Author's Hour with Schoharie County Historian and Reenactor Jeff O'Connor
Author's Hour with Schoharie County Historian and Reenactor Jeff O'Connor, Sunday, November 5 at 2:00pm at Judd Hall, Jefferson, New York
For Jeff O'Connor of Cobleskill, history has been a lifelong interest, but the Colonial and Revolutionary War history of Schoharie County, the surrounding region, and well beyond, inspired countless hours of research. Jeff honed his interpretive skills first as a docent at the Old Stone Fort Museum and then as commanding officer of the innovative Stone Fort Volunteer Militia, a family-oriented introductory living history program from 2001 to 2010. The heart of this program then, and primary focus of Jeff's approach to interpreting history now, is to employ interactive presentations that fully engage audiences and invite participation to maximize the "fun factor" in learning about history.
For a quarter of a century, Jeff has presented lectures, living history programs, events, and supported others on their own projects. Since 2015, he and his wife Pam have operated Turning Point 1777, historical guided walking and driving tours of Schoharie County. In addition to tours, he presents lectures and other programs.
Jeff has published five books on Schoharie County and environs since 2002. Skohere and the Birth of New York's Western Frontier - 1609-1731 Vol II 1687-1702 (2023) is the latest: The most controversial period in Provincial New York's history begins with the Glorious Revolution in England. Provincial New York faces political upheaval just as a new, bloody, war begins.
Figures closely related to the Schoharie Valley are thrust into prominent roles during Jacob Leisler's Rebellion and its lasting impact on New York's political landscape. Greed, corruption, revenge, and piracy dominate the narrative.
Nicholas Bayard's Skohere Patent is among several fraudulent Extravagant Grants that sow discord among the Five Nations. The narrative culminates with the return of Mohawks to the Schoharie Valley after a century of vacancy, just as Queen Anne ascends the throne of England and another, even more destructive, war begins.
Join us on Sunday, November 5 at 2:00 pm at Judd Hall in Jefferson as Jeff takes us into a formative period of the valley's history that has never been fully told. Refreshments will be served.
For Jeff O'Connor of Cobleskill, history has been a lifelong interest, but the Colonial and Revolutionary War history of Schoharie County, the surrounding region, and well beyond, inspired countless hours of research. Jeff honed his interpretive skills first as a docent at the Old Stone Fort Museum and then as commanding officer of the innovative Stone Fort Volunteer Militia, a family-oriented introductory living history program from 2001 to 2010. The heart of this program then, and primary focus of Jeff's approach to interpreting history now, is to employ interactive presentations that fully engage audiences and invite participation to maximize the "fun factor" in learning about history.
For a quarter of a century, Jeff has presented lectures, living history programs, events, and supported others on their own projects. Since 2015, he and his wife Pam have operated Turning Point 1777, historical guided walking and driving tours of Schoharie County. In addition to tours, he presents lectures and other programs.
Jeff has published five books on Schoharie County and environs since 2002. Skohere and the Birth of New York's Western Frontier - 1609-1731 Vol II 1687-1702 (2023) is the latest: The most controversial period in Provincial New York's history begins with the Glorious Revolution in England. Provincial New York faces political upheaval just as a new, bloody, war begins.
Figures closely related to the Schoharie Valley are thrust into prominent roles during Jacob Leisler's Rebellion and its lasting impact on New York's political landscape. Greed, corruption, revenge, and piracy dominate the narrative.
Nicholas Bayard's Skohere Patent is among several fraudulent Extravagant Grants that sow discord among the Five Nations. The narrative culminates with the return of Mohawks to the Schoharie Valley after a century of vacancy, just as Queen Anne ascends the throne of England and another, even more destructive, war begins.
Join us on Sunday, November 5 at 2:00 pm at Judd Hall in Jefferson as Jeff takes us into a formative period of the valley's history that has never been fully told. Refreshments will be served.