Oneida County History Center Sesquicentennial Fund
The Oneida County History Center Sesquicentennial Fund is an agency fund established to commemorate the organization’s 150th anniversary in 2026 and to raise $2.5 million to support ongoing efforts to preserve and share Oneida County history. Donations will support capital projects, maintenance of the History Center’s 1608 Genesee Street property, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and operations, including professional staffing, collection supplies, and programmatic expenses.
Overview
Oneida County History Center, founded in 1876, has spent the last century and a half dedicated to preserving and sharing the past of Oneida County and central New York. Free public programs, rotating exhibits, educational opportunities for all ages, and the preservation of archival and artifact collections are at the core of its mission.
Early leaders included Governor Horatio Seymour and Thomas Proctor, and the organization's first major project was raising funds to build the Oriskany Monument, which remains a visible landmark today. As the region grew and welcomed newcomers from around the world, the History Center expanded its mission, becoming a hub for history, education, and community engagement.
The History Center is embarking on a vital capital project to install an energy-efficient, fully electric HVAC system that will safeguard its irreplaceable collections while creating a welcoming, comfortable space for visitors year-round. Whether your roots in the region span generations or you are new to the community, a donation during this landmark 150th anniversary campaign will help preserve our shared heritage. Together, these investments will honor the stories that connect the community and ensure they continue to inspire future generations for the next 150 years.
To make a gift by check, please make checks payable to the Oneida County History Center Sesquicentennial Fund, mailed to the Community Foundation, 2608 Genesee St., Utica, NY 13502.
