  We plan to open the museum early on lecture days so that afterwards, you can just walk across the street to visit if so desired.

3/19 – Cindy Russell, “John Daggett, Jr.”

3/26 – John Zornow, “This Olde House”

4/02 – Doug Topping, “The Topping Ladder Co., Marion, NY”

Michael Keene Online Presentation To Premier On Feb 1

Michael Keene, frequent guest speaker at many New York libraries, historical societies and senior centers, is proud to present his latest local history program, “The Strange Disappearance of Captain William Morgan”.

The program will air on YouTube Premier Tues. Feb. 1, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. EST. The program is free, but registration is required: michaeltkeene.com/registration

 

William Morgan

“The Strange Disappearance of Captain William Morgan” tells the unusual but true story of a Batavia, NY resident believed to have been kidnapped from a Canandaigua jail house and murdered in order to prevent him from publishing a book that would reveal one of history’s greatest mysteries!

Told with the help of documents found kept hidden in a locked safe for over a hundred years, the “truth” of the “Morgan Affair” will finally be revealed!

 

 

Join Us for the Barn Tour – Oct 2nd

The Barn Tour is back!  It has been three years since the last edition of the always popular tour, and this one looks to be the best.  Four barns will be available for viewing on the self-guided tour, along with a stop at the Hydesville Memorial Park, home of Spriritualism.  It all starts at 10 AM on October 2, and ends at 3:00.

Special displays and demonstrations include Gary & Karen Jones with a hay trolley model demos, a quilt show by the Rose City Quilters and the Woodlane Quilters, spinning demos by Carolynn Roden, and a model of a Jennings Barn courtesy of Carol Bailey.

There’s something for everyone, and the children attend for free.  $10.00 tickets for adults include an informative pamphlet with a map of barn locations.  All proceeds go to support the Society.

Tickets may be purchased at Newark Wegmans,  Angels Attic (604 S. Main St – Thurs-Sat, 10-4), and the Museum (120 High St – Saturdays, 1-3 PM and 9 AM-3 PM on Oct 2nd).  As always, special arrangements for ticket purchases can be made by calling (315) 331-6409.