New York Almanack

History, Natural History & the Arts

Bob Cudmore

Bob Cudmore is author of Lost Mohawk Valley, Hidden History of the Mohawk Valley, Stories from the Mohawk Valley and the satirical book, You Can’t Go Wrong. He writes “Focus on History” every Saturday in Schenectady's Daily Gazette newspaper and hosts the weekly podcast "The Historians" at BobCudmore.com

NY State, Counties Still Not Fully Engaged With American 250th Anniversary

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This week on The Historians Podcast, New York State Historian Devin Lander joins host Bob Cudmore. Lander previews the 250th anniversary of American independence which will be observed from 2025 through 2033.

The state has authorized a commission to oversee events, however some of the 13 appointees to a state commission have not yet been named, and the vast majority of counties in the state have taken no action to remember this important anniversary. [Read more…] about NY State, Counties Still Not Fully Engaged With American 250th Anniversary

Schenectady in the Roaring 1920s

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The Historians LogoThis week on The Historians Podcast, historian and reporter Bill Buell talk about Schenectady in the 1920s, including Proctor’s Theatre, WGY radio, the Hotel Van Curler, the Western Gateway Bridge and more.

Schenectady was booming in the 1920s with American Locomotive and General Electric both thriving — the city that lighted and hauled the world. GE attracted famed scientists such as Charles Steinmetz. Schenectady even had a socialist mayor for a time. [Read more…] about Schenectady in the Roaring 1920s

Meltdown: A History of Glacier Science

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The Historians LogoFormed over hundreds-even millions-of years ago, glaciers support a vast network of life. Yet, climate change is causing them to melt at an unprecedented rate. If we don’t change course, their disappearance will change the world as we know it.

This week on The Historians Podcast, environmental educator discusses her book Meltdown: Discover Earth’s Irreplaceable Glaciers And Learn What You Can Do To Save Them (Workman Publishing Co, 2022). [Read more…] about Meltdown: A History of Glacier Science

Amsterdam’s Guy Park Manor: Some History

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The Historians LogoThis week on The Historians Podcast, Bob Cudmore and Dave Greene take a look at Guy Park Manor, Amsterdam, New York’s, oldest house.

The colonial era stone building was originally a marriage gift for Guy and Polly Johnson. Guy was the nephew of British Indian agent Sir William Johnson and Polly was Sir William’s daughter. [Read more…] about Amsterdam’s Guy Park Manor: Some History