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
Buffalo
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
New 624 Area Code Takes Effect For Western New York
Beginning September 11, 2023, customers in the 716-area code region in Western New York requesting new mobile or landline telephone service, an additional line, or a move in the location of their service, may be assigned a number in the new 624 area code. The creation of the new area code is expected to provide additional needed phone numbers for residents and businesses in the existing 716-area code region for years to come. [Read more…] about New 624 Area Code Takes Effect For Western New York
New York State Library Announces Grants to Preserve Library Research Materials
The New York State Library recently announced the 2023-2024 Conservation/Preservation Discretionary Grant Program awards to preserve deteriorating library research materials. [Read more…] about New York State Library Announces Grants to Preserve Library Research Materials
NYS Commission on African American History Meeting in Buffalo
The fourth public meeting of the New York State Commission on African American History will take place in Buffalo on June 12th to show support for the community in the wake of the one-year anniversary of the mass shooting at Tops Friendly Market. According to an announcement of the meeting “the Commission’s mission has been to recognize and acknowledge the past and to generate ideas and action plans to fully acknowledge and celebrate the contributions of African Americans and Black New Yorkers within our society. [Read more…] about NYS Commission on African American History Meeting in Buffalo
Dutch-American History: The Phoenix Tragedy, 1847
I love to make evening walks in the town of Winterswijk, where I was born. The Dutch habit of keeping curtains open makes strolls resemble visits to a museum, with the windows framing paintings that offer ever-changing views. I like to discover routes to find new, unfamiliar places.
One evening, in December 2020, I passede the old graveyard of Winterswijk, a place that usually gives me the creeps. For some reason — I still don’t know why, — I decide to walk across the graveyard this time. I immediately spotted a brightly lit memorial: two bollards holding up a colorful plaque. The sign reads: “The Phoenix Tragedy, 1847.” [Read more…] about Dutch-American History: The Phoenix Tragedy, 1847
Watchable Wildlife: Birding at Tifft Nature Preserve
Just a five-minute drive from downtown Buffalo and situated on the Outer Harbor, Tifft Nature Preserve encompasses 264 acres of restored habitat with five miles of trails and boardwalks. It’s a great place to see wild birds in action. This week one visitor spotted 35 different species. [Read more…] about Watchable Wildlife: Birding at Tifft Nature Preserve
New York State Canals Bicentennial: Some History & Plans For Celebrations
The Champlain Canal turns 200 this year and the Erie Canal will celebrate its 200th anniversary in 2025.
The Champlain Canal between the Hudson River and Lake Champlain at Whitehall was the first to open. Worked started on the Champlain Canal in October, 1816. The first boats operated in November, 1819, and was fully completed in 1823, two years before the Erie Canal was finished. [Read more…] about New York State Canals Bicentennial: Some History & Plans For Celebrations
1873 Schooner Barge Ironton Wreck Discovered in Lake Huron
Researchers from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the state of Michigan, and Ocean Exploration Trust have discovered an intact wreck of the Ironton resting hundreds of feet below the surface of Lake Huron. [Read more…] about 1873 Schooner Barge Ironton Wreck Discovered in Lake Huron
The Buffalo Sports Curse: 120 Years Of Disappointment
Buffalo’s long, storied professional sports history runs back to the early 1900s. Despite a century of opportunity, none of its four major sports teams ever won a universally recognized championship. Not for baseball or basketball; neither football nor hockey.
On the other hand, Buffalo teams experienced numerous close calls and blown calls. As well, there have been injuries and deaths, nefarious back-office dealings, and just-plain-weird happenings, each at just the wrong time to deprive city teams from winning championships. Just bad luck? Or is there something more sinister at play, like a Buffalo Sports Curse? Greg D. Tranter’s new book from RIT Press, The Buffalo Sports Curse: 120 Years of Pain, Disappointment, Heartbreak and Eternal Optimism, chronicles thirty-two cursed events. [Read more…] about The Buffalo Sports Curse: 120 Years Of Disappointment