News and Views from the Empire State
The next grant round of the William G. Pomeroy Foundation’s New York State Historic Marker Grant Program officially opens today, Friday, July 31.
This roadside marker program commemorates historic people, places, things or events in New York State within the time frame of 1740-1920. Grants cover the entire cost of a cast aluminum marker, pole and shipping. [Read more…] about Grants Available for Upstate Historic Markers
The Oneida County History Center has announced a virtual lunchtime lecture with Alexis Albright, curator of the Oriskany Museum, who will look at the Battle of Oriskany, General Nicholas Herkimer and the Tryon County Militia.
The Battle of Oriskany was one of the bloodiest battles of the American Revolution. Loyalists and several hundred Native American allies ambushed an Patriot military party attempting to relieve the siege of Fort Stanwix. [Read more…] about The Battle of Oriskany and Herkimer’s Militia Virtual Lecture
What could be more symbolic of British imperial domination, immorality, and unfettered disrespect for human life than the murder of Jane McCrea at the hands of British-allied Indians near Fort Edward, NY, on July 26, 1777?
Word spread fast, and McCrea’s slaying excited legion numbers of patriotic American militia to seek righteous revenge against the sinister “savages” and General John Burgoyne. Burgoyne could later reflect upon this sad event as the beginning of the end of his sinister, failed military expedition.
At least, this is what authors, enthusiasts, and yes — even historians — have led us to believe for centuries. [Read more…] about The Death of Jane McCrea: Fact and Fiction
As someone whose job it is to help preserve trees, I find it ironic that in nearly every case I am saving them from us.
We injure their root systems, whack them with mowers and weed-eaters, plant them too deeply, and do many other things which jeopardize their health.
It would be terrifying if they could fight back in the manner of Tolkein’s magical Fangorn Forest. For one thing, tree work would be a lot more dangerous than it already is. [Read more…] about Protecting Your Trees
DEC is encouraging New York pool owners to participate in their annual Asian Longhorned Beetle Swimming Pool Survey. This is the time of year when Asian longhorned beetles (ALB) emerge as adults and are most active outside of their host tree. [Read more…] about Pool Owners Sought for Citizen Science Survey
Most of the NYS Canal System is now open, including the eastern Erie Canal from Lock E2 in Waterford to Lock E18 in Jacksonburg. [Read more…] about NYS Canal System Now Mostly Open
Crailo State Historic Site (also known formerly as Fort Crailo) on the Hudson River in Rensselaer, once the Van Rensselaer family’s fortified home, has reopened to the public.
[Read more…] about Fort Crailo State Historic Site Has Reopened
The Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor has announced a number of projects and upcoming events along the Erie Canal. [Read more…] about Erie Canal Towpath News and Events
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has announced that the Licensed Guides exam for anyone currently registered is now scheduled for Saturday, August 1st. [Read more…] about Exam Set Dates for NYS Licensed Guides
Hamilton County Soil & Water Conservation District and Adirondack Park Invasive Plant Program have announced two upcoming webinars focused on Aquatic Invasive Species. [Read more…] about Invasive Knotweed, Milfoil Webinars Set