The Chenango County Historical Society (CCHS) and the Chenango County Historian’s Office are proud to be collaborating on this summer’s “America’s Potluck & Turtle Island” festival, part of the local commemorations of America250, a national initiative centered around the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. These two organizations—along with collaborators the Chenango County Agricultural Society, Colorscape Chenango, Commerce Chenango, Live Event NY, and the Otselic Valley Fishing & Heritage Association—invite all interested community members to assist in the planning and coordination of this dynamic regional event.
Two more community dialogues will take place 5–6:30 p.m. on June 17 and July 1 at the James S. Flanagan Research Center on the CCHS museum campus, located at 43 Rexford St. The goals for these conversations are to coordinate festival logistics and determine what additional planning needs to be accomplished for hosting a successful program. “America’s Potluck & Turtle Island” welcomes the participation of libraries, arts organizations, historical societies, and other community organizations in this historic community event.
The free, family-friendly festival is scheduled to take place 4–8 p.m. on July 5 at the Chenango County Fairgrounds. Highlights of the evening include “America’s Potluck” and an outdoor performance spectacle which brings the Haudenosaunee Creation Story to life. Directed and guided by Indigenous artist and historian G. Peter Jemison and created in collaboration with French company Plasticiens Volants, the “Turtle Island” experience features a giant inflatable puppet, the Sky Woman Iroquois Dance Theater, and traditional Indigenous music to depict the birth of the world on a turtle’s back.
“This community festival is literally two-hundred and fifty years in the making,” said Jessica Moquin, CCHS executive director. “We encourage all who are interested in helping to organize this milestone event to join us for our final two planning sessions.”
First established in 1939, CCHS is the area’s premier heritage museum dedicated to celebrating local culture—its unique traditions and noteworthy stories. CCHS programs are made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature. “America’s Potluck & Turtle Island” festival is supported by the NY 250 Commission and the New York State Department of Education. CCHS is also a proud partner of Bloomberg Connects, an app that allows visitors to enhance their exhibit experience through audio clips, videos, and more. Download this free digital museum guide via the Apple Store or Google Play, and visit www.ChenangoHistorical.org for more details about this and other museum programs.
“America’s Potluck” is an opportunity for neighbors to join one another to share a communal meal, creating a sense of connection and belonging and fostering interactions among people from all walks of life. “Turtle Island,” a vibrant fusion of aerial puppetry, dance, and storytelling, is produced by Unicycle Productions LLC & Plasticiens Volants. Visit Unicycleproductionsllc.com/turtle-island to learn more.