Sean Kelleher, the vice president of the Saratoga County History Center, has been appointed to the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor Commission. This federal commission works with communities along the Erie Canal to celebrate and promote the Canal’s heritage. [Read more…] about Sean Kelleher Appointed to Erie Canalway Commission
Mohawk Valley
Revolutionary War Conference 250 in the Mohawk Valley
The Fort Plain Museum has announced their Revolutionary War Conference 250 has been set for June 9th through 11th at the Fulton-Montgomery Community College’s Theater in Johnstown, Fulton County, NY.
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Revolutionary Roads: Searching for the War That Made America Independent
The new book Revolutionary Roads: Searching for the War That Made America Independent… and All the Places It Could Have Gone Terribly Wrong (Twelve, 2023) by Bob Thompson takes readers on a time-traveling adventure through the crucial places American independence was won and might have been lost. [Read more…] about Revolutionary Roads: Searching for the War That Made America Independent
The General Electric Flight Test Center in the 1960s
Ken Haefner learned to fly in the Air Force in a T-33. He served abroad in Okinawa during 1957-59 as part of the 25th Fighter interceptor Squadron that flew support missions over the Taiwan Straight during Chinese shelling of Quemoy and Matsu Islands.
Upon returning home, he resumed his job as an Electrical Engineer at GE Light Military Electronics Dept in Schenectady and was assigned to work on the Navy Self Adaptive Control Flight Test Evaluation, which was conducted at the General Electric Flight Test Center (now the location of the Empire State Aerosciences Museum). [Read more…] about The General Electric Flight Test Center in the 1960s
Seeps Keep Erie Canal, Glens Falls Feeder Canal Levels Lower
The New York State Canal Corporation has announced that water levels this navigation season in the Erie Canal between Lock E-30 (Macedon) and Locks E-34/35 (Lockport) will be consistent with levels maintained throughout 2022 – approximately one foot lower than historic levels. [Read more…] about Seeps Keep Erie Canal, Glens Falls Feeder Canal Levels Lower
When The Yeggs Hit Upstate New York
It was late on Wednesday, January 19th, 1910, and Police Chief W. R. Bronner was making his evening rounds through the quiet village of Mohawk, in the town of German Flatts, Herkimer County, NY, making sure all was safe for both business and residents.
Somewhere near the intersection of Main and Washington streets, he encountered four men who engaged him in conversation as they all walked along. Before he could resist, he was relieved of his pistol, gagged, and brought into the Masonic Hall billiard room that the Yeggs had broken into earlier in the evening. Once inside, Bronner was bound with wire taken from pictures on the wall. [Read more…] about When The Yeggs Hit Upstate New York
Revivalism and Educational Reform: Roots in Oneida County
Three notable 19th century religious and education figures started their paths to national fame in Westernville, Oneida County, NY: Rev. Charles Grandison Finney, Rev. George Washington Gale and Theodore Dwight Weld. [Read more…] about Revivalism and Educational Reform: Roots in Oneida County
Science & Suckers: The Cohoes Mastodon & The Cardiff Giant
In 1866, NY State Geologist James Hall received a message from T.G. Younglove, an official at Harmony Mills in Cohoes, New York, informing Hall that while conducting some excavations to expand the mill they uncovered a “great pothole” at the foot of Cohoes Falls where the Mohawk River begins to empty into the Hudson.
The “great pothole” contained a large jawbone “of some unknown beast,” much larger than that of an elephant. [Read more…] about Science & Suckers: The Cohoes Mastodon & The Cardiff Giant
Black History Historiographic Genealogies: Sources & Resources
With the arrival of Black History Month, the 2023 theme, “Black Resistance,” will certainly emphasize the standard bearers of freedom seekers. Most noticeable will be the attention devoted to Frederick Douglass and Harriet Tubman. There will also be discussions about the 1619 Project and the Critical Race Theory. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ attack on the teaching of the AP course in African American History will surely be debated.
Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, were two personalities that Dr. Carter Godwin Woodson honored in 1926 with his launching of Negro History Week. He selected the second week of February as the time of the annual celebration since it coincides with the birthdays of Douglass and Lincoln. [Read more…] about Black History Historiographic Genealogies: Sources & Resources
Erie Canalway Virtual 1st Mile Challenge Launched
In partnership with the Fitness Inclusion Network at SUNY Upstate’s Golisano Center for Special Needs, the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor has announced the launch of a Virtual 1st Mile Challenge for people with mobility challenges. [Read more…] about Erie Canalway Virtual 1st Mile Challenge Launched