Jul 24 Friday
Join FOCUS for a hybrid public forum where panelists will explore the future of transportation in Central New York and the shared responsibility of building a connected, accessible, and sustainable network for all residents. This discussion is informed by local conditions, recent developments, and ongoing efforts to ensure safe, reliable, and equitable mobility across our communities. Panelists will provide an overview of transportation planning, infrastructure investment, and mobility initiatives across Onondaga County and the City of Syracuse, drawing on their professional roles and direct experience managing, developing, and improving local transit and transportation systems. The conversation will highlight public agencies and planning organizations, and the ways residents can stay informed and engaged in shaping how our region moves. The Forum will emphasize practical civic participation, including understanding local transportation planning processes, supporting multimodal and transit initiatives, and engaging with community partners, while allowing panelists to address emerging issues and priorities as they see fit. After opening remarks from our panel, the conversation moves to a moderated Q&A, giving attendees the opportunity to ask questions and discover ways to engage with local priorities and initiatives. This is a welcoming, respectful space for community members to learn, engage, and explore ways to be actively involved in shaping the civic life of Central New York.
Aug 01 Saturday
Connect with local history and lend a helping hand! Channel the spirit of the old Oneida Community "Bees"—the historic communal work parties of the past—and help us restore and preserve these beautiful monuments.
Event DetailsWhen: Saturday, August 1, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Rain Date: Saturday, August 22, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Where: Oneida Community Cemetery (Meet on the front porch of the Mansion House)
Cost: Free! (RSVP is strongly recommended so we can track headcount)
About the EventEstablished in the 1860s, the Oneida Community Cemetery is a vital piece of our shared heritage. Over the decades, its historic headstones have accumulated dirt, vegetation, and natural wear and tear.
OCMH will provide the water, specialized cleaning agents, and some basic materials, but this event is BYOB (Bring Your Own Brush)!
⚠️ Critical Brush Guidelines: To protect the historic integrity of the stones, your brush must have nylon or fabric bristles. A standard scrub brush or even an old toothbrush works perfectly. Absolutely no metal or wire bristles allowed, as they will permanently damage the headstones!
Come dressed for outdoor work, meet your neighbors, and help us keep history shining. We look forward to seeing you there!
Aug 12 Wednesday
April - Nov Engage With GageTo celebrate Matilda’s 200th Birthday we will be reading her book, Woman, Church & State in sections throughout the remainder of the year. All sessions take place on the second Wednesday of the month and start at 5:30pm. Participants are welcome to attend in person at the Gage Center or online via zoom. Each session is $10/person or sign up for all sessions (Complete WCS Series) for $75.
Aug 15 Saturday
Preserving your past, one discovery at a time!
The OCMH Genealogy Club is a community dedicated to providing the perfect space for researchers to share their recent discoveries, troubleshoot difficult "brick walls," and learn new archival techniques.
Open to the public: You do not need to be an Oneida Community descendant to join! Whether you are just starting your tree or you’re a seasoned researcher navigating DNA results, our bi-monthly gatherings offer a supportive space to celebrate all family histories without the pressure of a weekly commitment.
Meeting Details
Frequency: Every two months - August 15th, October 17th & December 19th 2026
Location: The Mansion House.
Experience Level: All levels welcome—from "I just started yesterday" to "I've been at this for 30 years."
Our relaxed schedule is designed for busy people who want to stay connected to the genealogy community while having plenty of time to do their own "digging" in between meetings. A two-month gap allows you the time to:
Dig into online archives.
Visit family members.
Organize your latest finds to share with the group.
Ready to dig into your roots?
Grab a coffee, bring your computer and a pedigree chart, and join us at the Mansion House to find some ancestors together!
Aug 28 Friday
Join FOCUS for a hybrid public forum exploring how Central New York is building and reshaping its workforce system, and what it means for residents, employers, and the broader civic community. Across the region, training programs, workforce development systems, and employers are working to respond to changing skill demands and evolving economic conditions. This conversation brings together ERIE21, CenterState CEO, and the Manufacturers Association (MACNY) to examine how these systems interact in practice; where alignment is happening, where gaps remain, and what it takes to translate training into sustainable opportunity. The discussion will focus on how workforce pipelines are formed and supported across education and industry, how employers communicate and adapt to talent needs, and how regional partnerships are shaping access to careers in a changing economy. Importantly, the forum will also highlight how residents can play an active civic role in this system, not only by preparing for opportunities, but by engaging with the policies, partnerships, and decisions that shape workforce development across Central New York. After opening remarks from our panel, the conversation moves to a moderated Q&A, giving attendees the opportunity to ask questions and discover ways to engage with local priorities and initiatives. This is a welcoming, respectful space for community members to learn, engage, and explore ways to be actively involved in shaping the civic life of Central New York.
Sep 09 Wednesday
Oct 01 Thursday
“Communal History is American History”
The Communal Studies Association is an interdisciplinary organization for people living in intentional communities, historic site personnel and academics representing topics including history, anthropology, religious studies, sociology, political science, and others.
Each year, the CSA’s annual conference is held at the site of an historic intentional community, and this year OCMH has the privilege of hosting the event.
To learn more about the three-day program and to register for the event, visit https://communalstudies.org/annual-conference/
Oct 02 Friday
Oct 03 Saturday
Oct 07 Wednesday