ONEIDA COUNTY, N.Y. - In response to evolving visitation and public programming patterns, the Oneida County Historical Society will be changing its public hours as of Tuesday, January 22nd.

Going forward, the society will be open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., all year. It will be closed weekends other than for prior appointments or special events.

This change is one result of a strategic plan for 2013-14 which also includes:

-Pursuing partnerships with local historical and cultural heritage groups to create an "Oneida County History Center" at the society's building;

-Expanding public use options at 1608 Genesee Street to accommodate community forums, debates, and the performing arts;

-Creating a second full-time professional staff position focused on collections, education and community outreach;

-Establishing a facility rental service to accommodate private social and corporate functions;

-Offering quality programs throughout the year that will bring history to life through reenactments, demonstrations and music.

According to OCHS director Brian Howard, all of these initiatives are under development and will be rolled out over the coming year. The society's signature fundraising events--the annual telethon and the Hall of Fame/Living Legends dinner--will continue. This year the telethon will be broadcast on Tuesday, April 16 from 6:30PM to 8:00PM on WUTR-TV.

Howard emphasized that this plan represents not so much a departure from traditional audiences, but an effort to appeal to a greater part of the community. The adoption of a 'community center' concept that accommodates heritage, culture, and current events, should enhance the society's relevance across the spectrum of this multicultural region.

The Oneida County Historical Society is a private 501(c)(3) not-for-profit educational institution and is dedicated to preserving history and promoting the culture of the Greater Mohawk Valley. Please contact the society at 735-3642 or visit the OCHS website or Facebookpage to donate or for additional information.