Walking History Tours

Learn something new and join us on our Walking History Tours:

WAR OF 1812 WITH RICHARD WINES, April 15, 1:00 – 3:00 pm

Hallockville historian Richard Wines, author of “Defense of the Eagle” about the War of 1812 battle that took place in the northwest corner of Hallock State Park, will lead a Walk and Talk about the engagement. The program will start in the park’s visitor center with an illustrated talk about the engagement in which local militia held off three British warships for three days. Weather permitting, we will drive to the upper parking lot and walk about a quarter mile to a clifftop location overlooking the battle site.

ARCHITECTURE AT HALLOCKVILLE WITH ZACH STUDENROTH, May 6, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm

Hallockville’s architecture spans the period from 1765 – 1938. The tour will take a moment to step back in history and consider what rural families experienced in building their homes, barns, and other structures. The Hallock Homestead and its outbuildings brought living and working on a traditional farm to life; The workrooms, laundry rooms, outhouse, and smoking shed were all a part of that experience. Today, our administrative offices reside in an 1838 home and the newest farmhouse is the Cichanowicz House which dates from the early 1900s. The Naugles Barn was built in 1938. Walking along Sound Avenue gives us a chance to see the variety of buildings and appreciate the authenticity of the Hallockville Museum Farm.

THE POLISH IMMIGRANT EXPERIENCE WITH PAUL HOFFMAN, June 3, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm

The program will begin with an illustrated talk and discussion in the Hudson-Sydlowski House about the Polish families that landed in the Hallockville neighborhood in the late 19th and early 20th century. The Hudson-Sydlowski House was home to a Polish immigrant family from the 1920s through the 1970s. The walk – approximately one-third of a mile round trip – will visit museum buildings that tell the stories of the Polish immigrant Trubisz, Naugles, and Cichanowicz families. We will welcome any stories or photos related to the Polish immigrant experience on the East End that participants bring to share.

GARDENS AT HALLOCKVILLE WITH CHRISTINE KILLORIN, June 24, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm

Spend the morning with master gardener Christine Killorin and learn how you can turn your yard into a haven for bees, butterflies, and birds. These pollinators play a critical role in our ecosystem, but their numbers are in steep decline due to loss of habitat. Learn how to replace non-native plants, or a section of your lawn, with native plants that will provide pollinators food and shelter. Tour gardens at Hallockville illustrate two approaches – a woodland garden, and a full sun border. You will take home a native plant that will get you started!