“…To Serve You in a Free Country” Program presented by the New Scotland Historical Association. Slavery in New York began with Dutch Settlement in the 1600s and continued until 1827. It became vital to New York’s colonial agriculture and commerce. Sam Huntington, Fort Crailo’s Asst. Director, will discuss the history of slavery in colonial New York and the enslaved African’s lives, culture, and traditions. Wyman Osterhout Community Center, 7 Old New Salem Rd., Voorheesville (New Salem) 12186.  Museum opens at 7:00. Free and open to the public.

Twas the Night Before Christmas at the Bethlehem Historical Association’s annual Silver Tea and Holiday Open House. The Silver Tea is Sunday, December 3 from 1 to 4 p.m.  Visitors will enjoy tea from our elegant silver service accompanied by treats and delicacies.  

Children’s Christmas Party hosted by Boyd Hilton VFW Post 7062 and the Auxiliary will be held on Sunday, Dec. 3 from 1 pm – 4 pm. The party is for up to 50 children 12 years and younger accompanied by up to 2 adults. It includes a gift from Santa, lunch and a craft room. Parents must supervise their children in craft room. Reservations are required. Call 518-861-8323 by November 25 to reserve your spot.

The Thursday Musical Club, a women's chorus directed by Julie Panke and accompanied by Elinore Farnum, will present a Christmas Concert on Saturday, December 2 at 3:00 pm at Eastern Parkway United Methodist Church, 943 Palmer Ave. Schenectady. Our scholarship recipients will be guest artists. The program will include arrangements of traditional carols, an African-American spiritual medley, and popular holiday favorites. Olivia Cox will provide cello accompaniment. Tickets are $15 and $12 for students/seniors and available from members or at the door.

Young, Beginning and Aspiring Farmers Workshop:  For those interested in a career in agriculture or in starting a farm or an agriculture-based business in the Town of Knox, this meeting will provide information on federal, state and local resources to help you get started.  At The Octagon Barn, 588 Middle Rd., Delanson from 1 pm to 5:30 pm. All are welcome. Free admission. Refreshments. (518) 362-6576.

Phillip Caruso, one of the most sought-after still photographers in the motion picture industry, will present "The Art of Still Photography on the Movie Set" on Friday, December 1, at 7:30 p.m. at Page Hall, 135 Western Avenue, on the University at Albany's Downtown Campus. Free and open to the public, the event is sponsored by the New York State Writers Institute at the University at Albany.

Italian Christmas Market. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. American Italian Heritage Association and Museum. 1227 Central Ave. Albany. (518)435-1979. Free. Dec. 2, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 3, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Friday, December 1st, 5:30 to 7:30 pm at Glennpeter Jewelers 1544 Central Ave (about a mile west of Colonie Center.  The event will feature free appetizers and a cash bar, with all proceeds going to the Camp, including tips. Wear your sparkly holiday best! Get your holiday shopping done while you support a great cause.If you are not able to make it, but still want to donate - please make your check out to "Friends of Camp Little Notch" & mail to me - Betty at 5709 East Old State Rd., Schenectady, NY 12303.  In the memo section, write "purchase of property"

Night of Lights: Lighting up galleries for the holiday season. Live music, great food. 7 p.m. at Schenectady County Historical Society and the YWCA. 32 Washington Ave in Schenectady. Tickets are $15.

Adorn: A Festival of Trees with a Twist Exhibit Opening. 5 to 8 p.m. Eight dress forms decorated for the holiday spirit by 10 local artists. (518) 434-0405  Free admission. Location:   Albany Heritage Area Visitors Center. 25 Quackenbush Sq (Corner of Broadway & Clinton Ave.).