Professor Scott Manning Stevens, a citizen of the Akwesasne Mohawk Nation, is currently working on a book-length project dealing with these issues between Native American nations and museums. While his focus is largely on Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) communities, he hopes this work will serve as a template for broader application amongst other Indigenous cultures and the museums in which they are represented by collections and exhibits. Stevens considers the many challenges for museums in overcoming the legacy of misappropriation and misrepresentation of Indigenous cultures. [Read more…] about Bringing Indigenous Perspectives into Museums
New Book On The Hill: A Tipi In A NYC Shantytown
The book The Hill (Autonomedia, 2021) by Gabriele Schafer traces the steps of how a shantytown went from the anonymity of waist-high huts hidden in the weeds, to a tour-bus, school-group and celebrity stop; from addicts and recluses just getting by, to a drug supermarket; from a close-knit encampment, to a crime scene that entangles everyone from drug dealers, to users, to cops, to Schafer and Nick Fracaro… when one day tragedy strikes.
In the middle of the night on Thanksgiving 1990, the same weekend that the film Dances with Wolves opened, life partners Schafer and Fracaro erected a 25-foot-tall replica of a Lakota tipi in New York City’s then longest-existing shantytown, known as “The Hill,” located at the foot of the Manhattan Bridge at Canal and Chrystie Streets. [Read more…] about New Book On The Hill: A Tipi In A NYC Shantytown
Warren Co Historical Seeks Submissions for Memoirs Project
The Warren County Historical Society (WCHS) is seeking submissions for Warren County Voices, a historical memoirs writing project that will culminate in a book to be published in early 2023. [Read more…] about Warren Co Historical Seeks Submissions for Memoirs Project
Winter Chores: Check for Hemlock Woolly Adelgid
Winter is the best time to survey for invasive hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA), a tiny insect that is a big problem for forests and water resources in the Northeast.
HWA threatens the native conifer, the eastern hemlock, which makes up large portions of the canopy in many New York forests and maintains water quality in streams by providing shade. HWA lives, reproduces, and feeds on hemlock trees, killing trees within four to 10 years. [Read more…] about Winter Chores: Check for Hemlock Woolly Adelgid
Finger Lakes Museum Hosting Winter Sports Programs, Revamps Wetland Property
The Finger Lakes Museum has finalized their program calendar for the 2022 season, with three programs taking place in February. Cross country skiing at Cumming Nature Center takes place on February 5th, snowshoeing at Keuka Lake State Park occurs the following weekend on February 12th and ice fishing on February 19th rounds out the month’s events. [Read more…] about Finger Lakes Museum Hosting Winter Sports Programs, Revamps Wetland Property
Look for Wildlife Tracks in Winter
Now is a great time to search for winter tracks or other animal signs visible in the snow. It can be fun to be a detective and figure out what animals have been walking through your yard or across a trail. [Read more…] about Look for Wildlife Tracks in Winter
Adirondack Moose Research Project Launched
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has announced the start of a new moose research project in the Adirondack region. This winter, 14 moose were fitted with GPS collars as part of a multi-year project assessing moose health and population. [Read more…] about Adirondack Moose Research Project Launched
Stories from the People of the Longhouse (Virtual Program)
Perry Ground has been a storyteller and educator for more than 25 years and uses vivid descriptions, his rhythmic voice, audience interaction, and an active stage presence to bring stories to life. In this webinar, Perry will recount traditional Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) legends that have been told for hundreds of years and showcase the birds, beliefs, customs, and history of the Haudenosaunee people. [Read more…] about Stories from the People of the Longhouse (Virtual Program)
NYS Canal System Hand-Launch Facility Design Guide Available
In response to a dramatic increase in canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards on the NYS Canal System, Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor has published the New York State Canal System Hand-Launch Facility Design Guide.
The free guide shares best practices for communities, businesses, and organizations looking to install or improve hand-launch facilities for paddlers. [Read more…] about NYS Canal System Hand-Launch Facility Design Guide Available
Central NY’s Berry Hill Fire Tower is Now Open to Visitors
The New York State Department of Conservation has announced that the Berry Hill fire tower in the town of McDonough, Chenango County, is open for recreation after the completion of interior and exterior upgrades to enhance safety and accessibility.
Berry Hill is the only fire tower open for recreation on public lands in Central New York and is one of the highest points in Chenango County. [Read more…] about Central NY’s Berry Hill Fire Tower is Now Open to Visitors