What do you suppose history will say about politicians of current times? Hindsight is often different from what was presumed by contemporaries. But for John Taylor, who became New York’s first Speaker of the House of Representatives, that does not seem to be true. He was always seen as a man of high standards, even if those high standards irked some people in his own political party. [Read more…] about John Taylor: New York’s ‘Only’ Speaker of the House
Capital-Saratoga
Early Boy Scout History & Camp Saratoga
Camping has been the backbone of the Boy Scout program since its inception. The national Boy Scouts of America kick-started its organization with a two-week summer camp at the YMCA’s Silver Bay facility on Lake George in August 1910.
BSA commissioned its first scoutmaster – S.F. Lester of Troy, NY – September 10th, 1910. Lester brought his troop to summer camp at the Vermont YMCA camp in 1911. [Read more…] about Early Boy Scout History & Camp Saratoga
Saratoga County Public History Award Nominations Sought
The Saratoga County History Center has announced they are seeking nominations for their second Saratoga County Public History Award.
In 2021, the Saratoga County History Center established an annual award to recognize and celebrate the oft-unnoticed, yet deeply important, work done by public historians, writers, teachers, and museum practitioners. [Read more…] about Saratoga County Public History Award Nominations Sought
Albany County-Wide Path Through History Day Events
The Albany County Historical Association at the Ten Broeck Mansion have partnered with six other historic and cultural sites throughout Albany County to present Path Through History Day on Saturday, October 8th from 1 to 4 pm. [Read more…] about Albany County-Wide Path Through History Day Events
Battle of Saratoga Anniversary Events Throughout October
Saratoga National Historical Park in Saratoga County has announced a series of Battle of Saratoga Anniversary Commemoration Events scheduled for October 2022. This is the 245th anniversary of the battles which changed the course of the American Revolution. [Read more…] about Battle of Saratoga Anniversary Events Throughout October
Joe Gingras: A Major League Baseball Career Thwarted By War
In 1870 Francois Dieudonné Gingras left his native Canada for Manhattan where he met and married Mary Roohan. By 1896, now with three children and another on the way, this couple had settled in Saratoga Springs where they opened a grocery store.
Their oldest son, Frank, was soon brought into the family business and the store was renamed, F. D. Gingras & Son. Their youngest son, whom they had named Joseph Elzead John Gingras, was looking to pursue a far different life: baseball. [Read more…] about Joe Gingras: A Major League Baseball Career Thwarted By War
Moreau Lake State Park Getting Accessible Trail System
Moreau Lake State Park has announced a new fully accessible trail system on is in the works.
The project will include a trailhead kiosk and interpretive signs geared towards neurodivergent visitors and those with disabilities. The trail will lead to an accessible platform and fishing pier that has been completed as an Eagle Scout project. [Read more…] about Moreau Lake State Park Getting Accessible Trail System
Washington Irving and Martin Van Buren at Lindenwald
Washington Irving, the celebrated author of Sleepy Hollow and Rip Van Winkle, wrote much of his first book, Knickerbocker’s History of New York, at the historic house now known as Lindenwald, the former home of Martin Van Buren.
The home was previously owned by the Van Ness family. Irving and Van Buren later grew close when they both served in the American Legation in London and remained so until a falling out in 1840. [Read more…] about Washington Irving and Martin Van Buren at Lindenwald
Mohawk Hudson Folklife Festival Sunday in Albany
New York Folklore will host this year’s Spotlight Mohawk Hudson Folklife Festival on Sunday, October 2nd, at Washington Park in Albany from 11 am to 5:30 pm. [Read more…] about Mohawk Hudson Folklife Festival Sunday in Albany
The Irish in the Gilded Age Albany
The Gilded Age was a period of gross materialism and political corruption which began after the Civil War and lasted through the turn of the 20th century.
Many Irish Americans in Albany were still struggling to support themselves, working as laborers, maids, and often dealing with anti-Catholic resentment. However, there was a growing sense of solidarity and power within the group as many were lifted out of poverty and became involved in politics and civil service. [Read more…] about The Irish in the Gilded Age Albany