Since the 1970s, when it was donated to the Historical Society of Rockland County (HSRC) collections by the late Dr. Anthony Pavia of New City, the HSRC has had in their possession the horse-drawn wagon used by Postman Frank Eberling to carry mail on New City’s Rural Free Delivery routes at the turn of the 20th century. [Read more…] about The Eberling Mail Wagon: Rockland County Rural Free Delivery in the Early 20th Century
New York City
Marty Glickman: American Jewish Sports Legend
The book Marty Glickman: The Life of an American Jewish Sports Legend (NYU Press, 2023) by Jeffrey S. Gurock takes a look at Marty Glickman, who for close to half a century after World War II, was the voice of New York sports. [Read more…] about Marty Glickman: American Jewish Sports Legend
Leadership Changes At Long Island Museums Stir Controversy, Confidence
The Nassau County Museum of Art has abruptly dismissed its Museum Director in a controversial move that is prompting calls for his reinstatement and the Southampton History Museum has announced a new Executive Director without controversy.
This is the second time in six years the Nassau County Museum suddenly and without warning replaced its Museum Director. [Read more…] about Leadership Changes At Long Island Museums Stir Controversy, Confidence
Greater Hudson Heritage Network 2023 Excellence Awards Announced
Greater Hudson Heritage Network’s Awards for Excellence program seeks to recognize and commend exceptional efforts among the Network’s members. Awards are made to projects that exemplify creativity and professional vision resulting in a contribution to the preservation and interpretation of the historic scene, material culture, and diversity of the region. [Read more…] about Greater Hudson Heritage Network 2023 Excellence Awards Announced
Flee North! Thomas Smallwood & The Early Underground Railroad
Born enslaved, by the 1840s Thomas Smallwood (1801–1883) had purchased his freedom, was self-educated, and working as a shoemaker a short walk from the U.S. Capitol.
Working alongside prominent abolitionist Charles Turner Torrey, the two men encouraged those enslaved to flee north and helped create what is believed to be the first organized line of the Underground Railroad. [Read more…] about Flee North! Thomas Smallwood & The Early Underground Railroad
Making Long Island: A History of Growth and the American Dream
Larry Samuel is an author and historian whose book Making Long Island: A History of Growth and the American Dream (History Press, 2023) looks at the development of Long Island throughout the 20th Century. [Read more…] about Making Long Island: A History of Growth and the American Dream
Samuel Tilden, New York City & The Gilded Age
Samuel Tilden (1814-1881) was born into a wealthy family in New Lebanon, Columbia County, New York. Attracted to politics at a young age, he became a protege of Martin Van Buren before beginning a legal career in the city of New York as corporate lawyer.
Tilden became widely recognized after helping to bring down fellow Democrat “Boss” William Tweed (along with congressman and former heavyweight boxing champion John Morrissey) and was elected the 25th governor of New York, serving in 1875–1876. He was then named the Democratic nominee in the disputed 1876 United States presidential election against Rutherford B. Hayes. [Read more…] about Samuel Tilden, New York City & The Gilded Age
12 New Locations to New York State Birding Trail
Twelve new locations have been added to the New York State Birding Trail. These new locations bring the total number of birding trail locations across the state to 344 and provide a wide variety of quality birding experiences for everyone, regardless of age, ability, identity, or background. [Read more…] about 12 New Locations to New York State Birding Trail
The Burning of Kingston Commemoration Events Set for Oct 13-15th
During the American Revolution, the small town of Kingston, Ulster County, New York, appears twice as a key location in numerous historical accounts; once as the meeting point for New York politicians, and once as the focal point of British retaliation.
The first meeting resulted in Kingston’s role as the birthplace of the State of New York. One month later, in retaliation for aiding the patriots, the British burned Kingston to the ground. [Read more…] about The Burning of Kingston Commemoration Events Set for Oct 13-15th
Noah Webster’s Dictionary for Independence
On July 23, 1788, a colorful “Federal Procession” of nearly 5,000 citizens marched through Lower Manhattan in celebration of the ratification of the Constitution. The Order of the Procession was divided in ten divisions representing various trades and professions. One of those involved in the manifestation was a young Federalist and lexicographer by the name of Noah Webster.
Noah was a member of the Philological Society of New York. Founded in March 1788 for the purpose of “improving the American Tongue,” the Society was eager to take part in the event. Solemnly dressed in black, the philologists paraded in the Ninth Division with lawyers, college students and merchants. [Read more…] about Noah Webster’s Dictionary for Independence