The Fort Plain Museum’s annual Christmas at the Fort event will be held on Saturday, December 2, 2023 from 11 am to 5 pm. During this event, there is a 40% – 50% off clearance book sale on select titles while the entire bookstore and gift is 20% the entire purchase. German Beer will be served by Eisenadler Brauhaus, a local brewery from Nelliston and wide variety of refreshments will be provided. [Read more…] about Fort Plain Museum’s Annual Christmas at the Fort Event Saturday
This page includes all our stories about New York State history.
Small Museums Virtual Summit Registration Now Open
Small history organizations across the United States share history with local audiences in ways that are creative, educational, and engaging. Small museums are diverse – rural and urban, full-time staff and all volunteer led, well supported financially and operating on a shoestring. But, most of all, they are resilient. [Read more…] about Small Museums Virtual Summit Registration Now Open
19th Century Railroad News from Northern New York
One railroad was flourishing. “The immense quantity of lumber coming from Canada has caused a brisk revival in the freight business of the Delaware and Hudson, and the employees are pleased at the prospect,” The Morning Star of Glens Falls reported on November 15, 1893. “A number of men in the vicinity of Whitehall have been put to work again.”
Another railroad was struggling. “The new Adirondack and St. Lawrence Railroad Company is reducing expenses for the winter months. Fifty employees have been laid off, and the passenger department has been transferred from Herkimer to Malone,” according to the The Morning Star of November 11, 1893. “The change is made to enable the company to compete more successfully with the Central Vermont and Chateaugay roads.” [Read more…] about 19th Century Railroad News from Northern New York
Centering Authentic Indigenous Voices
The latest A New York Minute in History Podcast, celebrates Native American Heritage Month with a conversation regarding how historians can center authentic indigenous voices and work with Native American communities across the state in planning for the upcoming 250th anniversary of the American Revolution. [Read more…] about Centering Authentic Indigenous Voices
Fort Ticonderoga To Survey American Encampment on ‘Liberty Hill’
As American forces retreated from their disastrous invasion of Canada and arrived at Ticonderoga in July 1776, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York troops took up residence to the east of the old French Lines of the Carillon Battlefield, where they began to rebuild the crumbling earthworks. [Read more…] about Fort Ticonderoga To Survey American Encampment on ‘Liberty Hill’
Rangers Respond to Submerged Car; Lost Hunter; Injured Hiker
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Forest Rangers respond to search and rescue incidents throughout New York State. Working with other state agencies, local emergency response organizations and volunteer search and rescue groups, Forest Rangers locate and extract lost, injured or distressed people.
What follows is a report, prepared by DEC, of recent missions carried out by Forest Rangers. [Read more…] about Rangers Respond to Submerged Car; Lost Hunter; Injured Hiker
An Investigation of Motorized Incursions into Adirondack Wilderness
The dry language of the Adirondack Park Agency – Department of Environmental Conservation Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) concerning implementation of the Adirondack Park State Land Master Plan belies its contentious origins.
The MOU, first signed in 2003, updated in 2010, is found on the APA website. It has many “whereas” clauses, such as “WHEREAS, the AGENCY and the DEPARTMENT agree that it is in the interest of the State of New York to fully coordinate and integrate their respective program responsibilities as they pertain to the Adirondack Park for the good of the People of the State, State government, the Adirondack local governments, residents of the Park and Park visitors.” [Read more…] about An Investigation of Motorized Incursions into Adirondack Wilderness
Covered Bridges: An Introduction
Covered bridges are known to have existed in China for over 2,000 years according to archaeological evidence. The current numbers in China are unknown, but it is believed there are over 3,000.
Chinese wooden bridges do not use truss designs like North American and European ones. Most in China are built on masonry bases of stone or brick. Many are constructed with a “woven-arch” design which has a collection of interlocking timbers to support the structure. [Read more…] about Covered Bridges: An Introduction
Holiday Traditions of the Mohawk Valley
America was a melting pot of traditions from around the world. The Puritans of New England did not celebrate Christmas. Early German and English immigrants to the Mohawk Valley were more accustomed to celebrating the holiday. In combining elements from various cultures, America developed unique traditions. [Read more…] about Holiday Traditions of the Mohawk Valley
Lincoln Bathhouse Restoration Project Completed in Saratoga
The Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (State Parks) has announced the completion of a façade restoration project at the Lincoln Bathhouse in Saratoga Spa State Park on South Broadway in Saratoga Springs. The $472,038 restoration enhanced accessibility and preserved historical features. [Read more…] about Lincoln Bathhouse Restoration Project Completed in Saratoga