History, Natural History & the Arts
The Northeast is home to dozens of species of mammals, hundreds of varieties of birds, and tens of thousands of different insects, but few lizards. This is the story of the five-lined skink.
Though I am fond of reptiles and often seek them out, I have never seen a skink. Unless you’re lucky, determined, or a rock climber – or some combination of the three – I’m betting you haven’t either, at least not in our neck of the woods. [Read more…] about New York Lizards: The Five-Lined Skink
Sitting in a grassy field on a late summer day, I watched dozens of dragonflies roaming the sky. Their slender bodies drifted in and out of view as they rode the air currents. I thought of the cool autumn days to come and wondered where these dragonflies would go. [Read more…] about Fall Dragonfly Migration
The Warren County Historical Society has partnered with Fort Ticonderoga to offer “National History Day: Online Workshop for Teachers” on Thursday, October 8th from 4 to 6 pm. [Read more…] about National History Day: An Online Workshop for Teachers
This week on The Historians Podcast, retired network executive George Schweitzer discusses the history of the CBS Eye and the story of his long career promoting CBS television shows.
Now part of the conglomerate ViacomCBS, CBS used to be known as the Columbia Broadcasting System. [Read more…] about The CBS Eye and Other Television Tales (Podcast)
Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site has announced that this year’s Tuesday Talk series, which recognizes New York State History Month, will be held virtually. Each week a speaker will present a topic connected to regional or New York State history. [Read more…] about A New York State History Month Virtual Series
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos and Cohoes Mayor William Keeler have announced the start of a State soil and water sampling initiative to help determine if contaminants are present in communities around the Norlite facility in the city of Cohoes.
The sampling is in response to long-standing community complaints and a recent lawsuit about chemicals being incinerated at the plant, including aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF fire-fighting foam) containing Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS), as well as other past practices of the facility. [Read more…] about Cohoes Chemical Incinerator Communities Being Tested For Pollution
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has announced that the State has expanded its Drought Watch to the Southern Tier drought region, which includes Cattaraugus, Alleghany, Steuben, and Chemung counties.
A drought watch remains in effect for four other State regions: Long Island, Upper Hudson/Mohawk, Adirondacks, and Great Lakes/St. Lawrence. [Read more…] about Five Regions Now on Statewide Drought Watch List
Many people take wood from their properties as they head out to camp, hunt, or enjoy the great outdoors, but most don’t realize their wood may be hiding the eggs, larvae, spores, adults, or even seeds of invasive threats.
Transporting infested firewood allows invasives to spread further and faster than these pests could or would have on their own. [Read more…] about October National Firewood Awareness Month
Originally, November was designated as New York State History Month by the New York State Legislature in 1997 with the addition of Section 57.02 to the state’s Arts and Cultural Affairs Law.
Since many history-related organizations close after Columbus Day, legislation was passed in 2019 that changed History Month to October to allow for more organizational participation and to align with the state’s Path Through History Weekend. [Read more…] about October is New York State History Month
Nursing uniforms can trace their origins back to the healer nuns of Medieval Europe. Up until recently, British nurses were still referred to as “sisters,” a reminder of their origins.
The nurse’s cap, which was a de rigeur part of the nurse’s uniforms up until the end of the 20th century, evolved from a nun’s wimple, the traditional head covering. The larger caps had a practical purpose in keeping the hair in place, but by the First World War, the caps had shrunk to almost decorative purposes. By mid-century they were more a symbol of accomplishment and nursing pride. Capping ceremonies were held to commemorate the completion of a nurse’s studies. By the 1970s, they were almost totally out of favor, and largely not required. Today, bouffant caps or surgeon’s caps have replaced them, when needed. [Read more…] about Nursing Uniforms: A Short History