Fulton County Historical Society’s Cabin Fever Virtual Conversation Series kicks off with presentation from Johnson Hall

Grab some hot cocoa and your favorite blanket and explore Mohawk Valley history without even leaving your house! Back by popular demand, our Cabin Fever Virtual Conversation series explores broad-reaching local history and brings in historians and scholars from across the state to share their expertise. Escape the winter doldrums from the comfort of your own sofa and discover something new!

The first program kicks off on Tuesday, February 10th with “The Deputy: George Croghan and the Phenomenon of Go-Betweens in 18th Century Frontier Politics,” presented by Malcolm DePalma of Johnson Hall State Historic Site.

George Croghan was one of the most consequential go-betweens of the 18th century in North America, especially in his relevance to Sir William Johnson and the diplomatic world at Johnson Hall. Like Johnson, Croghan was an Irish immigrant who began his rise to prominence through the fur trade. He later married a Mohawk woman and was adopted into Haudenosaunee society. Recognizing Croghan’s skill and prominence as a negotiator, Sir William Johnson bestowed upon him the official title of Deputy Superintendent of Indian Affairs for the British. Working under Johnson, Croghan often negotiated on his behalf and was the primary diplomat for the British Empire on the Ohio and Pennsylvania frontier. In addition to his importance as an emissary, Crogan became well known for his involvement in land speculation. He was an integral facilitator in several treaties and land deals including the well known 1768 treaty of Fort Stanwix. Like Johnson, Croghan’s influence and legend would subside in the aftermath of the American Revolution.

This program will be held via Zoom and pre-registration is required. Please sign up at https://fultoncountyhistoricalsociety.org/events/.

Fulton County Historical Society programs are made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.