The Untold Story Of Utica’s Home For History ~ The Haunts And Legends Of New York

Steeped in history and legends, New York is filled with stories of the forgotten, eerie and the weird that influence us everyday. What secrets flow beneath the streets of Utica?

Lite 98.7's Eric Meier has teamed up with Folklorist P.W. Creighton to explore the haunts and legends of New York. Through their travels into the dark and often overlooked spaces they will bring these historic sites back to life and make some unexpected discoveries along the way.

In this episode Phil guides the explorers to the Oneida County Historical Society to unravel the mystery behind the Crown & Cross carved into the building along with some of its haunting legends.

Originally constructed in 1914,  the building was originally the First Church Of Christ Scientists as the the First Christian Science Church of Utica. The Crown and Cross carved in bas relief above the sign for the historical society remain visible today, even the name of the church is still carved in stone behind the current Oneida County Historical Society sign above the doors. The church remained functioning until the mid 1980's when the church sold the building. Oneida County Historical Society purchased the building in 1988 and after renovating they moved from their previous space in Munson Williams' Fountain Elms building to the newly renovated church in 1990.

Many legends and ghost stories circle the iconic building with reports of ghostly noises, moving objects and other odd occurrences. While Director Brian J. Howard has not experienced anything personally, however the ghost hunting groups that have investigated the building have captured various evidence including EVPs. The ghostly stories that surround the building may originate from the iconic architecture or just the collection of personal historical artifacts whatever the case, the building is filled with many hidden stories yet to be told.

Visit the Oneida County Historical Society Today to learn more and donate to help preserve Oneida County's history.