About the Aurora Ledyard Historical Society
The Village of Aurora Historical Society is now the Aurora Ledyard Historical Society, bridging the rich histories of Aurora and the Town of Ledyard.
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Check out our Winter 2025-26 Newsletter
Next Market: Tuesday, April 14 - 4:30-5:30
Since last month’s market, spring has been doing its on-again-off-again dance, but seems to be going generally in the right direction. That means many long-awaited treats will be appearing at the next market, April 14th, 4:30-5:30, at Patrick Tavern. Look for more fresh greens from Julia, bread, fair-trade chocolate and coffee, and - hurray! - eggs. Both chickens and ducks have decided it’s spring, and we can enjoy their bounty.
If you missed the fresh-frozen organic blueberries last month, or realize you’ll need more, email glenda_neff@juno.com with how many 3# bags you want. If she gets enough orders, she’ll be back.
The dinners were a big hit last month, too, and again, orders are important to schedule April’s dinner. Email Linda at lschwab.glebefarm@gmail.com if you’d like to be on the mailing list, and watch for more news.
Finally, a special shout-out to Ron for his world’s-best honey (ask him the story) and bee products; see the picture for a seasonal beeswax candle. Remember that a great way to support pollinators is to buy honey and bee products from a local producer! Watch for more news, coming soon, on the line-up, and be sure to stop by Patrick Tavern from 4:30-5:30 p.m. on April 14.
Farmers’ markets don’t have to stop in the winter; the Patrick Tavern Market will meet once a month in February, March, and April on Tuesdays 4:30-5:30 p.m. The winter focus is on providing the basics for hearty meals, including home-baked breads and desserts, local honey, and fair-trade chocolate, tea and coffee. We look forward to Cookie’s wonderful dinners and are working on contacts to expand the offerings. If you’d like to be on the announcement list, email Linda at lschwab.glebefarm@gmail.com. Winter markets are a lot of fun, and very social, with classic vinyl on the turntable and a cozy atmosphere.
Current and Upcoming Events
Ron’s beeswax candle.
Photo by Ron Woodburn.
Past Events
News
# We have successfully moved and stored Walter Wood’s 1795 law office, which functioned as the first post office west of Canajoharie, New York. Read about the move in:
The Little Building Takes a Long Trip: A Serialized Adventure!
# Ely S. Parker, a Tonawanda Seneca who went to school in Aurora, was just admitted to the New York bar—176 years after he was denied admission because he was a Native American. Parker studied at the Cayuga Academy in Aurora, where he was sponsored by Lewis Henry Morgan, for many years known as “the Father of American anthropology” and a leading figure in the relatively new field. During the Civil War, General Ulysses S. Grant’s chose Parker to be his secretary. Drafts of Robert E. Lee’s surrender documents at Appomattox Court House are thus in Parker’s handwriting. After the war Grant appointed Parker Commissioner of Indian Affairs, the first Native American to serve in that position.
CNN’s story of Ely Parker’s November 14, 2025 posthumous admission to the New York bar.
The story of Parker, Morgan, and the “Grand Order of the Iroquois” in Aurora on our website.
Ely Parker’s sister Caroline, an accomplished artist, also studied at the Cayuga Academy in Aurora. Morgan raised money to provide her and her Seneca friend Sarah Spring a year at the Academy. The Aurora Ledyard Historical Society recently devoted an exhibit in Historic Patrick Tavern (1793) to Caroline Parker’s life and work.
Announcements
Upcoming Meeting
Please join us at our next meeting on Wednesday, April 22, at 5 pm
either in person at the Ledyard Town Hall or remotely via Zoom.
If you are not already on the email list, please write to auroraledyardhistory@gmail.com so that we can send you the link to the meeting.