All locks and lift bridges on the New York State Canal System are currently operating daily between 7 am and 5 pm, but is scheduled to close to navigation at 5 pm on Wednesday, October 11, 2023. All recreational vessel operators should plan their trips accordingly to ensure they exit the system by that time. [Read more…] about Canal System Last Day of Navigation Set for October 11th
Mohawk Valley
Wild Ginseng Bust in Schoharie County Leads to Charges
American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) is a herbaceous perennial in the ivy family, commonly used as an herb in traditional Chinese medicine.
It is native to eastern North America, although it is also cultivated in China. Since the 18th century, American ginseng (P. quinquefolius) has been primarily exported to Asia, where it is highly valued. [Read more…] about Wild Ginseng Bust in Schoharie County Leads to Charges
Ask Governor Hochul to Support New York’s History
The strength of our combined voices is our superpower. When we come together to speak out on an issue, we can be loud and we can be heard. Sometimes advocating for New York’s history, art, and cultural organizations is the most gratifying part of my job.
Other times, it is the most challenging work I do. [Read more…] about Ask Governor Hochul to Support New York’s History
Oneida County History Center Seeks Authors for Book Fair
The Oneida County History Center in Utica is inviting authors from the region to participate in a book fair to sell and sign their books. The event is scheduled for Saturday, November 18, from until 3 pm. [Read more…] about Oneida County History Center Seeks Authors for Book Fair
Please Support New York Almanack’s Annual Fundraising Today
New York Almanack delivers to you each day. We receive no public funds – we’re supported only by readers like you.
We need your help! Please DONATE to our annual fundraising campaign to keep New York Almanack publishing. [Read more…] about Please Support New York Almanack’s Annual Fundraising Today
Sir William Johnson and the Wars for Empire Conference Set for October
Sir William Johnson was a larger than life character who dominated the Mohawk Valley and beyond during the 18th century in warfare, politics, trade and diplomacy.
On October 20-22, 2023 the Fort Plain Museum in the Mohawk Valley will host the Sir William Johnson and the Wars for Empire Conference. [Read more…] about Sir William Johnson and the Wars for Empire Conference Set for October
1889 Tows on the Hudson River: Great Fleets of Freight Boats
This article, “Tows on the Hudson. The Great Fleets of Freight Boats That Come Down the River,” first appeared in the August 18, 1889 edition of The New York Times. It was transcribed by Hudson River Maritime Museum volunteer Carl Mayer and annotated by John Warren.
Very few persons who journey up and down the Hudson River either upon the palatial steamers or upon the railway trains that run along both banks of this great waterway know how great an amount of wealth is daily floated to this [New York] city on the canal boats and barges that compose the immense tows that daily leave West Troy [now Watervliet], Lansingburg, Albany, Kingston, and other points along the river bound for this city. [Read more…] about 1889 Tows on the Hudson River: Great Fleets of Freight Boats
Very Active Fall Bird Migration Forecast for Friday
Have you seen any waves of migrating birds lately? The blazing yellow that stretches through the map shown here shows us that heavy nighttime bird migration is expected through the Eastern U.S. after sunset Thursday evening, September 14. [Read more…] about Very Active Fall Bird Migration Forecast for Friday
New Netherlanders’ Views of Indigenous People
By 1642, the number of inhabitants of Rensselaerwyck (spelled Rensselaerswijck in Dutch), at the time basically what is now Albany and Rensselaer Counties, had grown and Patroon Kiliaen Van Rensselaer willingly complied with a requirement of the Dutch West India Company to secure a clergyman for a Dutch Church to conduct services for the settlers. [Read more…] about New Netherlanders’ Views of Indigenous People
Oneida Community Mansion House Offering New Tours
The Oneida Community Mansion House (OCMH) has organized a series of new tours of the 93,000 square-foot home of the Utopian Oneida Community (1848-1880). [Read more…] about Oneida Community Mansion House Offering New Tours