2026 Calendar of Events
Sat-Sun, May 16-17 Confiscation & Occupation of Johnson Hall & Johnstown
This two-day event in Johnstown reenacts the final days of the Johnson family in Tryon County 250 years ago. Continental soldiers marched into town, arrested suspected Loyalists, then seized Johnson Hall. Lady Johnson was imprisoned & the Hall looted by soldiers, as civil war divided the community. Details online at facebook.com/events/1531667557902237 or at www.friendsofjohnsonhall.com
Thursday, June 18 Summer Garden Party, 6:00-8:00 pm
Enjoy wine & hors d’oeuvres in the garden of Old Fort Johnson on one of the longest days of the year. Period music provided by DJ Betz $25 donation - advance reservations required – Call 518-843-0300 after May 15. Held indoors in case of rain.
Wednesday, June 24 Evenings at the Fort, 6:30-8:00 pm
Jim Sefcik, “Choosing Loyalty in New York”
The Johnson family remained loyal to the King rather than join the American Revolution, but for many of their tenants & neighbors, that was a difficult choice. Retired historian Jim Sefcik talks about Loyalists in New York and why so many resisted taking the side of revolution.
Tuesday, July 14 Garden Tea, 1:00-3:00 pm
Join us in the garden for tea. $25 donation includes choice of four teas & a tower of tasty treats. Held inside the Fort in case of rain. Advance pre-paid reservations required.
Thursday, July 23 Caroga Lakes Music Festival on Tour, 6:30-8:00 pm
The Caroga Lake Music Festival comes to us with a concert on the lawn of Old Fort Johnson featuring fiddle & folk music with Eddie Barbash, Duncan Wickel & the KASA Quartet. Saratoga Arts made this free program possible through the Community Arts Regrant Program, funded by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.
Wednesday August 5 Basket Weaving Workshop, 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
Weave your choice of several basket styles with Colleen Mosenthin from Weave & Wobble, Dolgeville. All materials included in the workshop price $65 per person. Class size limited, Pre-registration required.
Tuesday, August 11 Garden Tea, 1:00-3:00 pm
Join us in the garden for tea. $25 donation includes choice of four teas & a tower of tasty treats. Held inside the Fort in case of rain. Advance pre-paid reservations required.
Wed, August 19 Ian Mumpton, “Let Them Ride Home the Stones”: Lives & Labor of the Enslaved,
6:30-8:00 pm
Between 1749 and 1776, Fort Johnson & Johnson Hall were home to several dozen enslaved men, women, and children. They came from many places, spoke many languages, and lived and labored side by side in the fields and homes of the Johnson family and their associates. Learn about ongoing research that sheds new light on this enslaved community, the realities of their daily lives, the bonds and forces that united or separated them.
Wednesday, Sept. 9 Peter Betz, “Loyalists in Tryon County: Tales from the Records”
Montgomery County Historical Society Annual Membership Meeting, 6:30 - 7:30 pm
Brief business meeting followed by a program. As the American Revolution took root here, local citizens were caught in a political power struggle between Johnson Loyalists and the Tryon County Committee of Safety. Hear some of their stories in this lively presentation by local historian Peter Betz.
Saturday, Sept 12 Garden Tea, 1:00-3:00 pm
Enjoy a late summer weekend tea in the garden. $25 donation includes choice of 4 teas & a tower of treats. Held inside the Fort in case of rain. Advance pre-paid reservations required.
Saturday, October 3 A Taste of History, 4:00-7:00 pm
A Taste of History features a dozen delicious soups to sample, fresh bread, iced tea and homemade pies. The house museum will be open to explore from 4-6:00 pm. Admission $30, teenagers $10, and kids under 12 are free. Beer & hard cider available for additional fee. All proceeds benefit the restoration of Old Fort Johnson National Historic Landmark. Tickets required & advance purchase recommended.
Saturday, October 17 Harvest Festival, 11:00 am - 4:00 pm
Celebrate the end of our 2026 season: help us make apple cider, play colonial games , decorate pumpkins & sample baked goods from our outdoor 18th century bake oven. The house museum will be open for free exploration as well.
Saturday, December 5 Holiday Teas, 11:00 am & 2:00 pm
Begin the holiday season with a festive tea in the parlors of Old Fort Johnson. Two seatings in one day. All proceeds support the restoration of the Old Fort. $30.00 non-refundable donation per person. Seating is limited and PRE-PAID Reservations are required.
