Mathew Brady was one of the most prolific photographers of the nineteenth century, creating visual documentation of the Civil War period. While Mathew Brady’s exact birth-date in Warren County, NY is unknown (circa 1822 – 1824), this year marks the beginning of the commemoration of Brady’s 200th birthday. [Read more…] about Photographing the Civil War: Mathew Brady at 200
History
Lake George Boards Seek More Active Role in Historic Preservation
The Town and the Village of Lake George in Warren County, NY may play a more active role in preserving historic sites and significant architecture if both adopt laws creating a joint Historic Preservation Commission. [Read more…] about Lake George Boards Seek More Active Role in Historic Preservation
1st Ulster Militia Reenactors to Open Matthewis Persen House Museum Saturday
The Matthewis Persen House Museum in Kingston, Ulster County, NY will host a program with special guests Revolutionary War Era Reenactors the 1st Ulster Militia, on Saturday, May 28th. [Read more…] about 1st Ulster Militia Reenactors to Open Matthewis Persen House Museum Saturday
An Adirondack Lumber Camp at Twitchell Lake, 1860-80
My uncle Frank Sherry taught my brother Tom and I orienteering, using a map and compass to navigate through the woods and find a remote pond or other location. We were teenagers and it was an exciting way to spend a Saturday.
On one of these adventures we were in search of Silver Dollar Pond to the east of Twitchell Lake in Northern Herkimer County,when we stumbled on our first lumber camp. The telltale signs were pieces of metal hanging from a tree and protruding from the ground, with old bottles half-buried in the forest floor. We made note of the location on our map, a half-mile from Twitchell, and returned to explore it. It wasn’t long before we located the camp dump, from which we dug up the items pictured here.
These and other objects triggered an active discussion on the date of this old camp, with an imaginative re-creation of what life might have been like for a lumberjacks living and working there. [Read more…] about An Adirondack Lumber Camp at Twitchell Lake, 1860-80
Logging the Adirondack Interior, Spurring Preservation (1840-60)
One of the most satisfying pastimes for me at our summer home on Twitchell Lake in Big Moose in the Adirondacks in Northern Herkimer County), was taking the camp guide boat out for a spin. That privilege was earned by passing the family test, a solo swim across the lake, about the distance of a football field.
Weighing just over 30 pounds, this unique 14-foot wooden craft sped through the water powered by two oars. A cabin shelf still displays several awards for winning the annual guide boat race. I fondly remember the one-mile hikes to neighboring Oswego Pond, trailing my older brother Burt carrying that guide boat on his shoulders using a hand-carved yoke, my father in the lead bearing the oars and fishing gear. [Read more…] about Logging the Adirondack Interior, Spurring Preservation (1840-60)
Study Calls For Champlain Canal Barrier To Control Invasive Species
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New York District, in partnership with the Lake Champlain Basin Program (LCBP) and the non-Federal sponsor, New England Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission (NEIWPCC) have announced the completion of the Champlain Canal Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Barrier Phase 1 Study and the recommendation that a barrier be installed to limit the movement of invasive species into Lake Champlain. [Read more…] about Study Calls For Champlain Canal Barrier To Control Invasive Species
Mayken van Angola’s Life Under New Netherland Slavery
On December 28th, 1662, a woman named Mayken van Angola pursued freedom in New Amsterdam. She did not stand alone. Two other women — Susanna and Lucretia — stood with her and together, they petitioned the colonial government for their freedom. It was granted with the caveat that they must clean the Director General Petrus Stuyvesant’s house once a week as a condition of that freedom. [Read more…] about Mayken van Angola’s Life Under New Netherland Slavery
Long Island Middle School Teacher Receives 2022 Teacher of the Year Award
The Organization of American Historians (OAH) has announced that Jennifer A. Ingold, Bay Shore Middle School, is recipient of the OAH’s 2022 Mary K. Bonsteel Tachau Teacher of the Year Award, which is given annually for contributions made by pre-collegiate teachers to improve history education within the field of American history. The Award was presented during the OAH’s 2022 Conference on American History. [Read more…] about Long Island Middle School Teacher Receives 2022 Teacher of the Year Award
Hudson River Valley Institute Announces the Creation of Student Research Fund
Each semester, the Hudson River Valley Institute (HRVI) hosts Marist College student interns from a variety of disciplines and areas of study.
In order to expand the resources available to these students, HRVI is seeking support to establish an endowed fund for the purpose of providing enrichment opportunities that enable interns to undertake more impactful experiences and develop more in-depth projects. [Read more…] about Hudson River Valley Institute Announces the Creation of Student Research Fund
Memorial Day Event at New Windsor Cantonment
The New Windsor Cantonment State Historic Site in Orange County, NY will honor America’s soldiers and their families on Memorial Day, Monday May 30th. [Read more…] about Memorial Day Event at New Windsor Cantonment