Historian and author Jeff O’Connor of Turning Point 1777 will lead a walkabout in the Village of Middleburgh on Saturday, September 16.
The unique relationship between the Palatines and Mohawk people will be explored on the loop, which will take approximately one-and-a-half - two hours to complete.
The walkabout begins in front of the Middleburgh Jr./Sr. High School at 10am.
It’s free, no reservations are needed. Rain or shine.
For more information, email colonialny@turningpoint1777.com or calling (518)823-4307.
The walkabout narrative will present the experiences of the Palatines in the Schoharie Valley and their relationship with the Mohawk people who lived nearby.
“The bridge that connected these neighbors was young Conrad Weiser, who learned the Mohawk language and culture that became the foundation of a lifelong career as a prominent interpreter,” Mr. O’Connor explained.
Mr. Weiser’s father, Johan Conrad Weiser, led about 150 families to the Schoharie Valley beginning in late 1712. The circumstances behind their arrival, and the events that led to many leaving the valley, will be featured.
The Palatine story is a Mohawk one as well.
“The Mohawks provided these downtrodden families land, food, and support that meant the difference between life and death,” Mr. O’Connor said.
The circumstances of their return to the Schoharie Valley after a period of vacancy, and why land was set aside for the Palatines will also be featured on the 1.5 mile walkabout.
The course of the walkabout will highlight places and natural landscapes that were familiar to both the Palatines and Mohawk people.
The walkabout pulls from Mr. O’Connor’s “Skohere and the Birth of New York’s Western Frontier 1609-1731” trilogy book series.
“While portions of the Palatine and Mohawk stories appear in the narratives of our several guided walking tours of Schoharie County, this walkabout focuses on how these two compelling stories come together as a single great one,” he said.
It is this story that previews Mr. O’Connor’s last volume in the series and which the first two published volumes work toward.
Mr. O’Connor is an accomplished historian who has a deep connection to the Schoharie County historical community.
He and his wife Pam team up as Turning Point 1777 to provide guided walking and driving tours in Schoharie County, authentic historic flag reproductions, and publications.
For more information, visit www.turningpoint 1777.com.