CLINTON, N.Y. - The Clinton Historical Society has planned the busiest week – beginning on June 28 – of public events in its 46th year history for Historic Clinton/Town of Kirkland Week.

The week will help us celebrate the rich heritage of the Village of Clinton and the Town of Kirkland, and allow us to better understand the important role our early upstate communities had in the development of the United States.

Some of the events of Historic Week will celebrate the fact the Town of Kirkland was affectionately known as “School Town” with over 62 schools between the late 1700s and the present day. Many students came “East” to attend school here. One of these early schools became Hamilton College while others were centralized into the present public school.

This week of public celebrations begins on June 28 with an Opening Reception from 2 – 4 p.m. for a one-of-a-kind photography exhibition entitled, “Capturing Everyday Life in the Town of Kirkland.”

Students in grades Kindergarten through grade 12 were asked to capture the people, places, and events that make up life in our community. Many of the photographs will become part of the Society’s permanent collection of historic images. As such, they will inform the public and researchers for years to come.

On June 29, the Society will sponsor a walking tour of the Historic Village Green District from 7 – 8:30 p.m., led by town historian Richard Williams. The public should meet at the Society building at 1 Fountain Street at 7 promptly to view an informative visual presentation.

A showing of the film, ”The Barn,” is scheduled for June 31 at 7 p.m. in the Society building. Featuring many varieties of central New York barns, the film illustrates the architectural and cultural influences of the many historic barns that grace the countryside of central New York yet are quickly disappearing.

This will be a great evening to sit back and be fascinated by the ingenuity of our early crafts-people and the beautiful structures they created.

On July 1, the CHS will sponsor its popular annual Historic Car Cruise that will feature everything from powerful tricked-out hot rods to restored antique trucks and tractors.

The Society invites collectors and restorers to drive or trailer their pride and joy to the Village Parking lot across from the Society building. Car enthusiasts of all ages are encouraged to stop to enjoy the vehicles.

On July 2, a first walking tour of the historic district adjacent to the Village Green with a focus on the structures on Williams, Chestnut and Marvin Streets that were once schools. The tour will begin promptly at 7 p.m. in front of the Society building.

There is no admission for this tour. The pace will be very gentle, but participants are encouraged to wear comfortable footwear.

“Ye Olde Soda Shoppe” on July 3 will be a chance to relive the by-gone era of old fashioned soda shops and ice cream parlors.

Complete with soda phosphates and egg creams, Society volunteers are working hard to recreate the special atmosphere of some of early Clinton’s favorite gathering spots, such as Hogan’s Corner and The Sweet Shop.

Stop by and enjoy the tastes of yesteryear at 1950s prices from 7 – 8:30 p.m.

At 11 a.m. on July 4, the Society building will be open until 4:30 p.m. for all to enjoy the museum, special displays, and Photo Exhibit.

Admission is free. Later in the afternoon there will be a gala Fourth of July Parade up College Street and around the Village Green, followed by a gathering on the high school athletic field for a fireworks display at dusk.

Special group tours during Historic Clinton/Town of Kirkland Week, or throughout the summer, may be arranged by contacting clintonhistorical society@yahoo.com or writing CHS, Box 42, Clinton, NY 13323