The most recent episode of Empire State Engagements features a conversation with Dr. Thomas J. Balcerski of Eastern Connecticut State University about his New York History journal article “‘The Little Spark of Manhood I Have Left’: Governor Thomas Melville and the Aged Seamen of Sailors’ Snug Harbor,” and his recent monograph Bosom Friends: The Intimate World of James Buchanan and William Rufus King (New York: Oxford University Press, 2019). [Read more…] about Sailors’ Snug Harbor on Staten Island (Author Interview)
The Great Intercollegiate Regatta of 1874
Nothing is quite as exciting as being part of the crowd at a Super Bowl or at the Olympic Games. That type of excitement must have been experienced by Saratoga Lake dwellers in July, 1874 when the “Great Intercollegiate Regatta” came to our community.
Nine colleges – Harvard, Yale, Columbia, Wesleyan, Dartmouth, Williams, Cornell, Trinity and Princeton all entered six man shells. While each school brought their own fans to the area, most interest (especially betting interest) centered on the fierce Harvard – Yale rivalry. In a race five years earlier, Yale had beaten the boys from Harvard but were charged with unsportsmanlike conduct and disqualified. Bad blood existed between these two prestigious members of the Ivy League. [Read more…] about The Great Intercollegiate Regatta of 1874
Saratoga Preservation Recognition Awards Call for Nominations
During the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation’s Annual Meeting in September, the Foundation will recognize individuals and organizations who have invested significant time and money to undertake preservation projects in the past year.
The Preservation Recognition Awards celebrate the winners’ hard work and commitment to being good stewards of their property with members of the community and friends of the Foundation. [Read more…] about Saratoga Preservation Recognition Awards Call for Nominations
Saratoga Oklahoma Training Track Tours
The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in Saratoga Springs, NY has announced guided behind-the-scenes tours of the Saratoga Race Course‘s Oklahoma Training Track are now available through September. [Read more…] about Saratoga Oklahoma Training Track Tours
Fly-In Breakfasts Are Back At Scotia Aerosciences Museum
The Empire State Aerosciences Museum (ESAM), located at 250 Rudy Chase Drive in Glenville, Schenectady County, NY has announced that Fly-In Breakfasts have returned to the Museum. Breakfasts will be held on Saturdays from 8:30 to 10:30 am in the Community Room. [Read more…] about Fly-In Breakfasts Are Back At Scotia Aerosciences Museum
New York Insects: The Spittlebug
After several days without a significant rain, an observant gardener pulling up clumps of weeds, or a perceptive hiker traveling through a pine forest or a meadow near a stand of conifers may notice a glob of saliva-like fluid attached to a wildflower stalk or the stem of a piece of grass. [Read more…] about New York Insects: The Spittlebug
Permaculture Is More Than a Buzzword
I’ve never been fond of buzzwords. “Organic,” “Natural,” and “Sustainable” lost their foothold in reality decades ago when they were co-opted as marketing labels. Corporate buzzwords, cynical and empty, are often buzz-phrases anyway: “Whole-Systems Thinking,” “Trickle Down,” “Customer Journey.” [Read more…] about Permaculture Is More Than a Buzzword
Watch For and Report Giant Hogweed
Giant hogweed plants are now blooming across many parts of the state, making it a prime time to spot this harmful invasive species. Giant hogweed is a large plant with sap that can cause painful burns and scarring.
Adult giant hogweed plants tend to be 7-14 feet tall with umbrella-shaped clusters of white flowers up to 2.5 feet wide. The stem is green with purple splotches and coarse white hairs, and leaves are large (up to 5 feet across), incised, and deeply lobed. [Read more…] about Watch For and Report Giant Hogweed
Summer Nature Exploration Activities for Kids
Need fun ways to explore nature this summer? New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has you covered. Get started by checking out Conservationist for Kids 50 outdoor activities for all ages and levels that are perfect for the whole family. [Read more…] about Summer Nature Exploration Activities for Kids
Poetry: The Sturgeon
The Sturgeon
The mechanics of suffering
is not so daunting to understand
it hurts for a while-
gums and bellies pierced by
an unseen passion… and then it is done
the savory-sweet, cherry cough syrup scent
of death dries and disappears, leaving
only impressions in the ample depth of sand