About The Historical Society of Town of Colonie

In September 1971 local residents inspired by the extensive tour and exhibits at Schuyler Flatts Archeology Site led to interest in forming a Historical Society of the Town of Colonie. A few months later, the group and many of their friends met at the Lishakill Reformed Church and approved the Constitution and Bylaws, November 1971. The Society was charter by the Regent of the State of New York in 1974. Society members arranged program meeting at various sites around Town such as the Sisters of Carondelet Provincial House, Colonie Elks Lodge, Colonie Center Community Room, Shaker High School and several local churches. Society programs have been presented at the Town Library after it opened in 1976 and at Pruyn House when it opened in 1984.
The Town of Colonie: A Pictorial History was published in 1980. It was compiled by Jean S. Olton with the assistance of members Maurine Evans, Dee Hebrandson, Arthur Johnson, Elizabeth Shaver, Barbara Ruch Puig; with graphics by Elizabeth Lee.
Special events in our history have been celebrated in a variety of ways; exhibits, plays, floats, outdoor festivals for the American Revolution Bicentennial of 1976, the Albany Tricentennial, the Bicentennial of the United States Constitution of 1987, Colonie Centennial of 1995, and the Schuler Flatts 400 celebration of the anniversaries of Henry Hudson and Robert Fulton of 2009.

What We Do

The Historical Society of the Town of Colonie is dedicated to preserving our past for the future. Engaging program meetings are held at the William K. Sanford Library in October, November January and March on topics of local interest. The Annual Dinner Meeting in May has a special guest speaker. The Colonie Historical Oracle, published four times a year, is an informative newsletter illustrating Colonie's rich history. In the spring and fall we have informative field trips to area historic sites. Community events are popular summer events at Schuyler Flatts Cultural Park. Changing exhibits at the Society's Museum room at Pruyn House feature items from our collection and wonderful items of residents who helped shape our history.

Mission

Our Purpose is to stimulate an appreciation of the historical heritage of the Town of Colonie; to discover, collect and preserve any material which may help illustrate the history of Colonie; to bring about the preservation of historic buildings, monuments and sites; and to disseminate historical information.


Contact Us

Phone: (518) 782-2601
Office Hours: Please call for appointment
Address: Town Historian Office
629 Albany Shaker Road
Latham, NY 12211



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