History, Natural History & the Arts
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Shakespeare, of course, wrote acclaimed plays about history. But sometimes history takes the pen from the playwright’s hand and fashions a scenario of such startling tension and originality that the story seems destined for the stage. One of these dramas took place in September 1780. It involved the plot by Benedict Arnold to betray the patriot cause and to help the British prevail in the Revolutionary War. [Read more…] about ‘I Hope You Are of Our Party’: Fidelity and Benedict Arnold’s Betrayal
Since the 1970s, when it was donated to the Historical Society of Rockland County (HSRC) collections by the late Dr. Anthony Pavia of New City, the HSRC has had in their possession the horse-drawn wagon used by Postman Frank Eberling to carry mail on New City’s Rural Free Delivery routes at the turn of the 20th century. [Read more…] about The Eberling Mail Wagon: Rockland County Rural Free Delivery in the Early 20th Century
The final report from the 2023 Lake Ontario Spring Preyfish Assessment is now available on the Great Lakes Fishery Commission website (PDF). [Read more…] about Lake Ontario Spring Preyfish Assessment Report Available
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is calling for submissions of ideas and plans for use and public access to the historic Saranac Lake Union Depot building on the former New York Central Railroad Adirondack Division line in the village of Saranac Lake in the Adirondacks. [Read more…] about State Seeks Comments, Plans For Saranac Lake Railroad Depot Reuse
“When contemplating the emissions from road vehicles, our first thought is often about the various gases coming out of the tailpipe,” Lewin Day writes for The Drive. However, new research shows that we should be more concerned with the harmful particles that are shed from tires and brakes.” [Read more…] about Road Tire Pollution Shown to Affect Salmon, Rainbow and Brook Trout
The book Marty Glickman: The Life of an American Jewish Sports Legend (NYU Press, 2023) by Jeffrey S. Gurock takes a look at Marty Glickman, who for close to half a century after World War II, was the voice of New York sports. [Read more…] about Marty Glickman: American Jewish Sports Legend
Consumer demand for sugar in colonial America (and elsewhere) spurred the expansion of plantations and slavery in the Caribbean with profound human and ecological consequences – including chattel slavery and environmental disaster. [Read more…] about Colonizing Sweetness: The History of Sugar on Long Island
The Nassau County Museum of Art has abruptly dismissed its Museum Director in a controversial move that is prompting calls for his reinstatement and the Southampton History Museum has announced a new Executive Director without controversy.
This is the second time in six years the Nassau County Museum suddenly and without warning replaced its Museum Director. [Read more…] about Leadership Changes At Long Island Museums Stir Controversy, Confidence
For the past 20 years – but increasingly over the past three years – state legislators, local and regional government officials, state agencies, environmental and economic development groups, and others have deliberated over the future of Debar Pond Lodge, which was built in about 1940.
The 10-bedroom lodge and support buildings are located on New York State “Forever Wild” Forest Preserve land in the Northern Adirondack Park town of Duane, Franklin County, and are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. [Read more…] about Debar Pond Lodge: History & Controversy
The Albany County Historical Association and 11 other museums, historic, and cultural sites throughout Albany County are presenting a Path Through History Day on Saturday October 7 from 11 am until 4 pm. [Read more…] about Albany County-Wide History Driving, Walking, and Bike Tours