Historical Society of Middletown, Delaware County, NY

09/04/2026

Two chances to catch up with HSM and send a message to the future this weekend! The Middletown History Center and archvies on Cemetery Road, Margaretville will be open Saturday from 10 to 1. And on Sunday we'll be at Pheasant Fest in Halcottsville, 11 to 5. Your message to Middletown folks of 2076 will be included in a notebook being buried in a time capsule at the History Center in November. What would you like to tell them about this time and this place?

08/31/2026

Marianne Greenfield covers her ear as Burr Hubbell lets loose on the tin horn during the Q&A following screening of "Calico Rebellion" at the Middletown History Center Sunday. Rudd Hubbell, left, and Jim Andrews also spoke about their familial links to the anti-rent conflict of the 1840s. A capacity crowd filled the hall but you could have heard a pin drop as Rudd donned the calico costume and leather mask that has been preserved by the Hubbells for more than 180 years. Thanks to filmmakers Victoria Kupetchinski and Misha Gutkin for a moving film about a story that still resonates.

08/28/2026

What's up with this get up? Come to the Middletown History Center Sunday for a 2 p.m. screening of Calico Rebellion and find out. The documentary about the Anti-Rent War of the 1830s and 40s has drawn big audiences and rave reviews. After the film (70 minutes) we'll meet the filmmakers and four local descendants of the farmers who protested the onerous leases on land they cleared and worked. Admission is by donation ($20 suggested, but any amount will be welcome). The History Center is located at 778 Cemetery Rd., Margaretville, 12455.

08/22/2026

Kelly family and friends gathered at Bedell Cemetery August 21 for the unveiling of a historic marker to Sylvenus Kelly, Revolutionary War veteran, who is buried in the cemetery. In addition to paying tribute to Sylvenus, the ceremony included reciting the names of 40 Revolutionary War veterans who lived in Middletown after the war. The roadside marker was contributed by the Kelly family. Pictured Friday were L. to r. Linda Kelly Armour, Jerry Kelly, John Hubbell, Randy Kelly, Joyce Kelly Martin, Karen Finch Hull and Iris Mead.

08/20/2026

Area farmers demanding more money for their milk went on strike in 1939 and stood in the way of non-striking neighbors trying to deliver milk to the Sheffield Farms creamery in Halcottsville. The nine-day strike ended when the Dairy Farmers Union accepted a slight raise per hundredweight of milk. This group was a formidable presence in Halcottsville: l. to R. Ray Roberts, Frank O’Hara, Loren Rowe, Ed Allen, Ralph Eignor, Joe O’Hara, Charlie Nichols, Elmer Bussy, Bruce Rowe.

08/13/2026

The puzzling photo posted a couple of days ago shows rebellious 'farmers' being held in a makeshift 'stockade' during an epic reenactment of the Anti-Rent War episode in which Undersheriff Osman Steele was shot and killed on a farm in Andes August 7, 1845. Dr. Albert All, long time veterinarian, is the man in the plaid shirt and overalls. The fledgling Andes Society for History and Culture produced the event in conjunction with a parade to mark the Bicentennial in 1976. Everybody in Andes was either in the cast of hundreds, or watching it. Mark your calendar for Sunday, August 30 when "Calico Rebellion," a Documentary about those tumultuous times, will be screened at 2 p.m. at the Middletown History Center, 778 Cemetery Rd., Margaretville.

08/10/2026

What are these people doing? Hint: It was 50 years ago this month. Check back tomorrow for the answer.

08/05/2026

Support the work of the Catskill Water Discovery Center at an unusual fundraiser Sat., Aug. 22. from 5 to 7. "Trail to Table: A Wild Sip & Stroll at the East Branch Nature Preserve" is an outdoor event on the nature trail next to the Catskill Watershed Corp./NYC Department of Environmental Protection building on County Route 38 (Cut off Road) in Arkville. Enjoy a gentle stroll featuring unique cocktails, mocktails & bites inspired by wild ingredients found along the trail.
The WDC, with its permanent exhibit on the making of the NYC water system and water protection programs in our watershed, is open Saturdays from noon to 4 in August. They're also holding an online raffle:

Join our nonprofit's raffle for a chance to win big while supporting our mission too! Your participation is not only a chance to win prizes, but also plays a…

07/29/2026

The Middletown History Center, 778 Cemetery Road, Margaretville welcomes visitors Saturday, August 1 from 10 to 1. Sit by the pond, bring lunch to enjoy at the picnic table, view an exhibit on historic Arkville to learn about the B.J. Harrison chair factory (pictured), and check out the genealogical and historical documents in the Nicholas J. Juried Archives. Raffle tickets for a hand-crafted clock can be purchased as well. The History Center is open the first Saturday of the month through November, or by appointment: [email protected]; 845-586-2400

07/26/2026

Bonnie MacSaveny and Tom Feterman spent some time during the July 25 Margaretville Block Party to peruse binders of historic photos at the HSM table. Hundreds of people enjoyed exhibits, activities, shopping and eating along Main Street which was a pedestrian mall for a few hours. Organizers say this will be an annual event.