The Oneida Indian Nation, in partnership with Fort Stanwix and the Rome Historical Society (RHS), is holding a fall craft fair at Fort Stanwix on Saturday, October 1 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The family-friendly event will feature Oneida and Haudenosaunee crafters and artists, and is free to attend.
Guests can peruse various authentic, hand-made Haudenosaunee items outdoors on the Fort’s lawn leading to the main entrance. One-of-a-kind jewelry, beadwork, wood carvings, textiles, ceramics, and much more will be available for sale.
The event will also feature three separate social dance presentations with Oneida and other Haudenosaunee dancers at 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., and 3:00 p.m. The beauty and complexity of Haudenosaunee dance will be on full display and guests will be able to learn more about Oneida culture.
When the dancers are not performing, the Oneida Indian Nation will be screening its award-winning animated films, “Raccoon & Crawfish” and “My Home.” In order to make them accessible to both the visitors and staff, they will be shown inside the Fort’s Gregg Barracks theatre. Announcements will be made prior to the showings and they will not to interfere with the social dance performances.
Fort Stanwix is located at 200 N. James Street in Rome. You can find the more details about the Fort Stanwix First Allies Craft Fair on Facebook.
The First Allies name is a nod to the Oneida Indian Nation’s rich history as America’s First Allies, which included defending Fort Stanwix from a British siege during the Revolutionary War.
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About the Oneida Indian Nation
The Oneida Indian Nation is a federally recognized Indian nation in Central New York. A founding member of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy (also known as the Six Nations or Iroquois Confederacy), the Oneida Indian Nation sided with the Americans in the Revolutionary War and was thanked by Congress and President George Washington for its loyalty and assistance. Today, the Oneida Indian Nation consists of about 1,000 enrolled Members, most of them living in Central New York. The Nation’s enterprises, which employ more than 4,500 people, include Turning Stone Resort Casino, YBR Casino & Sports Book, Point Place Casino, The Lake House at Sylvan Beach, Maple Leaf Markets, SāvOn Convenience stores, RV Park, marinas and The Cove at Sylvan Beach, opening Summer 2022. Proceeds from these enterprises are used to rebuild the Nation’s economic base and provide essential services, including housing, health care, and education incentives and programs, to its Members.
About the Fort Stanwix National Monument
Known as “the fort that never surrendered,” Fort Stanwix, under the command of Col. Peter Gansevoort, successfully repelled a prolonged siege, in August 1777, by British, German, Loyalist, Canadian, and American Indian 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. Troops from Fort Stanwix also participated in the 1779 Clinton-Sullivan Campaign and protected America’s northwest frontier from British campaigns until finally being abandoned in 1781. For more information about the park and its history, call 315-338-7730 or visit NPS.gov/fost, connect on Facebook, or follow on Instagram.
About the Rome Historical Society
The Rome Historical Society (RHS) was chartered by the NY State Board of Regents in 1936, through the thoughtful undertaking of a number of civically engaged Romans. Their goal was ultimately simple: to foster the study of the historic city of Rome, New York, and to share that history with as many other people as possible. At RHS, you can discover the ways Rome has adapted, grown, and changed over time, from its days as a place of portage to its early fortifications like Fort Bull and Fort Stanwix, from a small town briefly named Lynchville to the industrious city that supplied one-tenth of the world’s copper and was home to Griffiss Air Force Base. RHS is a 501 (c) (3) non- profit with headquarters located at 200 Church in Rome, NY. In addition, RHS owns and maintains three historic sites including the Lower Landing Place, Fort Bull – Fort Wood Creek, and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers of the American Revolution. RHS is also the Friends Group (Philanthropic Partner) of Fort Stanwix National Monument. To learn more, go to www.romehistoricalsociety.org, like them on Facebook, or call 315-336-5870.
