Revolutionary New York

September 28-30, 2026

Delta Hotel by Marriott 

Utica, NY

The Association of Public Historians of New York State (APHNYS) is pleased to announce that our 2026 Annual Conference will be held in Utica, NY, in Oneida County, September 28-30, 2026. Our annual conference draws more than 100 government-appointed historians and affiliates from across the state.

As we celebrate the semi-quincentennial of the United States, we reflect not only on the battles and sacrifices of the American Revolution, but the drastic changes in technology and culture that followed in the 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

What revolutionary ideas shaped history in your community? Was it the fight for Independence? A later social movement or technological innovation? Or perhaps there’s an event predating the Revolution that continues to shape your history? Tell us about the moment that changed everything! This year, our programs will reflect on pivotal events that have shaped New York State history.

Tours Information 

Due to rising fuel costs and bussing fees we decided that this year it’s going to be a drive (or walk) yourself tour. We have made arrangements for attendees to have the option to select one of three tours. We will send out a poll to get an idea of what tours people want to attend a few weeks before the conference. During the conference volunteers at the APHNYS desk will assist individuals who want to carpool to find a ride, if you’re riding, please give the driver a few dollars for gas. Guided tours have been arranged at all locations. None of these places charge a fee although we encourage attendees to make a donation when possible.

Option #1 – Oneida County History Center – Founded in 1876, OCHC’s mission is to protect, preserve, and share the past of Oneida County and Central New York. The organization is operated by a small but mighty staff of three, and the help of more than two dozen dedicated volunteers. Free public programs, rotating exhibits, educational opportunities for all ages, and preservation of a vast archival and artifact collection are at the core of its mission. Attendees can drive themselves the one mile to the location for a 1:00 tour or walk the one mile and see the historic architecture along Genesee Street in Utica for a 2:00 p.m. tour (Weather permitting).

Option #2 – Oriskany Monument & Oriskany Museum – Considered to be a significant turning point in the Revolutionary War, the Battle of Oriskany, fought on August 6, 1777, has been described as one of its bloodiest battles.  A monument was dedicated on August 6, 1884, to serve as a memorial to those who fought so bravely and tenaciously to preserve freedom. Oriskany Battlefield was designated a New York State historic site in 1927. In recognition of the site's exceptional historic value, the battlefield was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1963. Visitors to the battlefield are invited to walk the site and view the monument, interpretive signs, and visitor center exhibit. This site is about a 20-minute drive from the hotel, and has onsite bathrooms. The first tour would start at 1:30 and completed no later than 2:30. From Oriskany Battlefield attendees will drive 6 minutes to the Oriskany museum which works to preserve the history of the Battle of Oriskany as well as the history of the Village of Oriskany.

Option #3 – Fort Stanwix & Oriskany Monument – For thousands of years the ancient trail that connects the Mohawk River and Wood Creek served as a vital link for people traveling between the Atlantic Ocean and Lake Ontario. Travelers used this well-worn route through Oneida Indian territory to carry trade goods and news, as well as diseases, to others far away. When Europeans arrived, they called this trail the Oneida Carrying Place and inaugurated a significant period in American history. Known as "the fort that never surrendered," Fort Stanwix successfully repelled a prolonged siege, in August 1777, by British, German, Loyalist, Canadian, and American Indigenous troops and warriors commanded by British Gen. Barry St. Leger. The failed siege combined with the battles at Oriskany, Bennington, and Saratoga thwarted a coordinated effort by the British in 1777, under the leadership of Gen. John Burgoyne, to take the northern colonies, and led to American alliances with France and the Netherlands. Fort Stanwix is approximately 20 minutes from the hotel, and the tour will start at 1:30. Following Fort Stanwix attendees will make a 10-minute drive to Oriskany Battlefield for a 2:45 tour (See description above for Oriskany Monument).

Travel & Lodging

The conference will be held at the Delta Hotels Utica, located at 200 Genesee Street, Utica, NY 13502. Please note that the hotel charges $10.00 per day for on-site parking.

The conference hotel is fully booked and no longer accepting reservations. Please check out these alternate options for accommodations:

DoubleTree by Hilton Utica
102 Lafayette St.
Located .2 miles from the conference hotel.

Hampton Inn Utica
172-180 N. Genessee St.
Located about one mile from the conference hotel.

Traveling to Utica by Train:

Amtrak service is available to the Boehlert Transportation Center, 321 Main Street, Utica, NY 13501. The railroad station is 0.7 mile from the conference hotel. 

Conference Program

View the preliminary conference schedule here. A full program will be available soon.

APHNYS Open Board Meeting

The APHNYS Board of Directors will be holding an open meeting at the conference, on Monday, September 28, 2026.

Association of Public Historians of New York State Awards

Nominations are now open! 

APHNYS will be seeking nominations for its awards, given every year at its annual conference. Nominations are submitted through our website or via email at waldentrustee@frontiernet.net. If considering multiple awards, a separate nomination must be made for each. Awards are given during the recipient's lifetime and not posthumously. 

Here are the categories for the awards:

Franklin D. Roosevelt Local Government Historian Professional Achievement Award - Awarded to an appointed historian in recognition of outstanding career achievement in the practice of Public History in New York State.

Named in memory of FDR’s service as Historian of the Town of Hyde Park in Dutchess County. Nominations open to appointed municipal historians, only.

Edmund J. Winslow Local Government Historian Award for Excellence– Awarded to an appointed historian, recognizing excellence in one or more public history projects or publications in New York State.

Named in memory of Edmund J. Winslow, Senior Historian, New York State Museum (1968-1990). Nominations open to appointed municipal historians, only.

APHNYS Award for Excellence in Promoting Local History - Awarded for excellence in promoting local history in New York State through research, writing, and other related accomplishments.

Nominations open to all, including appointed municipal historians, deputy historians and co-historians.

Hugh Hastings Award – Awarded in recognition of distinguished service to and support of the public history community, through work to promote and preserve history in New York State.

Named in honor of Hugh Hastings, the First State Historian for New York State (1895-1907). Nominations open to those other than appointed municipal historians.

Joseph F. Meany Award – Awarded in recognition of excellence in a military, maritime or labor history project or publication, in New York State.

Named in honor of Joseph F. Meany Jr., Acting Historian for New York State (1994-2001). Nominations open to all, including appointed municipal historians, deputy historians and co-historians.