As part of the ongoing commemoration of America250 and New York State’s observation of the nation’s semi-quincentennial, the Onondaga Historical Association (OHA) is proud to partner with Manlius Cinema and WAER Syracuse Public Media, to present Strides Toward Democracy, a special film series showcasing powerful stories from Central New York’s past. America250 marks the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States in 2026 and encourages communities nationwide to pause and reflect on our nation’s past, honor the contributions of all Americans, and look ahead toward the future.
Running throughout 2026, the series features local and OHA-produced films that explore pivotal moments, people, and movements that helped shape the region and the nation. Several screenings will include discussions with filmmakers, offering audiences deeper insight into the history and themes presented on screen.
“These milestone years in our nation’s history give us the opportunity to expand our reflections on the American Revolution.” said Lisa Romano Moore, OHA’s Executive Director. “We intend to use this time to share how the people of our region influenced democracy and freedom over the last 250 years.”
In conjunction with the film series, OHA and Manlius Cinema are also partnering with Of Moose and Mind Bookshop, located next to the theater, to offer a curated reading list inspired by the films. The selection is designed for those interested in further exploring the history and ideas highlighted throughout the series.
Tickets for all screenings may be purchased directly through Manlius Cinema at manliuscinema.com.
Film Series Schedule
February 9 and 10, 2026
Let ’Em Know You’re There: The Story of Big Jim and the Triple Double
Directed by Field Humphrey
Despite holding a 60-year-old record, helping to break professional basketball’s race barrier, and playing for a team that transformed the sport, Jim Tucker remains largely unknown to many fans. Now facing Alzheimer’s, Jim and his wife reflect on a life defined by resilience, legacy, and love, making this film a moving story that reaches far beyond sports history. The film received an Emmy ® award for best “Sports – One-Time Special” in the Mid-Atlantic Region in 2019. These screenings will feature a discussion with filmmaker Field Humphrey and Sean Kirst, Columnist for the Central Current and Journalist in Residence at LeMoyne College.
March 1, 2026
Without a Whisper – Konnón:kwe
Directed by Katsitsionni Fox
This film explores the powerful and often overlooked influence of Indigenous women on the early women’s suffrage movement. Mohawk Clan Mother Louise Herne and Dr. Sally Roesch Wagner reveal how Haudenosaunee women shaped the fight for equality, expanding and challenging the conventional narrative of women’s rights in the United States.
April 21, 2026
Beneath the Surface: The Storied History of Onondaga Lake
Directed by Mark Eischen, Director of Photography Bret Moses
Spanning more than six centuries, this film traces the extraordinary history of Onondaga Lake, from the birthplace of the Great Law of Peace and the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, to its rise as an industrial center, its environmental decline, and its ongoing restoration. The film illustrates how the lake has shaped life in Central New York and continues to influence the community today. This screening will feature a discussion with filmmaker Mark Eischen.
May 17, 2026
Camp Syracuse
This screening features OHA’s newly digitized film Camp Syracuse, accompanied by a lecture from OHA Curator of History Robert Searing. Audiences will learn how the New York State Fairgrounds became a training site for more than 40,000 soldiers in 1917 as they prepared for service during World War I.
The Onondaga Historical Association invites the public to join them at Manlius Cinema for these engaging and thought-provoking films that highlight the region’s role in broader struggles for democracy, equality, and social change.
For more information, visit manliuscinema.com or follow the Onondaga Historical Association for updates throughout the year.
The Onondaga Historical Association gratefully acknowledges its partners for their support of Strides Toward Democracy, including Manlius Cinema, WAER Syracuse Public Media, Syracuse’s NPR-affiliated radio station, Of Moose and Mind Bookshop, and EDR.