Dr. Laurence Hauptman, a Distinguished Professor Emeritus of History at SUNY New Paltz, has passed at the age of 81. He was the author, co-author, or co-editor of twenty-one books and numerous articles, mostly on the Indigenous peoples of North America. [Read more…] about Acclaimed Indigenous Historian Laurence Hauptman, 81
Obituary
Christopher Wren: Veteran Journalist, Ethan Allen Biographer, Dies at 89
“Over three decades, he reported from Moscow, Beijing, Tehran and elsewhere and wrote well-received books based on his reporting, including one about his globe-trotting cat,” The New York Times obituary remembering Christopher Wren recalls.
The former journalist, writer, and Vermont Historical Society Trustee passed away in February at the age of 89 at his home in Thetford, VT. [Read more…] about Christopher Wren: Veteran Journalist, Ethan Allen Biographer, Dies at 89
Carl George: Scientist, Adirondack Advocate & Poet
Carl George, Professor Emeritus at the Biology Department of Union College, died in December at age 95, leaving his wife Christine, and legions of friends at Union College, and around the world. [Read more…] about Carl George: Scientist, Adirondack Advocate & Poet
Norm Van Valkenburgh: Catskill and Adirondack Conservation Champion
Norman J. (Norm) Van Valkenburgh has slipped his earthly bonds. Of this remarkable Catskill native and champion of the public’s wild forests and wildernesses, I can locate no obituary, only a death notice of Norm’s passing in July 2023 in Orono, Maine at the age of 92 or 93. I join many in saying “I miss him.” He influenced me a lot.
Norm, surveyor, administrator, and advocate for the Adirondack and Catskill Forest Preserve, was one consequential state employee because through his conservation work he altered the landscapes of both the Adirondacks and the Catskills for the better. Moreover, Norm wrote part of that history – found in detailed books and articles devoted to the Forest Preserve. Norm was
a stickler for accuracy in his writing and surveying. [Read more…] about Norm Van Valkenburgh: Catskill and Adirondack Conservation Champion
Utica City Historian Lou Parrotta Dies at 51
The New York State history community is mourning the loss of Lou Parrotta. Parrotta was a fixture in Oneida County, serving as the Utica City Historian and as a high school history teacher. He volunteered his time and knowledge to cultural organizations across the Mohawk Valley and passed away on June 3rd after a short unexpected illness. [Read more…] about Utica City Historian Lou Parrotta Dies at 51
Michael Wilson: A River Ran Through Him
People know when they connect easily. So, on meeting him I knew I had some manner of soul friend in Michael Wilson. I must have met him at Great Camp Sagamore, the great camp in Raquette Lake, where he and his Beverly Bridger served as associate and executive directors respectively from 1989 to 2013.
Michael died this winter, and I will remember him with much affection and admiration. I remember his laugh, and his eyes lit up when we met. I remember Michael investigating the social, cultural, and class dimensions of Adirondack wilderness, conservation, architecture, and other histories all around Sagamore. [Read more…] about Michael Wilson: A River Ran Through Him
Glens Falls Women’s March Saturday Honors Almanack Friend Enid Mastrianni
On Saturday, January 18, 2025, a Glens Falls Women’s March bring together the community in demonstration of solidarity and action.
This event, held in conjunction with the national People’s March, will highlight the ongoing fight for equality, justice, and inclusion for all. The event also honors the late Enid Mastrianni, a longtime organizer and dear friend of the New York Almanack. [Read more…] about Glens Falls Women’s March Saturday Honors Almanack Friend Enid Mastrianni
Historian James Kirby Martin, Dies at 81
Historian James Kirby Martin died on December 31, 2024, he was 81. As a Revolutionary War historian, he was very active in promoting New York State’s 18th century history. He was also engaged with New York State history organizations like the Fort Plain Museum, Fort Ticonderoga, and as a consultant to the Oneida Indian Nation. [Read more…] about Historian James Kirby Martin, Dies at 81
Betsy Folwell, Adirondack Communitarian & Storyteller, Dies at 71
Elizabeth “Betsy” Folwell, an Adirondack essayist and conservationist has died at the age of 71 of cancer, according to news reports citing family friends. Folwell was widely known in the Adirondacks, having arrived in Blue Mountain Lake in 1976, after graduating from college. [Read more…] about Betsy Folwell, Adirondack Communitarian & Storyteller, Dies at 71
A Tribute to Conservationist Charlie Morrison, 1928-2024
I don’t feel old but when most of my youth’s teachers and mentors have passed on, I know I’ve arrived. When it comes to the Adirondacks and the “forever wild” provision of our state constitution, a number of us just lost a great, very determined, and very influential teacher in that field of green. [Read more…] about A Tribute to Conservationist Charlie Morrison, 1928-2024
David Fiske, Local Historian & Regular New York Almanack Contributor, Passes
Local historian and long-time supporter and regular contributor to New York Almanack David Fiske died peacefully after a battle with cancer on October 28, 2023.
A retired librarian, David is best known for his research and writing about Solomon Northup, the free black man who was abducted from Saratoga Springs, New York, and sold into slavery. [Read more…] about David Fiske, Local Historian & Regular New York Almanack Contributor, Passes
Remembering American Historian Michael G. Kammen
Michael G. Kammen, Pulitzer Prize-winning author and Cornell University’s Newton C. Farr Professor of American History and Culture Emeritus, died Nov. 29 in Ithaca at the age of 77.
He arrived at Cornell in 1965 as an assistant professor of history, served on the Department of History faculty until his retirement in 2008, then returned in the fall 2013 semester to teach – all the while writing or editing more than three dozen books in diverse areas of history. [Read more…] about Remembering American Historian Michael G. Kammen
Teresa Mitchell, Seaway Trail Executive Director, Dies
Teresa Hall Mitchell, 59, the Executive Director of the Great Lakes Seaway Trail, passed away on January 24 at her home in Clayton with family at her side. She was an advocate for history and tourism along the 518 mile scenic driving route that follows the shores of Lake Erie, the Niagara River, Lake Ontario, and the St. Lawrence River in New York and Pennsylvania.
Mitchell had been been fighting a very aggressive cancer. She was determined to finish a quilt commemorating the War of 1812, which she did between hospice visits and pain medication. Just 11 days ago, she was sending out emails to colleagues sharing that plans for an 1812 guide book and wayside exhibits that were moving forward. [Read more…] about Teresa Mitchell, Seaway Trail Executive Director, Dies
Richard Ketchum, 89, American Revolution Author
Richard M. Ketchum, an author and editor who writings include Saratoga: Turning Point of America’s Revolutionary War and Divided Loyalties: How the American Revolution Came to New York, died on January 12 at a retirement home in Shelburne, Vermont. He was 89 and until four years ago had lived on his nearly 1,000-acre farm, Saddleback, in Dorset, VT.
Author David McCullough describes “like Shelby Foote unfolding the drama of the Civil War, Richard M. Ketchum writes of the Revolution as if he had been there . . . No novelist could create characters more memorable than the protagonists on both the American and British sides.” [Read more…] about Richard Ketchum, 89, American Revolution Author