New York Almanack

History, Natural History & the Arts

Capital-Saratoga

Ulysses S. Grant & Modern Technological Innovations

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new solar array at Grant Cottage Historic SiteDuring his lifetime Ulysses S. Grant watched technology change the world around him. Significant advancements in travel, communications, energy production, and medical science during his life would lead to his recognition of the vital importance technology played in the pursuit of progress. Grant was intrigued by and supported innovations in technology as a military commander and President. [Read more…] about Ulysses S. Grant & Modern Technological Innovations

Fighting White Supremacy After Tulsa

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libertycon 2021One hundred years ago, in the wake of the Tulsa Race Massacre, wealthy African Americans from Oklahoma joined Little Liberia, an economic opportunity to improve the lives of African Americans in the U.S. through economic advancement in Mexico. They also created a sister organization, the International Community Welfare League, that sought to combat White supremacy, which they identified as a main culprit for racial inequality in the U.S and in the hemisphere. [Read more…] about Fighting White Supremacy After Tulsa

Attica Prison Uprising Traveling Exhibition Available

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open woundsThe New York State Museum is making a seven-panel exhibition available to museums, libraries, and cultural organizations to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Attica Prison Uprising in September 1971. This exhibition presents various viewpoints from the prison uprising and its aftermath, and discusses the wider impacts of the event and why this story is important fifty years later. [Read more…] about Attica Prison Uprising Traveling Exhibition Available

Barbara Linell Glaser Named ‘Conservationist of the Year’

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Adirondack CouncilThe Adirondack Council will present its Conservationist of the Year Award to Barbara Linell Glaser, EdD, during the organization’s Forever Wild Day celebration on July 9th at Great Camp Sagamore, near the Adirondack hamlet of Raquette Lake. [Read more…] about Barbara Linell Glaser Named ‘Conservationist of the Year’

Medberry & Mann: Saratoga County’s Paper Collar Kings

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Glen Paper Collar Company ca 1875 courtesy Paul Pastore CollectionAlthough no trace remains today, the Glen Paper Collar Company was a visible presence in the Saratoga County community of Ballston Spa 150 years ago. It was located in what was known as the “Blue Mill” on the north side of Milton Avenue, built as one of the area’s first grist mills. The collar company was one of the largest of its kind in the country and its owners, Horace Medbery and Henry Mann, were prolific inventors. [Read more…] about Medberry & Mann: Saratoga County’s Paper Collar Kings

Walking the Sanford Horses to Saratoga

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Sanford Stud FarmBorn in 1826, Stephen Sanford worked with his father John and then on his own to create the Sanford carpet mills in Amsterdam. He went to West Point, served in Congress and was a friend of Ulysses S. Grant.

In the early twentieth century, thoroughbred horses owned by Sanford were walked each summer to Saratoga from Sanford’s Hurricana Farm. Racing Hall of Fame trainer Hollie Hughes, who served three generations of Sanfords, recalled the annual trek in Alex M. Robb’s book, The Sanfords of Amsterdam. [Read more…] about Walking the Sanford Horses to Saratoga