Henry Hudson

Dutch Doors in Colonial New York

October 28, 2025 by Jaap Harskamp 1 Comment

The term “Low Countries” is a political and historic concept rather than a geographic one. Prior to modern nation-building, it referred to an area of northern Europe roughly stretching from Pas-de-Calais in France to the area of Schleswig-Holstein in Germany, including French-speaking Wallonia and Dutch-speaking Flanders.

Born in Ghent in 1500 Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor and King of Spain, ruled over the vast Habsburg Empire that included the Low Countries. Flanders was crucial to its economy. [Read more…] about Dutch Doors in Colonial New York

The Hudson River Overslaugh & The Old Anchorage

March 14, 2025 by John Warren 2 Comments

Powerful Hudson River currents have always changed the river, leaving shifting sand bars, shoals and shallow areas and even islands in their wake.

One of the more notable places on the Hudson where the forces of nature have impacted the history of river transportation – and indeed New York history itself – was the Overslaugh – a particularly shallow area off Castleton‘s Papscanee Island. [Read more…] about The Hudson River Overslaugh & The Old Anchorage

New York Harbor History: Furs, Flour, Slaves, Sugar and Shipwrecks

February 10, 2025 by Guest Contributor 3 Comments

Europe’s first exposure to the New York Bay was during the voyages of Giovanni da Verrazzano (1485–1528). An Italian from Florence sailing for Francois I, the king of France, he left European waters in January 1524 to find a route to China. [Read more…] about New York Harbor History: Furs, Flour, Slaves, Sugar and Shipwrecks

When Was New York Founded? History, Commemorations & Moral Measures of the Past

May 25, 2024 by Jaap Jacobs 1 Comment

It seems a simple enough question: when was New York founded? So when and how should we celebrate or commemorate it? As we come to the end of this essay series, Jaap Jacobs takes a look at previous commemorations of Dutch-American friendship. An exploration of the early history of New York that shaped these events leads to the question of how to commemorate New York’s Dutch history and Dutch-American friendship in 2024 and beyond.

On November 16, 1776, the brig Andrew Doria, flying an American flag, arrived at the roadsteads of the Dutch-held island St. Eustatius. The ship fired the customary gun salute and the guns of Fort Orange replied in like fashion. [Read more…] about When Was New York Founded? History, Commemorations & Moral Measures of the Past

Duffel Cloth, Beaver Hats and Native Americans

February 17, 2024 by Jaap Harskamp 3 Comments

A duffel coat is a hooded overcoat made from a thick woolen material with large toggle fastenings, famously worn by Paddington Bear, the orphaned migrant from “darkest Peru.”

Warm and durable, duffel fabric has a remarkable history, reaching back from Europe’s Age of Exploration to the sale of Staten Island (and possibly Manhattan) at the beginnings of America’s modern history. [Read more…] about Duffel Cloth, Beaver Hats and Native Americans

Russell Shorto: The Dutch-American Perspective

January 29, 2023 by Guest Contributor 1 Comment

The work that historians do influences their lives, especially if they spend a considerable time in a foreign land that they write about. Slowly, their topic of choice becomes an essential part of their identity. Russell Shorto, a renowned writer of narrative history, writes about his own evolution at the intersection of Dutch-American history.

This essay concerns itself with the intersection of Dutch and American history. Previous posts have explored slavery in New Amsterdam, the naming – and renaming – of that city, and John Adams’ role as unofficial ambassador to the Netherlands during the American war of independence. As I pondered the task of contributing to that lineup, and scrolled through a mental list of possible topics, it occurred to me that, as I have lived at the intersection of Dutch and American history for more than twenty years, my own identity, and its evolution over that time, might be a relevant topic. [Read more…] about Russell Shorto: The Dutch-American Perspective

Joseph Brant’s Face: A State Capitol Mystery

September 8, 2022 by David Fiske 8 Comments

A recent article in the Albany Times Union, “The Enduring Mystery of a Mohawk Warrior Bust at the Capitol,” (online edition, July 22, 2022) noted that there is a sculpted face of Joseph Brant on the exterior of the State Capitol building in Albany, New York.

Researched and written by journalist Chris Carola, it questions why Brant, a Native American who supported the British during the American Revolution – and who wreaked havoc on a number of white settlements – was honored by having his visage on such a prominent edifice. [Read more…] about Joseph Brant’s Face: A State Capitol Mystery

Henry Hudson & The Founding of Albany

November 22, 2021 by Peter Hess 6 Comments

In 1565, the Spanish settled 600 soldiers and civilians at St. Augustine, Florida. In 1607, the English established their first settlement in North America at Jamestown, Virginia, but after a series of floods, Jamestown was abandoned in 1699. Today Jamestown is a national park and archaeological site.

In 1602, the States General of The Netherlands granted a charter to a powerful group of Dutch merchants creating the Dutch East India Company and giving them the exclusive right to develop and conduct trade with the markets in the Far East which included the Spice Islands and China. Soon, these merchants began bringing exotic silk, clothing, ceramics, teas and spices back to the Netherlands. In their travels, the Dutch ship captains discovered the continent of Australia and named it “New Holland.” [Read more…] about Henry Hudson & The Founding of Albany

Henry Hudson and Bethlehem, NY (Podcast)

April 3, 2020 by Bob Cudmore Leave a Comment

This week on The Historians Podcast, the guest is Susan Leath, town historian of Bethlehem, NY — did explorer Henry Hudson land there? Plus, WAMC public radio’s Lucas Willard interviews Bob Cudmore on the impact Kirk Douglas had on his hometown, Amsterdam, NY. [Read more…] about Henry Hudson and Bethlehem, NY (Podcast)

1907 Henry Hudson History, Bio Reprinted

November 4, 2019 by Editorial Staff Leave a Comment

Edgar Mayhew Bacon’s Henry Hudson: His Times and His Voyages (republished by HVA Press, 2019) is a dramatic narrative of Henry Hudson’s nautical adventures first published in 1907, during the tricentennial of Hudson’s voyage up the river that now bears his name.

Bacon takes readers on all of Hudson’s voyages, from the journeys that took him further north than any explorer before him, to the coasts of Iceland and Greenland, and the Hudson River. It tells of early interactions with Native Americans, and we follow him on the final voyage that took him to Canada and Hudson Bay – where he met his tragic end. [Read more…] about 1907 Henry Hudson History, Bio Reprinted

New York 1609 On The Historians Podcast

August 24, 2018 by Bob Cudmore 2 Comments

This week on The Historians Podcast, hear Harald Johnson, author of the historical novel New York 1609 which portrays the encounter between explorer Henry Hudson and early Dutch settlers with the Lenape Indians. [Read more…] about New York 1609 On The Historians Podcast

Replica Half Moon Is Leaving New York State

December 16, 2014 by John Warren 1 Comment

The Board of Directors of the New Netherland Museum has announced that the Half Moon, a replica of the ship sailed by Henry Hudson in 1609, will leave New York State for a new home port in the City of Hoorn, The Netherlands in 2015.

The City Council of Hoorn voted Tuesday to adopt the Half Moon for inclusion in a 17th century historic site under the management of the Westfries Museum. The Half Moon is expected to remain the property of the New Netherland Museum, but it will lose its long-time captain, William T. “Chip” Reynolds. [Read more…] about Replica Half Moon Is Leaving New York State

Replica Half Moon May Move To The Netherlands

October 9, 2014 by John Warren 12 Comments

The historic ship Half Moon, a replica of the ship Henry Hudson sailed in 1609 to the river which now bears his name, has announced intentions to move to Hoorn in The Netherlands.

The announcement came late Thursday in an e-mail message to supporters from Chip Reynolds, Director of the New Netherland Museum and Captain of the Replica Ship Half Moon. Reynolds cited ongoing financial hardships exacerbated by annual budget shortfalls, and an inability to find a permanent berth and site for programming. “Continued operation of the Half Moon in our current capacity is financially unsustainable,” Reynolds said. [Read more…] about Replica Half Moon May Move To The Netherlands

Replica Ship Half Moon Opportunities Announced

July 11, 2012 by Editorial Staff Leave a Comment

William T. (Chip) Reynolds, Director, New Netherland Museum and Captain, Replica Ship Half Moon has announced that work is proceeding on fall programming and regular ship-board projects, and the ship will be holding an upcoming sail training opportunity.

On July 21-22 crew old and new alike will come together on the Half Moon to train in sail handling and ship operations. The two day program will depart from and return to Peckham Wharf in Athens, NY while anchoring out on the evening of the 21st. Crew will board 8am Saturday and depart late afternoon on Sunday. No prior experience necessary; all training will be provided. Preference will be given to those who have volunteered with the Half Moon this season. [Read more…] about Replica Ship Half Moon Opportunities Announced

“River of Tides” Henry Hudson Play Premieres Saturday

September 23, 2009 by Editorial Staff 1 Comment

“River of Tides,” a play about Henry Hudson’s 1609 journey on the river that came to bear his name written by the Native American novelist, storyteller and poet Joseph Bruchac will premiere this Saturday, September 26 at 5 PM at Pace University’s Schimmel Theater. Based on Indian legends and the diary of a Hudson crewmember, the production hopes to show viewpoints neglected in the current Hudson celebrations. A talkback discussion with the director and actors will immediately follow the free show (reservations are suggested).

The diverse cast includes several Native American actors, including the actor and storyteller Joe Cross, from the Caddo tribe of Oklahoma, a veteran of network television and off-Broadway and regional theater. The British television and stage actor Jonathan Le Billon creates the role of Hudson’s first mate and journal-keeper Robert Juet. Musical accompaniment by The Spirit of the Mountain Drummers and Singers from the Ramapo Nation. The play is directed by Ruis Woertendyke, chair of the Performing Arts Department at Pace University.

Venue address, including cross streets and nearest subways:

Pace University, Schimmel Theater, 3 Spruce Street, New York, NY 10038 (east of Park Row, near the corner of Gold Street). SUBWAY: #3 or # 2 to Park Place; 4 or 5 or 6 to Brooklyn Bridge/City Hall; A or C to Broadway / Nassau Street; N or R to City Hall ; J or Z or M to Chambers Street.

Photo: Joe Cross (Caddo Nation of Oklahoma) as Old Turtle Walking in “The River of Tides.” Photo by Jonathan L. Smith/Pace University.

Replica Ship Half Moon Seeks Re-enactors

September 16, 2009 by Editorial Staff Leave a Comment

In conjunction with the celebration of the Half Moon’s original voyage in 1609, the City of Albany will hold a festival on Saturday, September 26, 2009. The replica ship Half Moon is looking for 17th century re-enactors who can help re-create the Dutch presence during this time. In addition to the Dutch re-enactors, there will also be members of the Stockbridge Munsee band of Mohicans presenting native technologies and daily life activities. [Read more…] about Replica Ship Half Moon Seeks Re-enactors

Replica Ship Half Moon Seeks Volunteers

August 24, 2009 by Editorial Staff Leave a Comment

Captain W.T. “Chip” Reynolds of the replica ship Half Moon has put out a call for volunteer sailing crew, cooks, and dockside tour guides for the rest of August, September, October, and early November. The 85-foot replica of the ship Henry Hudson sailed while exploring the Hudson River in 1609 has a volunteer crew of 15 and was built in Albany, N.Y. in 1989 to commemorate the Dutch role in exploring and colonizing America. The Half Moon replica has six sails on three masts, sporting 2,757 square feet of canvas. It’s equipped with six cannons and four anchors. [Read more…] about Replica Ship Half Moon Seeks Volunteers

The New Amsterdam Trail, Free Downloadable Audio Tour

June 14, 2009 by Editorial Staff 1 Comment

The Dutch and the indelible role they played in the formation of the ideas and ideals that shaped New York City and America is being celebrated by National Parks Service, the National Parks of New York Harbor Conservancy, and the Henry Hudson 400 Foundation with The New Amsterdam Trail. This free downloadable audio walking tour is the first of three in a series featuring the iconic National Park Service Rangers and an expert cast of historians, scientists, and other great storytellers.

Using a backdrop of period music and special sound effects, the audio with map can be downloaded from the Harbor Conservancy’s website or on the Henry Hudson 400 website. Visitors travel through the streets of downtown Manhattan to 10 historically significant locations, cueing commentary from their mobile phone, mp3 player or ipod. As they stand at the tip of the Battery, they can visualize Manhattan in the hours before Henry Hudson arrived and when he first navigated our waters and then listen to the stories of the life and times of New Amsterdam’s most famous and infamous settlers.

The New Amsterdam Trail features Steve Laise, Chief of Cultural Resources for Manhattan’s National Parks; Eric Sanderson, author of Mannahatta, Natural History of New York City; Andrew Smith, editor of The Oxford Encyclopedia of Food and Drink in America, and Russell Shorto, author of Island at the Center of the World.

The family-friendly walking tour takes about 90-minutes– however, you can walk the trail at your own pace during lunchtime and pause the recorded commentary at any point. For more details and to download the free tour, visit www.nyharborparks.org or www.henryhudson400.com.

The Harbor Conservancy is the official partner of the National Parks of New York Harbor and together they champion the 22 National Park sites that call New York Harbor home by helping to preserve the environment, promote economic development and create the finest urban waterfront recreation and educational park system in the world.

Henry Hudson 400 New York is a foundation created to commemorate the 400th anniversary of Henry Hudson’s legendary voyage for the Dutch to the Hudson River and New York. The unique character of New York City, originally New Amsterdam, has been shaped by the legacy of the multiethnic and tolerant culture of 17th century Amsterdam. Henry Hudson 400 is producing a series of special events in 2009 to celebrate the spirit of freedom, enterprise, and diversity shared by Amsterdam and New York.

New York’s 400th: River Day 2009 Great Flotilla

May 27, 2009 by Editorial Staff Leave a Comment

Beginning June 6, historic vessels and modern day boats will travel the Hudson River from New York Harbor to Albany for “River Day” Commemorating the Voyage of Henry Hudson 400 Years Ago. In 1609, Henry Hudson and his ship, the Half Moon, with a crew of Dutch and English sailors, ventured up the Hudson River from New York Harbor to near present day Albany, the first recorded European exploration of the river that now bears his name. In celebration of this historic event, the New York State Hudson-Fulton-Champlain Quadricentennial Office will launch a “River Day” celebration, an opportunity for thousands of recreational boaters and history buffs to gather on the water for an eight-day journey up the Hudson River.

Participating boats & ships include:

* The Half Moon, a replica of Hudson’s ship.

* The Onrust, a 17th century replica of the first ship built in New York. River Day marks the Onrust’s maiden voyage.

* Historic Tall Ships including the Sloop Clearwater and Schooner Mystic Whaler plus the Woody Guthrie, a wooden replica of an 18th-19th century Hudson River Ferry Sloop; the 1890’s-style pilot Schooner Adirondack; the Manhattan, an open boat originally built as a life boat to explore the canals of Amsterdam; and the Shearwater, a classic Maine Schooner.

* Other participating boats include: The Circle Line; NYC Water Taxi; SeaTow; Launch 5; Coast Guard, the Discover Boating Cruiser and more.

* Escort from the sky – historic bi-planes will escort the flotilla from the Rhinebeck Aerodrome.

The River Day celebration will launch Saturday, June 6, 9 a.m. at the Statue of Liberty. The flotilla will spend eight days moving north on the Hudson, with stops scheduled at participating yacht clubs & marinas, cities and communities with special events & educational programs planned at each port. The tentative schedule is available at http://www.exploreny400.com/riverday.aspx

Russell Shorto: The Accidental Legacy of Henry Hudson

May 18, 2009 by Editorial Staff Leave a Comment

Acclaimed writer Russell Shorto will present “The Accidental Legacy of Henry Hudson” at the Museum of the City of New York (1220 Fifth Avenue at 104th Street, NYC) this Wednesday, May 20, 2009 at 6:30 PM. According to the program announcement: “Henry Hudson’s name is everywhere in New York-attached to a river, a street, a park, a bridge, and more-yet little is known about the man himself. Bestselling author and New York Times Magazine contributing writer Russell Shorto, author of the award-winning The Island at the Center of the World (Doubleday, 2004) and Descartes’ Bones (Doubleday, 2008), recently named a New York Times Notable Book for 2008, will consider the story of Henry Hudson.”

Shorto most recently published a feature in The New York Times (Sunday, May 3, 2009) entitled “Going Dutch: How I Learned to Love the Welfare State.”

The program is presented in conjunction with the exhibit Amsterdam / New Amsterdam: The Worlds of Henry Hudson. Reservations are required. The cost will be $12 for non-members, $8 for seniors and students, and $6 for museum members. A $2 surcharge applies for unreserved, walk-in tickets. Tickets may be ordered online at www.mcny.org or by calling 212.534.1672, ext. 3395.

Henry Hudson

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