Octagon houses date back to ancient Greece, where they were symbols of rebirth and renewal. In the United States they were mostly built during the 1850s and 1860s, many of them in New York State. [Read more…] about Orson Squire Fowler & New York’s Octagon Houses
Western NY
The Rebellions of 1837-1838: American Influence & The Formation of Canada
The Rebellions of 1837-1838 were insurrections against the oligarchic government of the British colonies of Lower and Upper Canada in 1837 and 1838. The rebellion began in Lower Canada but quickly spread to Upper Canada as well. [Read more…] about The Rebellions of 1837-1838: American Influence & The Formation of Canada
Old Fort Niagara Present Castle by Candlelight
Old Fort Niagara assumes a particularly festive air during the holiday season. Special activities kick off on Saturday evenings, December 9 and 16 from 6:30 to 8:30 pm, as the Fort presents “The Castle by Candlelight,” a tour of the Great Lakes’ oldest building illuminated entirely by candles. [Read more…] about Old Fort Niagara Present Castle by Candlelight
Covered Bridges: Common Questions Answered
Many reasons are offered for covering bridges such as providing shelter during inclement weather or so horses wouldn’t be afraid to cross the water. However, the true reason is much more practical – to protect the structure supporting the bridge. Without protection from the weather, the wooden timbers supporting the bridge would decay more rapidly and eventually collapse. [Read more…] about Covered Bridges: Common Questions Answered
Samson Occom: Radical Hospitality in the Native Northeast
The Mohegan-Brothertown minister Samson Occom (1723–1792) was a prominent political and religious leader of the Indigenous peoples of present-day New York and New England, among whom he is still revered today. An international celebrity in his day, Occom rose to fame as the first Native person to be ordained a minister in the New England colonies. [Read more…] about Samson Occom: Radical Hospitality in the Native Northeast
Fort Plain Museum’s Annual Christmas at the Fort Event Saturday
The Fort Plain Museum’s annual Christmas at the Fort event will be held on Saturday, December 2, 2023 from 11 am to 5 pm. During this event, there is a 40% – 50% off clearance book sale on select titles while the entire bookstore and gift is 20% the entire purchase. German Beer will be served by Eisenadler Brauhaus, a local brewery from Nelliston and wide variety of refreshments will be provided. [Read more…] about Fort Plain Museum’s Annual Christmas at the Fort Event Saturday
Free 2024 Erie Canalway Calendar Available December 1st
The public is invited to pick up a free 2024 Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor calendar starting December 1, 2023 at selected libraries and visitor centers throughout the Heritage Corridor.
The calendar features winning images from this year’s Erie Canalway photo contest. [Read more…] about Free 2024 Erie Canalway Calendar Available December 1st
Rangers Respond to Submerged Car; Lost Hunter; Injured Hiker
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Forest Rangers respond to search and rescue incidents throughout New York State. Working with other state agencies, local emergency response organizations and volunteer search and rescue groups, Forest Rangers locate and extract lost, injured or distressed people.
What follows is a report, prepared by DEC, of recent missions carried out by Forest Rangers. [Read more…] about Rangers Respond to Submerged Car; Lost Hunter; Injured Hiker
John D. Rockefeller: Tree Farmer Extraordinaire
When the name John D. Rockefeller Sr. captures someone’s attention the mind usually pictures the famous – or infamous depending on one’s view of 19th century capitalism – late oil baron and once world’s richest man.
Someone more versed on his life might recall Rockefeller’s love for the game of golf. However, John D. was also a passionate and prolific tree farmer and landscaper on his 3,000 acre Kykuit estate bordering the Hudson River near Pocantico Hills, in the Westchester County town of Mount Pleasant, NY. [Read more…] about John D. Rockefeller: Tree Farmer Extraordinaire
$3.5 Million Awarded for Environmental Justice Initiatives
A total of $3.5 million in state funding was awarded to support environmental justice initiatives being led by more than 20 community-based organizations across the state. [Read more…] about $3.5 Million Awarded for Environmental Justice Initiatives