Young Alexander and Elihu Vedder were raised in Schenectady, New York. The family had Dutch roots (their parents were cousins). The elder brother was a physician, the younger a painter. In their career choices they showed an outward-looking attitude, cherishing the challenge of foreign experiences while assimilating the riches of cultural exchange. [Read more…] about Veeder (Vedder) Family in New York, Rome and Yokohama
Schenectady
African American Historical Records Project Launched In Schenectady
Schenectady County Historical Society has announced the African American Historical Records Project, a new public history initiative focused on Schenectady’s African American history with the focus of preserving primary sources and enabling future generations to engage with the community’s historical records. [Read more…] about African American Historical Records Project Launched In Schenectady
1700s Schenectady On The Historians Podcast
This week on The Historians Podcast author John Gearing and editor Chris Leonard discuss their new book Schenectady Genesis, Volume II: The Creation of an American City from an Anglo-Dutch Town, ca. 1760-1800. [Read more…] about 1700s Schenectady On The Historians Podcast
New Book Focuses On Growth of Schenectady in 1760-1800
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John F. Gearing’s new book Schenectady Genesis, Volume II: The Creation of an American City from an Anglo-Dutch Town, ca. 1760-1800 (Colonial Schenectady Project, Ltd., 2020) looks back into Schenectady’s history: from the post French & Indian War period, into the War for Independence, and later Schenectady’s own fight for independence from Albany. [Read more…] about New Book Focuses On Growth of Schenectady in 1760-1800
Schenectady During The Second World War (Podcast)
This week on The Historians Podcast, City Historian Christopher Leonard discusses Schenectady during the Second World War, plus he takes a look at Schenectady and the Erie Canal. [Read more…] about Schenectady During The Second World War (Podcast)
Early Railroads From The Capital District To Saratoga
It’s becoming popular to refer to our area as Tech Valley because of the nanotech facilities in Albany and Global Foundries in Malta (Saratoga County).
This is not the first time the region was at the forefront of a technological revolution. In the early nineteenth century some of the nation’s first railroads were built right here. [Read more…] about Early Railroads From The Capital District To Saratoga
When Saratoga Was An American Frontier
On August 13th, 1689, New York Governor Leisler wrote “Scharachtoge [Saratoga]…there are six or seven families all or most rank French papists that have their relations at Canada and I suppose settled there for some bad designe and are lesser to be trusted there in conjunctione of tyme than ever before the bad creatures amongst us gives me great occupatione.” [Read more…] about When Saratoga Was An American Frontier
Schoharie Crossing Offers Online Programs
Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site will continue to offer online programs throughout the summer even as the Visitor Center is now open by appointment.
The Erie Canal historic site will provide programs through Webex as well as other online platforms and social media. [Read more…] about Schoharie Crossing Offers Online Programs
NY Folklore Shop Reopens to the Public
New York Folklore, the storefront of the New York Folklore Society in Schenectady, has reopened to the public. Face mask, social distancing, and occupancy guidelines are in effect. [Read more…] about NY Folklore Shop Reopens to the Public
Schenectady City Park Beast May Be A Snapper
On April 27 at 9:45 am, New York State Environmental Conservation Officers responded to reports of a possible alligator at Steinmetz Park in Schenectady.
The ECOs said they canvassed the park for signs of an alligator and found none. [Read more…] about Schenectady City Park Beast May Be A Snapper