Oneida County History Center to Host “New Forest Cemetery” with Sara Mohr

Oneida County History Center will present a special program titled “New Forest Cemetery,” featuring researcher Sara Mohr on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at 2:00 p.m.

Established in 1886, Utica’s New Forest Cemetery has witnessed the city’s growth and change. Despite its historical significance as a non-profit resting place for prominent local figures, the cemetery has faced neglect and was nearly abandoned twice.

Sara Mohr will explore how the site was revived twice after falling into disrepair and share stories of influential leaders and families interred there. She will also discuss digital preservation and a recent collaborative project that used drone photography to document gravesites while training local students in modern historical preservation techniques. Students created accurate digital maps and searchable databases, ensuring information on these markers is preserved for future generations.

About the Oneida County History Center:

Located at 1608 Genesee Street, Utica, NY, Oneida County History Center is a private 501(c) (3) not-for-profit educational institution dedicated to preserving the history, heritage, and culture of  the Greater Mohawk Valley for present and future generations. Free for History Center members, $5.00 suggested admission for non-members. Please contact the History Center at 315-735-3642 or visit oneidacountyhistory.org for additional information.