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Mohawk Valley

Drums Along the Mohawk Outdoor Drama 2014 Season

May 28, 2014 by Editorial Staff 2 Comments

Drums Along The Mohawk Outdoor TheatreFollowing a successful debut in 2013, the Drums Along the Mohawk Outdoor Drama is expanding its performance schedule to four shows for 2014 at Gelston Castle Estate, 980 Robinson Road, Mohawk, NY.

Kyle Jenks, the writer and producer of Drums Along the Mohawk Outdoor Drama used the plotline from the famous novel Drums Along the Mohawk by Walter D. Edmonds and adapted it for the outdoor stage. [Read more…] about Drums Along the Mohawk Outdoor Drama 2014 Season

Filed Under: Events, History, Mohawk Valley Tagged With: American Revolution, Gelston Castle, Herkimer COunty, Military History, Mohawk River, Performing Arts, Theatre

The Battle of Oriskany and General Nicholas Herkimer

January 18, 2014 by Editorial Staff 3 Comments

image001(7)During the critical Battle of Oriskany in August 1777, Continental forces led by General Nicholas Herkimer defeated the British army under St. Leger in the heart of New York’s Mohawk Valley. It was a hard-won victory, but he and his troops prevented the British from splitting the colonies in two.

In The Battle of Oriskany and General Nicholas Herkimer: Revolution in the Mohawk Valley (History Press, 2013), Paul Boehlert presents a gripping account of the events before, during and after this critical battle. [Read more…] about The Battle of Oriskany and General Nicholas Herkimer

Filed Under: Books, History, Mohawk Valley Tagged With: American Revolution, Herkimer COunty, Herkimer Home, Indigenous History, Military History, Mohawk River, Native American History, Oriskany

Susan B. Anthony’s Sleigh Ride Through New York State

December 25, 2013 by Suzanne Schnittman 4 Comments

Twas_Night_Before_Christmas_Airborne_SleighAs many of us anticipate winter traveling in New York State this week, we might complain about the price of gas, too much traffic, or long hours on the road. None of our journeys could compare with the one Susan B. Anthony embarked on December 25, 1854.

Ignoring the holiday that most of her friends and family celebrated, Susan set out, not on a train or stagecoach. Just like Santa, she chose a sleigh, pulled not by reindeer but by horses. Just like Santa, she had vast goals in mind, which seemed as miraculous as those he pursued. Yet Susan’s trip would last far longer than twenty-four hours. She planned to visit each of New York’s 54 counties and take four months to do so. [Read more…] about Susan B. Anthony’s Sleigh Ride Through New York State

Filed Under: History, Capital-Saratoga, Mohawk Valley, Western NY Tagged With: Gender History, Political History, Suffrage Movement, womens history

Early Black Musicians in Upstate New York

December 11, 2013 by David Fiske 8 Comments

Early African American FiddlerThe film 12 Years a Slave tells the story of Solomon Northup, a free black man who was lured away from Saratoga Springs, New York in 1841, and sold into slavery. Though he played the fiddle (and the men who tricked him into leaving Saratoga told him they wanted him to fiddle for a circus), the film overstates Northup’s status as a musician. Primarily, he earned his money from other work.

In his 1853 autobiography however, Northup wrote that prior to moving to Saratoga he had performed: “Wherever the young people assembled to dance, I was almost invariably there.” He attained some renown in Washington County, since: “Throughout the surrounding villages my fiddle was notorious.” [Read more…] about Early Black Musicians in Upstate New York

Filed Under: History, Arts, Capital-Saratoga, Mohawk Valley, Western NY Tagged With: Auburn, Black History, Cultural History, Music, Musical History, Performing Arts, Rome, Saratoga County, Saratoga Springs, Solomon Northup, Washington County

The Leadership Role of Municipal Historians

January 24, 2013 by Peter Feinman Leave a Comment

19120822As the new year gets underway, it is appropriate to pause and reflect on open issues from years gone by. I am referring now to the role in 2013 of the county historian as a custodian for New York State history as we forge ahead with our Path through History Project.

The starting point for this investigation is an article which appeared on September 12, 2012 just after the summer launch in August entitled “New York State’s Curious, Century-Old Law Requiring Every City and Town to Have a Historian” by Amanda Erickson in The Atlantic Cities. [Read more…] about The Leadership Role of Municipal Historians

Filed Under: Adirondacks & NNY, Capital-Saratoga, History, Hudson Valley - Catskills, Mohawk Valley, New York City, Western NY Tagged With: Association of Public Historians of NYS, Bob Weible, Long Island, Municipal Historians, Otsego County, Political History, Public History, Schenectady County, Uncategorized

A Hamilton County Murder (Part 2)

January 21, 2013 by Lawrence P. Gooley Leave a Comment

Though Ernest Duane had eventually admitted killing popular Lake Pleasant guide Eula Davis, there was no guarantee he would be found guilty in court. The defense focused on proving Duane’s supposed mental abnormalities, which they claimed had been exacerbated by the lonely life of a woodsman who often spent long months alone. It seemed a weak argument at best, but then came the kicker: Duane’s epilepsy, seized upon by his attorneys in a strategy described as the “dream defense.” [Read more…] about A Hamilton County Murder (Part 2)

Filed Under: Adirondacks & NNY, History, Mohawk Valley Tagged With: Crime and Justice, Herkimer COunty, Legal History

Bob Weible: Making History in Difficult Times

November 14, 2012 by Robert Weible 2 Comments

I was disappointed to hear the recent news that Schenectady County officials have chosen to cut funding for their county historian. This decision appears to have less to do with the historian than it did with the county’s fiscal problems.

Many of us are familiar with the state law that requires municipalities to appoint historians, and as Gerry Smith has pointed out, NYS County Law, section 400, also requires counties to make similar appointments. Many counties and many municipalities comply with these laws. Many don’t. But that’s not what’s at stake here. [Read more…] about Bob Weible: Making History in Difficult Times

Filed Under: Adirondacks & NNY, Capital-Saratoga, History, Hudson Valley - Catskills, Mohawk Valley, New York City, Western NY Tagged With: Association of Public Historians of NYS, Bob Weible, Municipal Historians, Public History, Saratoga County, Schenectady County, Suffolk County, Wayne County

The Civil War: A Musical Journey

September 26, 2012 by Editorial Staff 1 Comment

Four Seasons, Four Years is a new Old Songs production featuring eleven singers and musicians from the Adirondacks performing a selection of songs extant in America between 1850 and 1865. This performance takes place at View (the former Old Forge Arts Center) this Saturday, September 29, 2012 at 7:30pm.

The show includes both popular songs of the period as well as songs composed in response to the Civil War itself and events leading up to it. The songs are interspersed with historical narrative specific to New York State and the New York Volunteer Regiments.

Old Songs’ presentation of Four Seasons, Four Years – The Civil War: A Musical Journey brings the songs and sounds of the Civil War back to life without stinting on the truth, the tragedy and the horror. Selections from letters, historical papers and soldier’s diaries are read between the musical passages, creating a seamless flow of narration and song.

The cast of singers and musicians include Greg Artzner, Dan Berggren, Betsy Fry, Steve Fry, Reggie Harris, Terry Leonino, John Roberts, Bill Spence, Toby Stover, Susan Trump and George Wilson. All known in their own right as fine working musicians, they have joined forces to present this unique show in observance of the 150th anniversary of the Civil War.

The songs of this period include Negro spirituals, shape-note hymns, marching songs, sentimental songs and songs and parodies written by 19th century writers such as Stephen Foster, George F. Root, the Hutchinson Family and Henry C. Work. The cast performs in individual and ensemble performances bringing these songs alive with great gusto, emotional impact and exceptional musicianship.

The production has been produced, compiled and directed by Old Songs, Inc. Executive Director Andy Spence in collaboration with the musicians. View their website at www.oldsongs.org  to learn more.

You may purchase tickets by calling View at 315-369-6411 or via email info@ViewArts.org.

Tickets are $25/$20 members, and can be purchased by calling View at 315.369.6411. To learn more about View programming, visit www.ViewArts.org.

Filed Under: Events, Mohawk Valley Tagged With: African American History, Civil War, Cultural History, Herkimer COunty, Music, Performing Arts, Pop Culture History

Volunteers Headed to State Parks, Historic Sites

May 2, 2012 by Editorial Staff 2 Comments

“Our parks are one of the hidden treasures of our state,” Governor Andrew Cuomo said today, inviting New Yorkers to participate in the first ever I Love My Park Day, a statewide event to enhance the state’s parks and historic sites and bring visibility to the entire park system and its needs.

Thousands of New Yorkers are expected to turn out on Saturday, May 5, to volunteer to help improve our state parks. Volunteers will celebrate New York’s state park system by cleaning up park lands and beaches, planting trees and gardens, restoring trails and wildlife habitats, removing invasive species, and working on various site improvement projects.

There are more than 35 participating state parks and historic sites. Bring your friends and family to your favorite park this Saturday and help preserve the beauty of this great state. You can click here to find a park or historic site and sign up, or just show up!

Filed Under: Adirondacks & NNY, Capital-Saratoga, History, Hudson Valley - Catskills, Mohawk Valley, New York City, Western NY Tagged With: NYSOPRHP, State Parks

A Small Error Leads To A Terrible Adirondack Railroad Accident

April 24, 2012 by Lawrence P. Gooley Leave a Comment

1912 Map of McKeeverOn May 9, 1903, a seemingly minor error led to a terrible Adirondack railroad accident near Old Forge. About seven miles south on Route 28 was Nelson Lake siding (a side rail, or pullover) on the Mohawk & Malone Railroad (an Adirondack branch of the New York Central Railroad). A little farther down the line from Nelson Lake was the village of McKeever.

That fateful day started like any other. From Malone, New York, about 90 miles northeast of Nelson Lake, train No. 650 (six cars) was heading south on its route that eventually led to Utica. At around 8:00 that morning and some 340 miles south of Malone, train No. 651 of the Adirondack & Montreal Express departed New York City. At 1:05 pm, it passed Utica, beginning the scenic run north towards the mountains. [Read more…] about A Small Error Leads To A Terrible Adirondack Railroad Accident

Filed Under: History, Adirondacks & NNY, Mohawk Valley Tagged With: Adirondacks, Franklin County, Herkimer COunty, malone, McKeever, New York Central RR, Old Forge, railroads, Transportation History

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