Madison County Milk House

Latest Episodes:

Uncovering the Past: Archeological dig in Madison County unearths life of people lived here 13,000 years ago Sep 23, 2026

Show notes

Welcome to the Madison County Milk House, hosted by Samantha Field the Madison County Public Information Officer. This is where we talk about the big topics both North and South of Rt. 20.

Did you know that over 13,000 years ago, what we call Madison County today, was covered by a glacier at the end of the ice age? At that time there were people here, but what was their life like? That is what a group of archeologists and historians have been unearthing for the past decade.

Jonathan Lothrop, Curator of Archeology at the New York State Museum and Michael Beardsley, Town of Sullivan Historian, join Samantha and Madison County Historian Matt Urtz to talk about what they have unearthed and what they have learned about the Paleo Indians that lived here thousands of years ago.

This year members of the Oneida Indian Nation joined the dig that takes place in northern Madison County. Take a listen to what it was like for these teenagers to unearth artifacts of their ancestors.

If you have a question or topic you would like covered here on the Madison County Milk House podcast simply email us at pio@madisoncounty.ny.gov.

Burn Run Canastota - Dress Up & Run for a Good Cause Sep 15, 2026

Show notes

Welcome to the Madison County Milk House, hosted by Samantha Field the Madison County Public Information Officer. This is where we talk about the big topics both North and South of Rt. 20.

Put on your running shoes for a good cause this Fall. The Annual Burn Run (5k & 10k run, 5k walk, and Kids Run) race is coming this year to Canastota, NY. John Minnick, the Burn Run Race Director talks about what we can expect and the great foundation that the race supports, the Burn Foundation of Central New York. The non-profit supports burn survivors across NYS that have been affected by burns, plus supports the healthcare providers, EMS, and First Responders all playing a key role.

Canastota Mayor Rosanne Warner is excited to bring the race to Canastota. There will be awards, music, beverages and even a Kid's Run. Since the race is on Halloween (October 31) costumes are encouraged.

did you know that the Clark Burn Center at Upstate University Hospital serves 37 counties and cares for both adult and pediatric patients. They treated over 300 patients in 2024. This Center is key to our community.

Learn more about the Burn Run: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61582210150043

Found out more about the Burn Foundation of CNY:
https://www.burnfoundationofcny.com.

If you have a question or topic you would like covered here on the Madison County Milk House podcast simply email us at pio@madisoncounty.ny.gov.

Food, Crafts, Music, and More at 62nd Annual Craft Festival Sep 02, 2026

Show notes

Welcome to the Madison County Milk House, hosted by Samantha Field the Madison County Public Information Officer. This is where we talk about the big topics both North and South of Rt. 20.

Fall is coming and that means so is Craft Days! The Madison County Historical Society's 62nd Annual Craft Festival will take place September 12 & 13, 2026. For just $8 you can attend both days of the event on Cottage Lawn in Oneida.

MCHS Director Jennifer Nellis and MCHS Board Secretary Brian Barris join the Milk House to also talk about a $143,500 grant the organization received. The grant is from the Institute of Museum and Library Services. It will go to creating the Madison County Digital History Portal, an online platform of digitized materials from the historical society's archives.

They also have several other events coming up:

- October 10: Ghost Walk at Glenwood Cemetery

- October 11: Pumpkin Carving on the Cottage Lawn

- October 18: Annual Meeting with Guest Speaker Matt Urtz

If you have a question or topic you would like covered here on the Madison County Milk House podcast simply email us at pio@madisoncounty.ny.gov.

Walking in the Footsteps of History on the Abolition Road Aug 24, 2026

Show notes

Welcome to the Madison County Milk House, hosted by Samantha Field the Madison County Public Information Officer. This is where we talk about the big topics both North and South of Rt. 20.

In this episode we sit down with Madison County Historian Matthew Urtz and the newly appointed Museum and Communications Manager of the National Abolition Hall of Fame and Museum Johnathen Rockwell.

This October you are invited to trace the footsteps of 104 abolitionists who traveled from Canastota to Peterboro, and formed the New York State Antislavery Society. The Fifth Annual Walk will take place on Saturday, October 10.

The National Abolition Hall of Fame and Museum is located in the Smithfield Community Center, the building in which the inaugural meeting of the New York State Antislavery Society was held in 1835. There you can learn about abolitionists from across the nation. Peterboro and the Community Center played major roles in the abolitionist movement, and the freedom of many slaves.

To find out more check out their website https://www.nationalabolitionhalloffameandmuseum.org/ or visit NAHOF Museum

If you have a question or topic you would like covered here on the Madison County Milk House podcast simply email us at pio@madisoncounty.ny.gov.

Happy Birthday America! Madison County's impact on history Jul 01, 2026

Show notes

Welcome to the Madison County Milk House, hosted by Samantha Field the Madison County Public Information Officer. This is where we talk about the big topics both North and South of Rt. 20.

In this episode we sit down with Madison County Historian Matthew Urtz and talk about Madison County's impact on history. Madison County was not established until 1806. This small rural community has had a lasting and major impact on the shaping of our Country. Take a trip through history with us as we discuss the first female baseball game, abolition movement, women's suffrage, agriculture impact and more.

To find out more read the articles in the County Connections Newsletters from 2026: https://www.madisoncounty.ny.gov/3216/County-Connections-Newsletter

Madison County Historic Marker Challenge: https://www.madisoncounty.ny.gov/3290/Madison-County-Historic-Marker-Challenge

If you have a question or topic you would like covered here on the Madison County Milk House podcast simply email us at pio@madisoncounty.ny.gov.

Congratulations Public Health! Jun 09, 2026

Show notes

Welcome to the Madison County Milk House, hosted by Samantha Field the Madison County Public Information Officer. This is where we talk about the big topics both North and South of Rt. 20.

A huge shout out to Madison County Public Health (MCPH) which was recently awarded national accreditation through the Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB). MCPH is a team of 40 staff members who carry out about 30 programs that span health promotion, disease control and prevention, environmental health, public health preparedness, skilled nursing, and early intervention.

Accreditation demonstrates Madison County Public Health’s commitment to serving the community and continuously improving the quality, accountability, and performance of public health services. The accreditation process evaluates all of the departments' functions—not just one program. Take a listen as we chat with Erica Bird, Deputy Director of MCPH and Megan Polhamus, Health Educator, who were both heavily involved in the process. One thing the accreditation process reinforced is that public health is a team sport. Not just the department team, but also the relationships with community partners.

If you have a question or topic you would like covered here on the Madison County Milk House podcast simply email us at pio@madisoncounty.ny.gov.

A trip down the Yellow Brick Road or to the past is just around the corner May 06, 2026

Show notes

Welcome to the Madison County Milk House, hosted by Samantha Field the Madison County Public Information Officer. This is where we talk about the big topics both North and South of Rt. 20.

As spring comes to Central New York, Madison County comes to life. Madison County Historian Matt Urtz joins us in the Milk House as we sit down with with Allison Lehr, Museum Manager at All Things Oz Museum and Paul Nasca, Historic Site Manager at Lorenzo State Historic Site. We chat about local history and some amazing events coming up.

Oz-Stravaganza - June 5-7 in Chittenango, NY
- The 49th annual festival brings all things Oz to life in downtown Chittenango as we celebrate Frank L. Baum.
- Parade: June 6 at 2:00 PM - This year actress Marissa Bode, stars as "Nessarose" in WICKED movies, will be the grand marshall.
- Check out their website or Facebook for more
Lorenzo State Historic Site
- Revisit the Revolution: Lorenzo’s America 250th Speaker Series Hosted at Meier’s Creek Cazenovia Farm Brewery - June 4
- Lorenzo Garden Day - June 6
- Sixth Annual Cazenovia Pride Festival - June 27
- Lorenzo Driving Competition - July 17 - 19
Madison County Historic Marker Challenge - April 24 - August 15, 2026

There is something for everyone happening in Madison County. Get out and enjoy!

If you have a question or topic you would like covered here on the Madison County Milk House podcast simply email us at pio@madisoncounty.ny.gov.

Welcome Town of Lebanon Supervisor Adam Carvell Apr 29, 2026

Show notes

Welcome to the Madison County Milk House, hosted by Samantha Field the Madison County Public Information Officer. This is where we talk about the big topics both North and South of Rt. 20.

Madison County welcomed three new Town Supervisors to the horseshoe this year. On this episode of the Milk House, we sit down with Town of Lebanon Supervisor Adam Carvell. He may be new to the horseshoe, but he is not new to service. Before becoming the Town Supervisor he served 8 years on the Town of Lebanon Board and he is also the co-owner and co-distiller at the family run farm distillery Old Home Distillery. So what made this award winning distiller want to serve his community? Take a listen to find out.

If you have a question or topic you would like covered here on the Madison County Milk House podcast simply email us at pio@madisoncounty.ny.gov.

Serving Every Mile: Inside Look at the MC Highway Department Feb 13, 2026

Show notes

Welcome to the Madison County Milk House, hosted by Samantha Field the Madison County Public Information Officer. This is where we talk about the big topics both North and South of Rt. 20.

The Ground Hog says there is still more winter ahead of us. Here in Central New York we have had our fair share of winter. Thank you to our wonderful highway crews (County, Town, and State) who have been out around the clock for months clearing the roads and keeping us safe.

On this episode of the Milk House, we sit down with Madison County Highway Superintendent F. Joseph Wisinski about winter operations and the road projects coming up this spring. Wisinski has been the Superintendent for almost 20 years, what has changed in those years, what has stayed the same? The Madison County Highway Department maintains 435.05 miles of road, 124 bridges, and 186 large sized culverts (spans between 5 and 20 feet).

If you have a question or topic you would like covered here on the Madison County Milk House podcast simply email us at pio@madisoncounty.ny.gov.

New Year, New District Attorney leading Madison County Jan 26, 2026

Show notes

Welcome to the Madison County Milk House, hosted by Samantha Field the Madison County Public Information Officer. This is where we talk about the big topics both North and South of Rt. 20.

Happy New Year! Madison County has an exciting year ahead. To kickoff the year the Milk House welcomes newly elected District Attorney Robert Mascari to pull up a milk can. Tune in to hear more about the District Attorney's Office and District Attorney Mascari's goals and lessons learned.

If you have a question or topic you would like covered here on the Madison County Milk House podcast simply email us at pio@madisoncounty.ny.gov.

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