New York Almanack

History, Natural History & the Arts

Erie Canal Economic Revitalization Program Planned

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buffalo canal eventThe legacy of industry, the can-do spirit that fueled construction of the canal system, and the nationally-recognized architecture in the Canalway Corridor are unique elements of the region’s heritage.

Ideas about how to tap them to fuel investment in the 21st century innovation economy in your community will be presented at Where Canal Meets Commercial Corridor: Unlocking Entrepreneurial Opportunities in Your Downtown, a day-long presentation sponsored by the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor in Buffalo on Wednesday, June 18, 2014. [Read more…] about Erie Canal Economic Revitalization Program Planned

War of 1812 Lecture: ‘The War No One Wanted’

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Map of Lake Frontier to Illustrate Campaigns of 1812-1814Communities on both sides of the St. Lawrence River had built an interconnected life of social contracts, trade, marriages, friendships, and respectful neighborliness in the years since the American Revolution. Thus, the approach of war in 1812 found little enthusiasm among the civilian populations of New York and Upper Canada.

Find out more about this unwanted and unpopular war when Victor Suthren presents The St. Lawrence War of 1812: The War No One Wanted on Saturday, May 10th, 2 p.m. at the St. Lawrence County Historical Association at the Silas Wright House, 3 East Main St., Canton. [Read more…] about War of 1812 Lecture: ‘The War No One Wanted’

New Netherland Institute News And Events

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NNI Quilt RaffleThe New Netherland Institute (NNI), which is currently commemorating the 1614 establishment of Fort Nassau in Albany, has announced their Annual General Meeting (featuring a tour of the Van Schaick Mansion and a short talk by Russell Shorto); the line-up for the 37th New Netherland Seminar; and an opportunity to win a commemorative quilt. [Read more…] about New Netherland Institute News And Events

Talk: Proposed Dams on The Upper Hudson River

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Proposed Upper Hudson River DamsMike Prescott often jokes that “someone has to be the dam historian,” because that’s what he’s become – the historian of the various dams in the Adirondacks.

Now the Warrensburgh Historical Society is hosting a presentation by Prescott, “Proposed Dams on The Upper Hudson River” on Thursday, May 22, 2014 at 7:00 pm in the Richards Library Community Event Room, Warrensburg, NY. [Read more…] about Talk: Proposed Dams on The Upper Hudson River

Saturday Troy History Walks in May and June

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RCHSThe Rensselaer County Historical Society (RCHS) offers walking tours of historic downtown Troy on Saturday mornings this May and June. Tours depart from the Market Table at the Troy Farmer’s Market at 10:30am. The cost is $5 per person, RCHS members attend for free.

Each week brings a different theme for the tours, which are led by RCHS staff. Tours frequently incorporate historic photographs and readings from letters and diaries. [Read more…] about Saturday Troy History Walks in May and June

Peterboro Prepares for Annual Civil War Weekend

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CWW 2013 Grant & Aide CourtesyofRoberts cmrpPeterboro community organizations are finalizing program plans for the 22nd Annual Peterboro Civil War Weekend on Saturday, June 14 from 10 am to 5 pm and on Sunday, June 15 from 10 am to 4 pm.

The educational event is also a fundraiser for the Smithfield Community Association, a not-for-profit that preserves and promotes historic sites in the Town of Smithfield. [Read more…] about Peterboro Prepares for Annual Civil War Weekend

Finger Lakes Museum Hosting Planting Days

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Finger Lakes MuseumThe Finger Lakes Museum is preparing for the opening of its Discovery Campus grounds in Branchport this July with three community planting days – May 10, 17, and 25 from 10am to 2pm.

Plant a single tree, a mini-grove, a section of a perennial garden, or shrubbery – any and all help during those days will be greatly appreciated.  Community members, friends, and volunteers are all welcome.  [Read more…] about Finger Lakes Museum Hosting Planting Days

Historic Saranac Lake Events For May

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HSL logo BLACKHistoric Saranac Lake is gearing up for a busy month in May, with a variety of talks, tours, and events scheduled celebrating Saranac Lake’s unique history and architecture.

The month kicks off with a walking tour on May 1 as part of Saranac Lake’s “Daffest” Festival. A walking tour leaves Riverside Park at 10:30 AM. The group will stroll along the shores of Lake Flower, learning about some of the cure cottages that once catered to TB patients. The tour ends at the Bartok Cabin, where the great composer, Béla Bartók, spent the last summer of his life. The tour is $5 per person or free to Historic Saranac Lake members. A boxed lunch is available following the tour for $15. [Read more…] about Historic Saranac Lake Events For May

Celebrating Spring At Senate House Historic Site

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Senate House Historic SiteSpring, a time of new beginnings, is in the air and the bees are buzzing. Soon, gardens will be planted and the bounty they provide will be enjoyed all season long. In the 18th century, it was a time to plant herb and vegetable gardens, clean up from a long winter and look forward to a new year.

The staff and volunteers of Senate House State Historic Site in Kingston will celebrate the arrival of spring on Saturday, May 10, 2014, from 11am-3pm. [Read more…] about Celebrating Spring At Senate House Historic Site

35th Conference on New York State History June 12-14

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New York State MapThe 35th Conference on New York State History will take place on June 12-14, 2014. It will be hosted by Marist College in Poughkeepsie, New York.

The Conference on New York State History is an annual meeting of academic and public historians, librarians and archivists, educators, publishers, and other interested individuals who come together to discuss topics and issues related to the people of New York State in historical perspective and to share information and ideas regarding historical research, programming, and the networking of resources and services. [Read more…] about 35th Conference on New York State History June 12-14