Update (9/21/25): Mine works again after updating my phone to iOS 26. Please let me know if it’s still not working for you!
NOTE: Opening events is currently not working properly on some phones. We are hoping to have it fixed soon! In the meantime, check it out on a computer for full access or email aimee.e.holmes@gmail.com for information about a listed event.
We have a new calendar! We’re experimenting with including free cultural and educational events at other local and regional libraries, museums, and non-profits. We hope a compilation of these great events will be a valuable resource for our community. Click on the categories above the calendar to limit the results by drive time from the Bolton Free Library. Be sure to check the hosting organization’s website for schedule changes and cancellations. Note that some of the events at and within 10 minutes of our library are not free; these are denoted with a “($)” and costs are included in those descriptions.
Check back often for updates and let us know what you think!
Events in November 2025
| SunSunday | MonMonday | TueTuesday | WedWednesday | ThuThursday | FriFriday | SatSaturday |
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October 26, 2025(2 events) Join author Mark Ferrara, Professor of English at State University of New York at Oneonta and author of The Raging Erie: Life and Labor Along the Erie Canal (Columbia University Press, 2024) to discuss his recent book and some of the stories of the people who lived and worked along the banks of the canal, emphasizing the forgotten role of the poor and working class in this epochal transformation. Brian Keough, New York State Archivist will talk about and show examples of records documenting New York's canals from the earliest Erie Canal surveys to the completion and operation of the Barge Canal spanning 1794–1958 (bulk 1817–1926) and totaling over 2,560 cubic feet. These archival documents are part of the holdings of the New York State Archives and Records Administration, part of the Office of Cultural Education in the State Education Department. Join Toss the Feathers for Musical Postcards from Irish Albany & Troy, a lively program of traditional Irish music, stories, and song that celebrates the remarkable history of the Irish people in the Upper Hudson Valley. Presented on the 200th anniversary of the Erie Canal’s opening, this concert shines a spotlight on the thousands of Irish immigrants whose labor and spirit helped carve the Canal into existence. Through music, stories, songs, and slides that bring history to life, audiences will travel back to a time when Irish voices and fiddles echoed along the waterways of Albany and Troy. Presented as part of New York State History Month and the Erie Canal Bicentennial, this special concert honors the enduring legacy of Irish culture and community in New York State. |
October 27, 2025
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October 28, 2025(2 events) – Join us every Tuesday in October for Folklore & Frost, a local documentary series exploring the rich history and mysterious tales of Northern New York. Each episode highlights historic sites where unexplained occurrences and ghostly legends are part of everyday life. From haunted inns and old courthouses to mysterious apparitions and strange happenings, these stories bring the past—and the paranormal—to life. Schedule:
Step into the history, hauntings, and folklore of Northern New York and discover the stories that continue to intrigue and mystify the community.  |
October 29, 2025
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October 30, 2025(2 events)   |
October 31, 2025(1 event) – Step back in time and join us for a fascinating 30-minute gallery tour of the Cohoes Mastodon, one of the New York State Museum’s most treasured fossils, led by NYSM Director of Research and Collections and Curator of Vertebrate Paleontology, Dr. Robert Feranec. Discovered in 1866 during the construction of Harmony Mill No. 3 near Cohoes Falls, this impressive creature stood about eight-and-one-half feet high and weighed between 8,000 and 10,000 pounds. During the tour, you'll learn about the mastodon’s life 13,000 years ago, uncover the research behind its unique skeletal features, and explore the distinguishing traits that set mastodons apart from mammoths. Discover the remarkable story of survival, injury, and the ancient world through this iconic relic of our planet’s history! |
November 1, 2025(2 events) Join Perry Ground (Turtle Clan, Onondaga) as he shares Stories from the People of the Longhouse. This engaging storytelling session features traditional Haudenosaunee legends that have been told for hundreds of years. Through these stories, participants will learn about the beliefs, customs, and history of the Haudenosaunee people, gaining insight into a cultural tradition that remains an important part of Haudenosaunee life today. Join Perry Ground (Turtle Clan, Onondaga) to take a fresh look at a familiar holiday. Through stories and discussion, Perry guides participants in exploring the deeper history and culture behind Thanksgiving, uncovering common misconceptions and shedding light on perspectives often overlooked. This session invites curiosity, reflection, and conversation, giving participants a chance to see Thanksgiving through a new lens. |
November 2, 2025(2 events) – Join us for a special program with award-winning local author Nancy Castaldo, as she shares stories from her inspiring children’s book Riverkeeper: Protecting an American River and Whales in the City. Through these tales of environmental activism on the Hudson River and in New York Harbor, Nancy will inspire young readers and their families to protect the waters and wildlife closest to home. After storytime, meet NYSM Curator of Ichthyology Dr. Jeremy Wright, who will be on hand to answer your questions about fish, rivers, and conservation. Then, get creative with a hands-on craft inspired by our local waterways. This uplifting program celebrates the power of community action, the beauty of nature, and the small steps we can all take to protect our planet — one river at a time. Join acclaimed historian and bestselling author Russell Shorto for a compelling lecture on his new book, Taking Manhattan: The Extraordinary Events That Created New York and Shaped America. In this thrilling and deeply researched narrative, Shorto explores the dramatic events of 1664, when England set its sights on the Dutch-controlled city of New Amsterdam. What unfolded was not only a military conquest, but a complex negotiation between empires and cultures that would give birth to the city we now know as New York. With his blend of storytelling and scholarship, Russell Shorto brings to life the paradox at the heart of New York and America’s origin story as a place of promise built on displacement, resilience, and reinvention. This program is presented in collaboration with the New York State Museum, the New York State Archives Partnership Trust, and donations in Stefan Bielinski’s honor. Stefan Bielinski (1946–2024) was a historian at the New York State Museum for 43 years, devoting his life’s work to the Colonial Albany Social History Project. |
November 3, 2025
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November 4, 2025(3 events)  Brought to you with the support of WMHT, join us for a screening of Native America: New Worlds. Native innovators lead a revolution in music, building, and space exploration. From the surface of Mars to the New York City hip hop scene to the Pine Ridge Reservation, Native traditions are transforming life on Earth and other worlds. New Worlds dares to ask, what is in Native America’s future and how will Native people across this nation continue to harness Indigenous knowledge? It explores the growing power of contemporary Native innovators and how their bold new designs are impacting life across the globe—and even outer space. What lies at the heart of their revolutionary approach? Across Native America, answers emerge in the diverse ways they apply their deeply held traditions to transform the modern world. |
November 5, 2025(1 event) November 5, 2025 – November 6, 2025 Registration required: The Wild Center Over 100 high school students from various schools and community groups across Northern New York State will be in attendance! We combine informative plenary sessions and workshops in a fun atmosphere for a powerful 2-day educational experience. At the Summit, students will develop a climate action plan that they can use to implement climate solutions in their own community. Young people will leave ready to accelerate change in their lives, schools and communities. |
November 6, 2025(3 events) November 5, 2025 – November 6, 2025 Registration required: The Wild Center Over 100 high school students from various schools and community groups across Northern New York State will be in attendance! We combine informative plenary sessions and workshops in a fun atmosphere for a powerful 2-day educational experience. At the Summit, students will develop a climate action plan that they can use to implement climate solutions in their own community. Young people will leave ready to accelerate change in their lives, schools and communities.  |
November 7, 2025(1 event) Join Dr. Chuck Ver Straeten, Curator of Sedimentary Rocks, for a hands-on exploration of sedimentary rocks and learn how to "read" their history. Discover how the features visible in these rocks reveal clues about past environments, from ancient seas to volcanic landscapes. Whether you're a budding geologist or just curious about the natural world, this interactive session will help you understand the fascinating processes behind rock formation and the stories they tell about millions of years of Earth's history. Ideal for all ages! |
November 8, 2025(3 events) – Reservations recommended: The Wild Center In honor of Veteran's Day, The Wild Center will open our doors to our community, free of charge, on November 8. Now is the perfect time to experience The Wild Center. All visitors are welcome to curate their Wild Center experience by exploring Wild Walk, Stickwork, Raquette River Roll, Forest Music and the Pines Play Area.; heading inside to relax with the River Otters; seeing a featured film in the Flammer Theater; or strapping on a VR headset and experiencing flight on Birdly VR. – Discover the beauty and tradition of cornhusk artistry in this hands-on workshop led by Bernadette Scott (Deer Clan, Seneca) residing on the Cattaraugus Territory, NY. Participants of all ages are invited to learn techniques for transforming cornhusks into beautiful, handcrafted pieces, while exploring the cultural significance of this traditional Haudenosaunee craft. Whether it’s weaving, shaping, or braiding, you’ll leave with your own unique creation and a deeper connection to the heritage carried through this enduring tradition. Bring family and friends to share in this opportunity for cultural learning and creative expression. Join us to hear world-renowned speaker Dr. Gordon Huie as he recounts his deeply moving narrative of what it was like on that fateful morning in September 2001. Known as the only recorded “Triple” connected to the attacks in New York City, Dr. Huie brings awareness through his personal photos, videos, and testimony to aspects of 9/11 that much of the world did not realize. A former U.S. Army combat medic, and later a medical officer in the U.S. Air Force, Dr. Huie went on to a distinguished career as an orthopedic surgeon before retiring. His story is one of extraordinary service, sacrifice, and resilience, offering a rare and unforgettable perspective on one of the most defining moments in modern history. This free public event will also be eligible for Continuing Teacher and Leader Education (CTLE) credit for classroom educators. |
November 9, 2025(1 event) – Join the New York State Museum and WMHT for a family-friendly celebration of Sesame Street! Explore the beloved Sesame Street exhibit and see the iconic set up close, then enjoy a day filled with crafts, music, and videos highlighting your favorite moments from the show. Come celebrate the show that has helped children everywhere grow smarter, stronger, and kinder! Please note: This event does not feature live costumed characters, just the magic of the exhibit and activities that honor 56 years of learning, laughter, and music on Sesame Street. |
November 10, 2025
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November 11, 2025
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November 12, 2025
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November 13, 2025(3 events)
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November 14, 2025(1 event) Join Barry Dale, Principal Investigator with the Cultural Resource Survey Program (CRSP), for an engaging look into the world of archaeology. Barry’s research spans a wide range of topics, from burial traditions and historic industries to military sites and insights into daily life uncovered in the archaeological record. Visitors are invited to stop by, ask questions, and learn more about the work of CRSP and the methods archaeologists use to uncover and interpret the past. This program takes place inside the exhibit Beneath the City: An Archaeological Perspective of Albany, where you’ll be surrounded by real artifacts that bring Albany’s hidden history to life. |
November 15, 2025(3 events) Experience the creativity and energy of modern dance up close with the Ellen Sinopoli Dance Company at the New York State Museum. Using a simple mat as their stage, the dancers invite audiences to gather around and enjoy an afternoon of artistry, spontaneity, and fun. Each performance blends selections from the company’s extensive repertoire with new works created just for this series, ensuring that no two programs are ever the same. Free and family-friendly, this pop-up performance makes dance accessible to all—no stage, no lights, just pure movement and imagination. – Join Jane Wilcox for an engaging dive into the holdings of the New York State Archives at the Cultural Education Center in Albany. Discover both familiar and hidden resources that can help advance your New York research, including a live demonstration of the online Finding Aids. Learn practical tips for navigating records that may hold clues to your family history and uncover new paths for your genealogical journey. Registration encouraged: New York State Museum Join WMHT Field Trip Hosts Matt & Nicole for a special premiere screening of Field Trip Visits the American Revolution! This 30-minute program highlights the rich Revolutionary history of the New York by spotlighting hands on visits to sites such as Fort Ticonderoga, Saratoga National Battlefield Park, Johnson Hall State Historic Site, the New York State Museum, and more! After the screening, join Matt and Nicole for a special tour with NYSM staff of the Gunboat at Ground Zero exhibit. |
November 16, 2025(2 events) – Drop in between 10:00–11:00 a.m. for a creative, family-friendly program led by State Librarian Lauren Moore! Explore fascinating images from the New York State Library’s Special Collections, then turn your favorite into wearable art. Learn more about the treasures preserved in the State Library while making a button to take home. All ages welcome! Join respected scholar and principal of the newly formed Niagara Academy for Indigenous Relationships, Rick Hill (Tuscarora, Six Nations of the Grand River, Beaver Clan), for a thought-provoking lecture exploring the complex legacy of George Washington from an Indigenous perspective. While Washington is often celebrated as the nation’s first president and a symbol of American democracy, his policies, and military campaigns—including the devastating Sullivan-Clinton Campaign—left lasting impacts on Native communities. Hill will offer a grounded and insightful reflection on these histories, illuminating how the Haudenosaunee experienced and remember Washington’s leadership. This program is presented in conjunction with the exhibition George Washington: An American Paradox, which examines the contradictions of Washington’s life as both a champion of liberty and a perpetuator of slavery and violence. As we approach the nation’s 250th anniversary in 2026, this conversation invites the public to engage more deeply with the tensions and legacies of the founding era, fostering a fuller and more honest understanding of America’s past. |
November 17, 2025
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November 18, 2025(1 event) Come join us on the 3rd Tuesday of each month. You don’t need to read the book to come to our meetings.  |
November 19, 2025(1 event) |
November 20, 2025(1 event) |
November 21, 2025(2 events) Discover the beauty of history through feathers! Join Robyn Gibson, History Department Rights and Reproductions Manager at the New York State Museum, as she shares stunning feathered fans—from peacock to ostrich—straight from the Museum’s collection. After seeing these historic treasures up close, children can get creative in a hands-on craft activity, designing and decorating their very own colorful fans to take home. Enjoy this fun, interactive program for little historians and makers alike! – |
November 22, 2025(1 event) Join historian and author Dr. Thomas Guiler, Director of Museum Affairs at the Oneida Community Mansion House, for an engaging talk exploring the rise of communal Arts and Crafts Movements in early 20th-century America. Drawing from his newly released book, The Handcrafted Utopia: Arts and Crafts Communities in Progressive America (Couper Press, 2025) Dr. Guiler examines the rich histories of visionary communities like Rose Valley, Byrdcliffe, and Roycroft—utopian experiments where artists and idealists sought to merge beauty, labor, and social reform. Discover how these communities used handcrafted decorative arts as a means of building more meaningful lives and learn about the unique role New York State played in this transformative cultural moment. A Q&A and book signing will follow the presentation. |
November 23, 2025(1 event) Become an Artifact Detective! Join a New York State Museum archaeologist for a Thanksgiving-themed story and look at real artifacts. Discover how people long ago gathered, prepared, and shared their food in this fun, family-friendly adventure through history—where every object tells a story! |
November 24, 2025
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November 25, 2025(2 events) Brought to you with the support of WMHT, join us for a screening of Native America: Women Rule celebrating the power and leadership of Native women past and present. Native women are leading, innovating, and inspiring in the arts, politics, and protecting the planet. Native America explores the diverse ways they carry forward deep traditions to better their communities, their lands, and the world. They are building on a proud legacy of Indigenous women’s leadership that stretches back to time immemorial. Even as European kings and nations sought patriarchal dominion over the New World, Native communities continued to prioritize women as goddesses, healers, and leaders. And to this day, Native women remain a central force in their communities and beyond, and increasingly serve as a guiding light for gender equality worldwide. |
November 26, 2025
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November 27, 2025(1 event) |
November 28, 2025(2 events) – Celebrate late fall with this cozy, hands-on craft! Make charming, felted acorns in a fun, family-friendly activity that’s enjoyable for all ages. Join a New York State Museum Educator for a fun and interactive walk-through Outcasts: Mary Banning’s World of Mushrooms. Together we’ll explore the colorful mushroom illustrations of Mary Elizabeth Banning, learn about her adventurous spirit, and discover how she followed her curiosity even when science wasn’t always welcoming to women. This guided tour is a great way for families to experience the exhibit, ask questions, and see how mushrooms—often thought of as “outcasts” in nature—can inspire wonder, creativity, and new ways of thinking about the natural world. |
November 29, 2025
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November 30, 2025(1 event) – Step into the world of robotics with Snapology! In this hands-on workshop, kids will design and build robots that move and act like real animals. From hopping frogs to flapping birds, young engineers will explore animal adaptations while learning the basics of robotics and engineering. Drop in, build, and let your creature come to life! |
December 1, 2025
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December 2, 2025(2 events) |
December 3, 2025
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December 4, 2025(2 events)  |
December 5, 2025
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December 6, 2025
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