NORWICH — The Otselic Valley Fishing and Heritage Association’s 2026 reading series concludes this weekend. After a summer filled with books, history and educational outings, the series concludes Saturday with a telling of the Oneida Creation Story at the Loomis Barn on the Chenango County Historical Society campus from 10 a.m. to noon. The event will be part of the Chenango County Historical Society’s Path Through History Weekend, which will have exhibits and activities that connect to the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States.

Ronald Patterson, of the Oneida Nation, will be on hand to tell the Oneida Creation Story.

“It’s like a jazz performance,” said event organizer Michael Foor-Pessin. “Every person tells it differently.”

This year’s reading series included the titles “My Dear Hamilton,” “Daniel Shay’s Honorable Rebellion” and “The Oneida Creation Story,” so participants who have read the books are already familiar with the story of Sky Woman falling to earth and creating Turtle Island.

Participants who have read all three books will receive a Polly Cooper commemorative coin at the event. Polly Cooper was an Oneida woman who traveled to Valley Forge to teach the Continental Army how to cook Indian corn during the Revolutionary War.

This year’s reading series has focused on the birth of the United States and the events that helped form the nation.

“The Oneida Indian Nation were America’s first allies in the Revolutionary War,” Foor-Pessin explained.

That is why the Oneida Creation Story was chosen as part of this year’s series.

“The important part is reading. Even if people can’t come to all the events,” Foor-Pessin said.

The reading series contained five outings this year, and most people have attended the majority of them.

“The ultimate privilege is the connection between the page, the reader and history. That’s why we do this.”

Participation in the reading series has continued to grow over the 2026 season. Foor-Pessin explained that the best crowd this year was at a presentation by Daniel Bullen, author of “Shay’s Honorable Rebellion.”

“There wasn’t a seat left,” Foor-Pessin said of the crowd.

He explained that the number of participants has increased, but he is also beginning to see readers from a larger area.

“We’re seeing people from all over Chenango and Madison Counties commuting to these events.”

Each year Foor-Pessin hand-picks the titles for the reading series and purchases copies with funds from the Follet Foundation.

“It is incredibly interesting building community through reading. I’m working on getting younger folks involved and I am starting to see a little interest from younger folks.”

Foor-Pessin said he is already beginning to read titles in search of next year’s books. While he has not decided on the specific titles, he said he plans to spend one more year focusing on the Revolutionary War and hopes to take some trips to the Albany area to see important sites in that area of New York State.

For more information on the Otselic Valley Fishing and Heritage Association’s Reading Series, visit its Facebook page.