History, Natural History & the Arts
Stormy Night
There is a loneliness to hail drops
on a tin-roofed cabin.
The woods and flowers and secrets of
mountains are lonely.
So are the trails, ponds, and bridges;
the vanished sources looking for a beginning.
Dripping drops a million years in the making.
Falling asleep in the wounded soil of dreams.
The latest episode of “Empire State Engagements” features a conversation with New York State Museum Senior Historian and Curator Brad Utter about his recent exhibit on the Erie Canal, “Enterprising Waters,” as well as his book of the same title, published by SUNY Press in 2020. [Read more…] about Brad Utter Talks About His Canal Exhibit, Book Experience
The Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor has announced a call for entries for its 16th annual Erie Canalway Photo Contest. [Read more…] about Erie Canalway Photo Contest Kicks-Off
Fort Ticonderoga has announced they are now accepting proposals for papers broadly addressing the period of the Seven Years’ War for its Twenty-Sixth Annual War College of the Seven Years’ War to be held May 20th through 22nd, 2022. [Read more…] about War College of the Seven Years’ War Call for Papers
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George Washington and his Continental Army braving the frigid winter at Valley Forge form an iconic image in the popular history of the American Revolution. Such winter camps were also a critical factor in the waging and winning of the War of Independence.
In this episode of A New York Minute In History, Devin and Lauren research the life of Audrey Munson, America’s first supermodel. Born in upstate New York, Munson was one of the most famous models of the early 20th Century, and posed for the top American artists in the Beaux Arts movement. [Read more…] about Audrey Munson: Early Supermodel from Upstate NY
New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (State Parks) will open 22 beaches, pools and spray-grounds across the state for swimming on Memorial Day weekend. State Park beaches, campgrounds and picnic areas will return to normal operating capacity this summer. Park visitors are reminded to practice social distancing, respect the rules, and do their part to keep parks and beaches open and safe for everyone. [Read more…] about NYS Parks & Beaches Guide for Memorial Day Weekend
A screened-in porch is an ideal place to relax on a summer evening. The tight, wire mesh that covers the walls allows the enjoyment of nature’s unique fragrances and wildlife sounds without the harassment of mosquitoes and other flying nocturnal pests.
However, during the early parts of summer, there is one bug that can detract from the ambiance. Biting midges are small enough to pass through traditional screens, allowing them access to any individual wanting to enjoy the evening. [Read more…] about Bug Season: Biting Midges
The Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor and the New York State Canal Corporation have announced the Erie Canal is set to open to the public on Friday, May 21st.
This year the Canal will host 26 festivals and events including recreational activities, tours, concerts, and heritage celebrations, showcasing the Canalway Corridor’s heritage and the recreational appeal of the waterway and Canalway Trail. [Read more…] about Canal System Opening Friday, Canal Events on Tap
Anna B. Schram was Department President of the Association of Army Nurses. During the Civil War, she volunteered as an unpaid nurse under Drs. McKenzie and Haynes.
She was stationed at a Union Army camp outside of Fredericksburg, where she remained for 10 months caring for the sick and wounded of Antietam and South Mountain until illness forced her to return home. [Read more…] about Anna Schram & Montgomery County’s Civil War Nurses