OUR rOOTS
From Friendship & Fiddling it all began...
1973
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A handful of fiddlers and friends within the Adirondack foothills of Central New York State got together for the very first time and held a “Fiddlers' Picnic”.
1975
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The Fiddler's picnic had grown tremendously and had settled itself permanently in Osceola, Lewis County, New York.
1976 & 1977
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The New York State Old Tyme Fiddlers' Association (NYSOTFA) and the North American Fiddlers' Hall of Fame and Museum Institute was formed. The New York State Old Tyme Fiddlers’ Association Inc. is a non-profit 501 (c)(3) organization. The mission of the New York State Old Tyme Fiddlers’ Association is to preserve, promote and perpetuate the art of old time fiddling and the dances pertaining to this art.. Every last full weekend in July the NYSOTFA still holds it's annual Fiddlers' Picnic featuring a special guest artist, dancing and individual performances.
1981
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A building to house the North American Fiddlers’ Hall of Fame and Museum Institute was purchased. In addition to the many pictures of the North American and New York State Fiddlers' Hall of Fame inductees, the museum also has many exhibits and historical artifacts pertaining to the history of the NYSOTFA and New York State fiddling in general.
1994
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A pole barn and stage were built next to the museum for the purpose of holding free Sunday concerts during the summer and NYSOTFA sponsored fiddling events which run from spring through fall.
1998
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The pole barn was enlarged and named, "The Fiddlers' Pavilion". A new stage, a beautiful dance floor and a brick patio was added as well.
2018
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A new kitchen building was built which sells refreshments and pre-packaged foods to the people attending the many fiddling events held on the scenic grounds. Also in 2018, a small playground area was constructed offering children added fun.