Fulton Living History Event

FULTON – History came alive in Fulton on September 20 and 21 as the Fulton Living History Tour returned with an unprecedented—and hilarious—journey through the city’s past. 

This year’s production took audiences on a time-traveling adventure that combined theater, dance, comedy, music and special effects to bring Fulton’s history to life. The Fulton Ice Arena was transformed into a fully operational Time Machine, creating a one-of-a-kind setting for an interactive trip through the community’s past. 

The production was made possible, in part, through funding from The Richard S. Shineman Foundation, which awarded a grant to Fulton Block Builders to help fund the actors, set designs and special effects. 

“The Time Machine altered the fabric of time—and we must find Mrs. Pratt!” said writer and director Nicholas Gentile. The unusual mission set the stage for a fast-paced and entertaining journey through Fulton’s history. 

Audiences responded enthusiastically, cheering and clapping throughout the performances. The Monday performance also provided a special opportunity for Fulton Junior High School students to experience local history in a creative and engaging way. 

Fulton Junior High School Principal Keith Cuny shared his reaction to the production: “Teachers and students thought the performance was creative, well done, informative and appropriately humorous. The students enjoyed it and were actively engaged. That speaks volumes about the performance’s ability to capture their interest and attention.” 

Behind the scenes, Gentile and producer Sarah Galvin worked with local historian and author Jim Farfaglia to ensure that the historical material presented in the production was accurate and meaningful Neighbors Reshaping Fulton One Block at a Time 

Audiences traveled through a variety of chapters in Fulton’s history, including Battle Island, The Valley News and Voorhees Park, where the curveball is credited with having been invented. The production also featured a song-and-dance number written specifically about Fulton’s history, a segment about the glacier that shaped the local landscape, and a tribute to Fulton’s championship wrestling tradition. 

The impressive sets were designed and built by Mike Flanagan, helping transform the Fulton Ice Arena into the production’s time-traveling world. 

Serving as the audience’s guide throughout the adventure was Robert Fulton, the inventor of the steamboat and the man for whom the city was named. Emil Christmann portrayed Robert Fulton and brought the historic figure to life with a captivating performance. 

The Fulton Living History Tour has become a highly anticipated annual event, offering residents and visitors an entertaining and interactive way to experience the people, places and stories that shaped the community. This year’s expanded production also created a special opportunity for local students to connect with Fulton’s history. 

In addition to the Fulton Junior High School seventh graders, approximately 100 youth and adults from Fulton and neighboring communities attended the performances. 

Through creativity, collaboration and a healthy dose of humor, the 2026 Fulton Living History Tour once again demonstrated that local history isn’t simply something to read about – it is something to experience, celebrate and bring to life.