Oneida County History Center to Unveil The Mysterious “Curious Case of Moody Peabody.”

The Oneida County History Center invites the public to a captivating historical investigation on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at 2:00 p.m.

The program, titled “The Curious Case of Moody Peabody and the Great Fire of Utica,” will be led by Patrick Reynolds, Director of Public Programs.

The presentation centers on the 2017 discovery of a previously unknown painting depicting the 1837 Great Fire of Utica. This historic blaze destroyed the western side of the 100 block of Genesee Street, the heart of its growing business district.

The rediscovery of this artwork launched a deep-dive investigation into the painting’s origin and the figures associated with it. This program follows the trail of Moody Peabody and his family of printers, detailing their involvement in illegal activities. What began as a look into Utica’s “urban renewal” through fire evolved into a scandalous revelation involving a family of printers and illegal activities that crossed international borders.

Patrick Reynolds, a graduate of the Cooperstown Graduate Program in Museum Studies, has served as the History Center’s Director of Public Programs since 2021. A talented researcher and storyteller, this program sheds new light on a largely unknown series of events in Utica’s history.

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.