The New York History Blog

Historical News and Views from the Empire State

Nellis Tavern

Historic Nellis Tavern Fundraiser Sat, Oct 13th

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The Palatine Settlement Society has invited the public to its annual “Afternoon at the Tavern”  on Saturday, October 13, 2018 from 1 to 4 pm, at the historic 1747 Nellis Tavern on State Route 5 in St. Johnsville, Montgomery County, NY.

There will be a variety of beer and cider provided by Wolf Hollow and Rogers Cidery. Soup and bread will also be served. Tickets, available in advance, are $15 per person with a limited number of tickets available at the door. [Read more…] about Historic Nellis Tavern Fundraiser Sat, Oct 13th

Antique Show to Benefit Historic Nellis Tavern

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The Palatine Settlement Society’s 13th Annual Antique Show inside the Great Hall at the Arkell Museum is set for Saturday, March 3rd from 10 am to 4 pm. All proceeds will go directly to the restoration and continued preservation of the historic 1747 Nellis Tavern.

This show offers a range of antiques and collectibles from over two dozen dealers who will be exhibiting and selling items such as furniture, quilts, books, tools, postcards, paintings, toys, china, jewelry and more. [Read more…] about Antique Show to Benefit Historic Nellis Tavern

Mohawk Country Heritage Association Forms

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Picture1The Fort Plain Museum is taking the lead in organizing a new marketing association for the Mohawk Valley’s numerous 18th century historic sites.  The new association will work to promote eight historic sites in western Montgomery County all within 4 to 6 miles of Exit 29 on the New York State Thruway.

Billed as “Mohawk Country, America’s First Frontier” the association’s first marketing effort has targeted the month of July. [Read more…] about Mohawk Country Heritage Association Forms

‘Chairs of the Turnpike Tavern Era’ Exhibit at Nellis Tavern

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NellisTavern2013The historic Nellis Tavern museum on State Highway 5 east of St. Johnsville in Montgomery County will present “A Handsome Assortment: Chairs of the Turnpike Tavern Era,” an exhibit scheduled for September 21-22, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

The “turnpike era” in upstate New York corresponded roughly with the first half of the nineteenth century. The exhibit will feature examples of the types of seating pieces which would have been found in common use in establishments like Nellis Tavern during its heyday between 1800 and 1840, when it faced the Mohawk Turnpike (present State Highway 5). Today, objects like these are regarded as distinctive examples of early American artisanship. They are often examples of early American mass production, as well. [Read more…] about ‘Chairs of the Turnpike Tavern Era’ Exhibit at Nellis Tavern

Nellis Tavern: War of 1812 Songs and Stories

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The historic Nellis Tavern museum east of St. Johnsville (Montgomery County) will present performer and researcher Dave Ruch on Saturday, May 5, in a special concert entitled “The War of 1812 – Songs and Stories from New York and Beyond.” The program will begin at 2 p.m.

With guitar, mandolin, banjo, jew’s harp, bones, and voice, Dave Ruch interprets the traditional and historical music of the New York State region. For this program, Ruch presents a ringing portrait of the War of 1812 through the songs and stories of the people themselves.


Ruch has dug deeply into archival recordings, diaries, old newspapers and other historical manuscripts to unearth a wealth of rarely-heard music which, alongside some of the classics from the war period, offers a rounded and fascinating picture of this “second war of independence.” Special emphasis is given to New York State’s important role in the conflict.

By the War of 1812, the Nellis Tavern, originally built about 1747 facing the Mohawk River, had been enlarged and faced the recently completed Mohawk Turnpike (NYS highway 5). The turnpike was an important thoroughfare during the war, and the tavern served a host of travelers, military and civilian alike. Ruch will perform music which might have been heard in the tavern two hundred years ago.

Ruch travels widely from his home base in Buffalo, giving hundreds of performances each year for schools, museums, historical societies, libraries, festivals, community events and more. He will appear at the Nellis Tavern as a Speaker in the Humanities sponsored by the New York Council for the Humanities.

Admission is free and open to the public.

For more information, contact the Palatine Settlement Society at 518-922-7051.