New York Sea Grant, in partnership with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), has announced $400,000 in grant funding now available for Great Lakes ecosystem-based management projects in support of New York’s Great Lakes Action Agenda. Awards of up to $50,000 per project will be available from the New York Great Lakes Basin Small Grants Program. [Read more…] about $400k Available in Grants for Great Lakes Basin Projects
Western NY
NYS Historic Barn Tax Credit Program Informational Session
Owners of historic barns (built before 1946) may be eligible for New York State’s new Historic Barn Tax Credit program for qualifying expenses to rehabilitate or maintain their barns.
The 25% credit, available to barn owners who pay New York State income tax, can be applied to qualifying barn rehabilitation and/or maintenance expenses incurred in the previous five years. [Read more…] about NYS Historic Barn Tax Credit Program Informational Session
Frederick Douglass in Central New York
Frederick Douglass, who escaped slavery to become the great Black orator and statesman of the nineteenth century, has long been associated with his homes in Rochester, and Washington, DC.
He played key roles in the Abolitionist Movement, Underground Railroad, and nascent Women’s Rights Movement in Central New York. [Read more…] about Frederick Douglass in Central New York
Canal Tourism Infrastructure, Event Grants Announced
The Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor and the New York State Canal Corporation, through the Reimagine the Canals initiative, have announced that 38 non-profit organizations and municipalities will receive grants in 2022 totaling $259,300.
The grants will support 11 tourism infrastructure and amenity improvements and 27 events along the NYS Canal System. [Read more…] about Canal Tourism Infrastructure, Event Grants Announced
Central-Finger Lakes Segment of Statewide Birding Trail Opens
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has announced the grand opening of the Central-Finger Lakes segment of the New York State Birding Trail to highlight the state’s world-class and wide-ranging birding opportunities.
The Central-Finger Lakes segment includes 54 locations throughout 15 counties, providing a variety of quality birding experiences for New Yorkers and visitors to enjoy. [Read more…] about Central-Finger Lakes Segment of Statewide Birding Trail Opens
Rangers Respond to Missing Kids, Brush Fire, Wilderness Rescues
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 Missing Kids, Brush Fire, Wilderness Rescues
New York State Canal System Opens May 20th
The NYS Canal System is scheduled to open on Friday, May 20th at 7 am for the 2022 navigation season.
Standard hours of operation will be 7 am to 5 pm until October 12th, but busier locks and lift bridges will be open on demand until 10 pm. If adjustments to the schedule are necessary, the public will be notified accordingly. There are no tolls or fees for recreational use of the Canal system this year. [Read more…] about New York State Canal System Opens May 20th
The Killing of Schoharie Deputy Sheriff Huddleston in 1818
On the ninth of October 1818, William Huddleston, a resident of Lawyersville and a deputy sheriff of Schoharie County, rode out to the farm of John van Alstine. Van Alstine had run over and injured a child the previous summer.
Huddleston intended to collect several judgments from Van Alstine arising from the injury to the child and secure some of Van Alstine’s property as collateral against various outstanding judgments. Van Alstine picked up a wooden bar and clubbed the deputy sheriff to death. The killing was, as the ghost says in Shakespeare’s Hamlet, “a murder most foul.” [Read more…] about The Killing of Schoharie Deputy Sheriff Huddleston in 1818
Anti-Racism Event Set For Abolition Hall of Fame
The National Abolition Hall of Fame and Museum (NAHOF) will host the Madison County NY Anti-Racism Collaborative on Saturday, May 14th at 1:30 pm. [Read more…] about Anti-Racism Event Set For Abolition Hall of Fame
Rev. George Fisher: Utica’s John Phillip Sousa Connection
When the John Phillip Sousa Band made a concert stop in Utica 125 years ago, Sousa conducted the Knights of Columbus March and Two-Step, composed by Utican Professor George H. Fischer. Fischer, who was then the Music Director at Saint John’s Church in Utica, sat in at the piano with the Sousa Band.
Fischer’s career spanned 67 years and played a major role in the music scene in the Mohawk Valley. His music was published by J. Fischer & Brothers Music of New York City, played all over the world, and was even performed by the John Phillip Sousa Band. [Read more…] about Rev. George Fisher: Utica’s John Phillip Sousa Connection