Good News for Preservation

November 2, 2015
Newsletter No. 2015.08

LINK HERE: Good News for Preservation During the 2016 Budget Meeting of the Education & Economic Development Committee

Good News for Preservation During the 2016 Budget Meeting of the Education & Economic Development Committee

At the meeting of the Education and Economic Development Committee of the Orange County Legislature on October 19th, the 2016 proposed budget for the County Historian's department was reviewed and amended. It will still have to undergo review and approval process of the full legislature but this meeting very positively pointed to a recovery of preservation funding on the County level.    During the budget cycles of 2014 and 2015, a need to repair deficit in the tens of millions of dollars led to the elimination of grant funding and a pause on preservation projects. Through these types of sacrifices in every department, the overreaching gaps have since been balanced. This year the County Executive and Legislature are continuing to scrutinize department spending but they are also looking at ways that spending can benefit the planning phases of projects that we may not have the resources for immediately. An amendment was passed on the committee level by unanimous vote (Legislators present: Leigh Benton, Jeff Berkman, Barry Cheney, Curlie Dillard, Chris Eachus, Tom Faggione, Paul Ruszkiewicz, Shannon Wong) to add $25,000 to the Capital Plan for "Preservation Studies and Interpretive Research" on County-owned historic properties.   The County's historical properties include Hill-Hold Museum in Campbell Hall, Brick House Museum in Montgomery, Dutchess Quarry in Goshen and the Orange Powder Mill ruins at Algonquin Park in Newburgh as well as several historic buildings like the 1841 Courthouse in Goshen and the Masonic Temple in Newburgh. These locations and others will be researched and prioritized over the next few months before the funding will be offered through an RFP process. Algonquin Park is One of the Sites in Need   Recently we began the process of touring and researching the Orange Powder Mill ruins at Algonquin Park. On October 7th a group of stakeholders including County Legislator Barry Cheney, County Legislator Jim Kulisek, County Legislator Chris Eachus, City of Newburgh Historian Mary McTamaney, Town of Newburgh Historian Les Cornell, O.C. Parks Commissioner Richard Rose, Director of Newburgh Historical Society Matthew Colon, Town of Newburgh Councilman Jim Presutti, Quassaick Creek Alliance advocate John Gebhards and local homeowner Jill Enfield walked the grounds to strategize partnerships between the varying stakeholders and learn about the importance of the site. Because of the recent visit there, the park was a main point of discussion at the legislative session.   The industrial ruins at Algonquin Park are some of the most complete of their kind in the nation. They bear the architectural signatures of the explosives production industry with buildings comprised of three-sided stones walls and wooden roofs.   Originally a sawmill in 1790, by 1815 it was producing black powder for rifles. The black powder was produced by mixing charcoal from willow trees grown on the property with sulfur imported from Sicily and saltpeter imported from India. All ingredients had to be refined and pulverized on site, then mixed and barreled. A narrow-gauge railroad with spark-proof wooden tracks carried the product throughout the complex. The completed powder was delivered via horse and buggy to a large magazine at Sherman's Dock - now the Newburgh Yacht Club site - where it was loaded onto four sailing vessels to be distributed.   The mill was owned by a series of companies for more than a century, the last being DuPont, which sold the property to Frederic Delano in 1919. In 1934 Delano sold the property and the old Orange Mills powder manufacturing site to the City of Newburgh. The property was christened Algonquin Park to recognize the area's Native American heritage.   After falling into disrepair beginning in the 1960s, the park was transferred to Orange County's care in 1978. Since that time, silting in the mills ponds, erosion of the foundation mortar, and the effects of storm surges have taken their toll on the historically significant site. A FEMA grant was awarded for damages done during hurricane Irene and these funds are being administered through the County Parks Department under Commissioner Richard Rose.   There is a lot of positive interest within the ranks of County Government but in order to advocate for the preservation and interpretation of the Orange Mill ruins, we also need public support. Please provide your name, include your email address if you'd like to be contacted with information regarding meetings, public programming, or volunteer opportunities.   The first public information meeting will be held on Friday, November 6th at 3pm. Please join us at 15 Powder Mill Road Newburgh, NY 12550 where homeowner Jill Enfield has gracefully offered to host our group.   Sincerely,  Johanna Yaun Orange County Historian

Commemoration of Note In early November of 1895, the New York State Woman Suffrage Association Convention was held at the Palatine Hotel in Newburgh. At this convention 120 years ago, power passed from Susan B. Anthony to Carrie Chapman Catt and others of the younger generation who would see the movement through to the ratification of the 19th Amendment in 1920. For the full story read: The Republic May Wear A Crown of True Greatness by Shannon M. Risk or for more information about Susan B. Anthony watch: Susan B. Anthony, the Suffragette Superhero To commemorate the 120th anniversary of this event, the RITZ will host a community circle on Thursday, November 19 from 6 - 8 PM.  The circle celebrates the spirit of the 1895 event by bringing the discussion of the role and state of women in our current society back to Newburgh and engaging the community in dialogue through the model of community circles developed by The Restorative Center. The event is open to all. This evening is conceived and organized by independent artists Ophra Wolf and John Delk, inspired by Johanna Yaun, and sponsored by The Restorative Center and Safe Harbors on the Hudson/RITZ. Safe Harbors/ Ritz 107 Broadway, Newburgh, NY 12550 (845) 784-1199

Please share & support these local events

Informative Meeting about the Historic Powder Mill Ruins at Algonquin Park Friday, Nov 6 at 3PM Join us at the private home of Jill Enfield to discuss the current condition of the powder mill ruins. Please RSVP with Johanna  by emailing to jyaun@orangecountygov.com 15 Powder Mill Road Newburgh, NY 12550

Traditional Thanksgiving Tasting at Museum Village in Monroe Saturday, Nov 7 & Sunday, Nov 8 12pm to 4pm Museum Village will be having its annual traditional 19th Century Thanksgiving Tasting. This year taste some delicious Civil War Era trimmings as you watch them being prepared over the open hearth flame. Smell the feast as the aromas waft through the Visitor's Center and then sample the dishes presented. Drift back in time and enjoy the savory flavors of a time long ago. Gift Shop will be open. 1010 Route 17M Monroe, New York 10950

A Tour of Moodna Viaduct  followed by the 52nd Annual Meeting of the Ontario & Western Railway Historical Society in New Windsor Saturday, Nov 14 Hike at 10am, meeting at 1pm Meet at the Otterkill Road parking lot. A visit to the viaduct, a short history of the viaduct and the Graham Line. For O&W members going to the Society convention meet me at the Meadowbrook Lodge at 9:45 AM. 1290 Route 94  New Windsor, NY 12553

Thanksgiving Celebration at Brick House Museum in Montgomery Saturday, Nov 14 12pm to 4pm Quilts and coverlets on display. Authentic holiday arrangements in every room. Gift Shop will be open. 850 Route 17K Montgomery, NY

Farther Afield

Annual Conference of the National Trust in Washington, DC Tuesday, Nov 3 to Friday, Nov 6 PastForward, the National Preservation Conference, is the premier educational and networking event for those in the business of saving places. Held in Washington, D.C., November 3-6, PastForward is brought to you by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. For more information, visit www.PastForwardConference.com.

Conference on the "Future of History" at SUNY Sullivan Saturday, Nov 14 10 AM to 4:30 PM The conference is specifically geared toward municipal and professional historians, educators, librarians, historical societies, and museum personnel. The program schedule bears that out a unique milestone for the conference in that County Historians from Orange, Dutchess and Sullivan Counties will be taking part.  The keynote speaker Dr. Peter Feinman will offer ideas on what historians should be doing, and should bring clarity to the otherwise confusing topic. Other presentations include an address by Orange County Historian Johanna Yaun on "Heritage Tourism: What It Is, What It Isn't and What it Could Be." The Sullivan County Historian follows, advancing the discussion of heritage tourism with a presentation entitled "Telling Our Unique Stories: Revolution to Revolution" focusing on The Delaware Company's trademarked concept of promoting Sullivan County by telling the stories associated with its role in the American Revolution and the Cultural Revolution of the 1960s that culminated in the Woodstock music festival celebrated by the Museum at Bethel Woods. After lunch, which will be provided as part of the conference-Dr. Feinman will speak while participants eat-- Dutchess County Historian Will Tatum III will open the afternoon session with a program on "Reaching Beyond Your Neighborhood: Opportunities for Collaboration in New York State's Heritage Community" and that will be followed by a presentation entitled "Finding a Place for the Local in the new NYS Social Studies Framework" delivered by veteran teachers Linda Oehler-Marx and Jane Hernandez of Ulster County, which will address a particularly difficult subject for educators. Matt Colon, the Director of the Historical Society of Newburgh Bay and the Highlands, then presents a program on utilizing social media to promote history, which should be of special interest to historical society and museum personnel. Kristina Heister, the Superintendent of the National Park Service's Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River, will then present the grand finale, a program entitled "Partnering to Protect History." The Delaware Company's fall forum is scheduled for Saturday, November 14 from 10 AM to 4:30 PM at SUNY-Sullivan, with registration beginning at 9 AM. A continental breakfast and hot lunch will be provided. The conference is free but participants must sign up in advance by November 11 by e-mailing Debra Conway at debrarconway@hotmail.com. John Conway is the Sullivan County Historian. E-mail him at jconway52@hotmail.com.

Local Opinion: What do you think is the most under appreciated historical resource in Orange County? "The dead matter. The most underappreciated historical resource in Orange County is old burial grounds. Old burial grounds are important cultural, architectural, and genealogical treasures. Unfortunately, these treasures are rapidly disappearing because of vandalism, pollution, and neglect. What is of particular importance is that in some instances the information written on headstones is the only evidence that a person ever existed. This is especially true when records have not survived or were not kept in the first place." A.J. Schenkman Town of Gardiner Historian  Consulting Historian,  Historic Huguenot Street

Please email your answer to this question to be featured in a future issue.

"Downing's Newburgh" Walking Tour of Historic Architecture

Leading A.J. Downing Historians Frank Kowsky and Caren Yglesias add their knowledge to a walking tour of historic Newburgh architecture led by City Historian Mary McTamaney and President of the Calvert Vaux Preservation Alliance Alan Strauber

County Officials visited the cemetery at Valley View in Goshen

From left to right: Johanna Yaun, Orange County Historian; David Church, Commissioner of Planning; Wayne Booth, Assistant County Executive; Harold Porr, Director of Operations; Steve Neuhaus, County Executive; Rosanne Sullivan, County Legislator; and Jeffrey Berkman, County Legislator touring the pauper cemetery at Valley View Nursing Home.

Historic Tavern Trail of Orange County visits Ward's Bridge Inn in Montgomery

Pictured in the bottom frame are County Historian Johanna Yaun, Village of Walden Historian Mary Ellen Matise, Village of Montgomery Historian Marion Wild and Montgomery Historical Society President Joan Buck Smith. Marion is seen in the top frame sharing the history of the old "Empire House" to a fantastic crowd at the last of the 2015 Historic Tavern Trail series held at Ward's Bridge Inn in Montgomery.

History in the News & Helpful Links Libraries are forever: The future of libraries in the digital age The Balmville Tree is Still Alive. Can it Be True?

"Bringing History to Life" Pick up a copy of the current issue ofORANGE MAGAZINE to read about theHistoric Tavern Trail of Orange County The Epoch Times also recently featured the Tavern Trail in "Returning to History"

"When it comes to sustainable architecture, the focus has historically been on designing buildings to reduce emissions. In recent years though, this focus has expanded to take into account the full life-cycle impact of a building and its components. But is this enough? In this article from ArchitectureBoston's Fall 2015 Issue, originally titled "Old is the new green," Jean Carroon FAIA and Ben Carlson argue that not only are most green buildings not designed with the full life-cycle of their materials in mind, but that even those which are they rely on a payback period that we simply can't afford. The solution? A dose of "radical common sense" in the form of preservation." Link Here: Why Old Is The New Green

Hudson River Valley Greenway, Communities Council Report

October 19, 2015
Newsletter No. 2015.07

LINK HERE: Hudson River Valley Greenway, Communities Council Report

Hudson River Valley Greenway, Communities Council Report

In 1991 Hudson River Valley Greenway was created to provide a template for regional cooperation regarding the protection and enhancement of the area's scenic, natural, historical, cultural and recreational assets. Meeting together four times a year, the members represent the interests of communities from New York City to Albany. The Greenway Conservancy works to establish trail systems, promote the region as a single tourism destination and strengthen the resources that define heritage of the Valley. The Greenway Communities Council coordinates local and County governments for the development of land use techniques. Funding through this arm of the agency provides planning grants for projects that support these principles. I began attending Greenway meetings in 2006 as an interested partner from Washington's HQ which is managed by the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation.  Through these meetings I was made aware of many regional efforts and able to join volunteer groups such as the planning committee for the Washington-Rochambeau Trail and the fundraising committee for the Tower of Victory. Later I was invited to serve on the Hudson River Valley Heritage Area council. As County Historian, I have had the honor of serving as Orange County Government's representative to the Greenway Communities Council since 2014. From this position I am able to advocate for Orange County's resources and, importantly, I am able to connect our local sites to support opportunities as I learn about them. At the meeting of the Council and Conservancy on October 12th in Hyde Park, the guest presenter was Liz McEnaney, Executive Director of the S. S. Columbia Project. She shared wonderful news about the return of steamboat travel to the Hudson River. In the opening remarks Bob Elliot congratulated the audience and board members on their successes in helping to advocate and raise funds for the Walkway Over the Hudson in Poughkeepsie and the Tower of Victory in Newburgh adding,  "We now need to focus on the SS Columbia...[it embodies] economic development, tourism, tying our main streets to the waterfront and tying all of us to the river." McEnaney filled in the details of the work ahead of them to prepare the vessel for use on the Hudson River. They hope to have the restoration completed in partnership with the Maritime Museum in Kingston by 2020. So far the boat has been transported from the Detroit River to Toledo where it underwent $1.6 million worth of hull repairs. It then was moved to Buffalo where it is being winterized and stored until making the journey to the Hudson River in the summer of 2016. "HISTORIC STEAMBOAT PLANNED FOR HUDSON RIVER" LINK After the business portion of the meeting and grant recipient announcements, the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area committee met to recap some of the successes of the 2015 season. -       The 16th Annual Hudson River Valley Ramble held in September featured more than 200 events by 160 partner organizations, web traffic is up 43%, 78% of website visitors were new users, Facebook likes up 46% (to more than 3,400 likes), Event satisfaction was 4.85 out of 5. HUDSON RIVER VALLEY RAMBLE FACEBOOK -       The number of Path Through History events held in June grew to 330 which represents a 60% increase. PATH THROUGH HISTORY LINK -       The National Park Service Washington-Rochambeau Route wayside exhibits were delivered to 15 locations throughout the lower Hudson Valley in September. The Route is the newest National Historic Trail in the system and marks the route the Continental Army and allied French forces traveled from Rhode Island to the final victory over the British at Yorktown, Virginia. WASHINGTON-ROCHAMBEAU TRAIL LINK -       History Happy Hour in the historic sites near Albany has been a huge success. Targeting history enthusiasts to socialize and experience history in a new fun way, it is an outgrowth of the city of Albany's volunteer heritage tourism initiative. (The Historic Tavern Trail of Orange County will be sponsored by the group in 2016) HISTORY HAPPY HOUR LINK -       Teaching the Hudson Valley brought 1,036 students from six counties to historic sites in nine counties, 130 administrators and educators participated in the Summer Institute. TEACHING THE HUDSON VALLEY LINK For information regarding Orange County's engagement with Hudson River Valley Greenway and the National Heritage Area please feel free to reach out to me.  Sincerely,  Johanna Yaun Orange County Historian

MUST ATTEND events honoring the 200th birthday of "the Father of American Landscape":

Walking Tours On Sunday, October 25th 10:30 AM -- Poughkeepsie Walking tour of Springside Landscape Restoration with Harvey Flad 1:00 PM -- Newburgh In the Footsteps of Downing walking tour hosted by the Newburgh Preservation Association and Calvert Vaux Preservation Alliance with Alan Strauber, Francis R. Kowsky and Mary McTamaney (Meet at the Heritage Center, 123 Grand Street, Newburgh)

Recommended Reading The Hudson River Valley Review: Painters, Writers, and Tourists in the Nineteenth Century. Vol. Autumn 2014. Thomas S. Wermuth, 2014. Print. Schuyler, David. Apostle of Taste: Andrew Jackson Downing, 1815-1852. Baltimore, Md.: Johns Hopkins UP, 1996. Print. Yglesias, Caren. The Complete House and Grounds: Learning from Andrew Jackson Downing's Domestic Architecture. Chicago: Center for American Places at Columbia College Chicago, 2011. Print.

Please share & support these local events

Preservation Advocacy Support Needed in Huguenot Monday, October 19 7:30PM Re-Water the canal! Rescue a HIstorical Landmark! Come learn and help! Please join local historians as they advocate for the preservation of the D&H Cuddeback Canal. Deerpark Town Hall 420 Route 209 Huguenot, NY 12746

Transforming Historic Manufacturing/Warehouse Buildings for Present Day Use Program in Newburgh Wednesday, October 21 10AM to 3PM Agenda: 10 a.m. - A brief discussion on the recently adopted zoning regulations for the City of Newburgh, 10:45 a.m. - What are tenants looking for, who are they and where are they coming from?, 11:15 a.m. - What hurdles exist for fixing up and re-positioning historic manufacturing buildings? What roles do they play and impacts do they have on their neighbors? Who are the intended end users?, 12 p.m. - Lunch , 1:00 p.m. - Recent local & regional success stories , 1:45 p.m. - Concepts and designs that work , 2:15 p.m. - Making it green and lean- how to incorporate green technology in older buildings LINK to Facebook Invite Hosted by A River of Opportunities 639 Broadway  Newburgh, NY 12550

Ghost Program at Knox's Headquarters in New Windsor Saturday, Oct 24 7:00-7:30, 7:30-8:00, 8:00-8:30 or 8:30-9:00 PM Do you remember walking past a creepy looking house at night when you were a kid?  Come see a scary theatrical presentation in ours, if you dare.  Reservations required.  Knox's Headquarters is located at 289 Forge Hill Road, in Vails Gate, New York, three miles southeast of the intersection of I-87 and I-84.  For reservations and more information please call (845) 561-1765 ext. 20. LINK to Facebook Invite

100th Anniversary of the Erie Station in Chester Sunday, October 25 at 2pm Refreshments provided, costumes optional. Join us for the Erie Station's 100th Anniversary Celebration! LINK to Website Chester Historical Society 47 Main Street Chester, NY 10918

Lantern Tour of All Faith's Cemetery in Washingtonville Thursday, October 29 6PM Uncover the true stories of Washingtonville's Revolutionary War residents at All Faiths Cemetery on this guided one hour tour. Uncover the true stories of Washingtonville's Revolutionary War residents who are interred at the All Faiths Cemetery! This 1-hour guided tour will leave from the Soldiers Monument and take visitors to the graves of several veterans from the Revolutionary War; such as Major Henry Brewster, and Job Sayer, as well as civilians like Anna Brewster. Participants should bring: a flashlight, warm clothes, and a donation to benefit the restoration of this historic cemetery. Children must be accompanied by adult. Parking will be available on cemetery grounds. Register online today! Or call (845) 496-5483 x 324 for additional information!

Historic Tavern Trail at Ward's Bridge Inn in Montgomery Friday, October 30 5:30PM to 7PM Join us for the last tavern visit of the season. Have a drink with local historians, learn about the restaurant's history.LINK to Facebook Invite  Ward's Bridge Inn 135 Ward Street Montgomery, NY 12549

Announcement For Municipal Historians:

Annual Meeting of Region 3 of the Association of Public Historians of New York State -- Will be held on Saturday, October 24th at the Josephine-Louise Public Library, 5 Scofield Street in Walden, NY 12586 This year we will have as our guests three representatives from the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation - Division for Historic Preservation.  This will be your opportunity to gain more familiarity with the services provided by SHPO for the local historian - and a better understanding of how you as a local historian can provide SHPO with information about cultural resources in your community. Josephine-Louise Public Library Director Ginny Neidermier, Village of Walden Mayor Susan M. Rumbold, and Village of Walden Historian Mary Ellen Matise will join me in welcoming you, and Ms. Matise will lead you on an entertaining and informative tour of historic Walden monuments after the meeting. There is no registration fee, but I ask that you contact me to let me know you are coming.  Please feel free to share this announcement with anyone who may be interested in attending.  We welcome all who are involved in researching, preserving, and/or promoting local history in their communities. With best regards, Suzanne Isaksen Town of Montgomery Historian APHNYS Region 3 Coordinator sisaksen@earthlink.net 845-641-0463

Congratulations to Two Orange County Museums for Receiving 2015 Awards of Excellence! Harness Racing Museum & Hall of Fame, Goshen This award is in recognition of the exhibition "Remember Roosevelt!" describing the Roosevelt Raceway, The Dream & The Legacy, Where it All Began - as outstanding examples of the synthesis between historic preservation and public presentation. Historical Society of Newburgh Bay & the Highlands, Newburgh This award is in recognition of the community collaboration and documentation in the creation of the exhibit "Growing Up in Newburgh" which brought together members of the community through contributions of images, newspaper clippings, objects and a video that represent growing up in the historic city. Historical Society of Newburgh Bay & the Highlands, Newburgh This award is in recognition of the community collaboration and documentation of the partnership with St. George Episcopal Church in sponsoring programs that promoted history, preservation and public awareness of the state of a historic cemetery. Greater Hudson Heritage Network's "Awards for Excellence" program seeks to recognize and commend exceptional efforts among GHHN members. Awards are made to projects that exemplify creativity and professional vision resulting in a contribution to the preservation and interpretation of the historic scene, material culture and diversity of the region.

Site Visit to the Powder Mill Ruins at Algonquin Park

On October 7th a group of stakeholders toured the powder mill ruins at Algonquin Park. From left to right: County Legislator Barry Cheney, County Legislator Jim Kulisek, County Legislator Chris Eachus, City of Newburgh Historian Mary McTamaney, Town of Newburgh Historian Les Cornell, O.C. Parks Commissioner Richard Rose, Director of Newburgh HIstorical Society Matthew Colon, Town of Newburgh Councilman Jim Presutti, Quassaick Creek Alliance advocate John Gebhards and local homeowner Jill Enfield.

Crops and Hops Festival at the Orange County Farmers Museum

Riki Lent and some of the volunteers at the Orange County Farmers Museum Hops and Crops Festival in Montgomery on October 10th. from left to right: Rich Weishaar, Ellen Quimby, Colleen Hughes, Riki Lent, Frank Cass, Dr. Matthew Flanagan & John Kidd.

The State of the Historical Community

October 5, 2015
Newsletter No. 2015.06

LINK HERE: The State of the Historical Community in Orange County

The State of the Historical Community in Orange County & Region

On July 30th we invited elected officials, municipal historians, County employees and members of the public to join together to hear about our County's historical assets. The recording of the program is now available to view online. There's a crisis in historical societies and historic house museums across the nation. Membership dues and visitation are in decline. The costs of maintaining buildings and collections is exhausting resources. Volunteers are under pressure to digitize archives and make resources more widely available to the public without having the expertise or budgetary supports that would be necessary to do so. Exhibits and programming are stagnant while trustees work tirelessly to triage the symptoms. And the public is largely unaware of the treasures that these institutions have to offer. Over the past decade, local and State government budget cuts have resulted in reduced staffing and resources for municipal history offices. With fewer municipal resources, community institutions are also losing sources of expertise, advocacy and grant funding. The emphasis has shifted to economic development and smaller institutions with irregular staffing and programming are overlooked by tourism initiatives. Meanwhile history and heritage in pop-culture and immersive tourism are at an all time high. Using Dutchess County as a case-study a 2015 tourism report coordinated by the Taconic Region of the Office of Parks Recreation and Historic Preservation demonstrated that historic sites have a $65 million per year impact and employ over 200 full and part-time workers. In Orange County, the festivals, farmer's markets and businesses are capitalizing on the public interest in heritage by infusing their events and products with historical references. There's a glimmer of hope that historical societies and house museums will be renewed too. New York State has a few advantages: a legacy of preservation that dates back to the designation of Washington's Headquarters as the first public museum in the nation, a maze of small but astounding collections, museums and research libraries in every community, and a law requiring the continuity of municipal historians in every town, village and city. Back in July in Goshen, I delivered a "State of the Historical Community" address, in an attempt to identify the best opportunities, and the challenges, the history community in Orange County faces. I've posted the talk on YouTube in the hope that it will be a tool for fostering public awareness and cooperation among stakeholders. Sincerely,  Johanna Yaun Orange County Historian

State of the Historical Community The recording of the presentation can be viewed here: The State of the Historical Community

Click Here To View This Post On The New York State History Blog Website

Public Inquiry: This week the office received this request from a local teacher. I'd like to be able to gather information about school programs that are offered by local historians and museums so that we can inform the schools. Please email your contact, offerings, availabilities and fees to be included on the list. "I am wondering if you could provide some direction in my quest to expose our students to more local history. In the past, I was able to get a representative from Washington's Headquarters in Newburgh to present a talk on Revolutionary medicine to our 7th graders and also had a Orange Blossom re-enactor come in and talk to the students about the Civil War. I will be looking into those again but was wondering if you might be able to provide me with a few more ideas or people we could connect with. Any help you could provide would be appreciated."

For Historians and Museum Professionals Greater   Hudson Heritage Network Annual Conference & Awards for Excellence This year's conference theme,"Creativity Connects" explores the ways in which history and heritage organizations can think creatively to connect to new audiences, new funding sources, new stories to tell, and new ways to engage their communities. Program held on Friday, October 16 from 9am to 5pm SUNY Purchase Performing Arts Center735 Anderson Hill Road, Purchase, NY 10577.

Click here to REGISTER for the GHHN Annual Conference

Local Opinion: What do you think is the most under appreciated historical resource in Orange County? "Certainly the most underutilized resource in Orange County is the treasure trove of important historic architecture in the City of Newburgh. Restored and adaptively reused jewels such as the A.J. Davis designed Dutch Reformed Church and Vaux and Downing's Culbert House, later known as the Newburgh City Club, among many others, could help form the basis of a rejuvenated Newburgh economy based on historic site tourism in this uniquely valuable city." Alan Strauber President, Calvert Vaux Preservation Alliance

Please share & support these local events

A Taste of History throughout the Mid-Hudson Valley Sat & Sun, Oct 10 &11 Explore many of the MHHD sites partaking in this season's "Taste Of History" during Columbus Day Weekend. Museums will either have foods on location that have historical significance to their site or partnering with local restaurants offering discounts. Please contact each site directly for specific times and details.  Orange County sites: Crawford House and Newburgh Bay will be open October 11 for tours of the historic homestead. The title of the day's program is "A Freight Forwarders Taste of History. Come and sample some of the foods before they make their way to the docks. 845-561-2585 Museum Village will be open October 10 & 11, 11am-4pm offering delicious corn-cakes made right on the hearth. Staffed costume interpreters will be in buildings ready to give demonstrations. Partnering with The Caldwell House Bed & Breakfast. 845-782-8248 Orange Co. Farmers Museum, Montgomery - will be open October 10, 11- 4 hosting "Hudson Valley hops and Crops Festival".  There will be tasting of local wines, beers and ciders and food vendors from across the Hudson Valley and live entertainment from 2 local bands: 4 Gun Ridge and Badd Hat. 845-457-2959 Harness Racing Museum will be hosting a walking tour and collaborating with local restaurants. 845-294-6330 Link to the midhudsonhistoricdestinations.org for information about all of the participating site.

Twin Forts Day at Fort Montgomery State Historic Site Saturday, Oct 10 10am-3pm  The 238th anniversary of the defensive battles at Forts Clinton and Montgomery, the Twin Forts of the Popolopen. Built on the remains of Fort Clinton, Trailside Museums and Zoo will host a variety of activities. At 10:15 am, witness a special flag raising ceremony in the Fort Clinton redoubt by the 5th Regiment. Come experience musket firing, tours of the redoubt, patriotic music and more from our Trailside volunteers. The beautiful displays in the Trailside Historical Museum are not to be missed! Fort Montgomery State Historic Site will be hosting an encampment and reenactments. Phone: (845) 786-2701 Website Link

Lecture on 19th Century Grapes and Vineyards of the Hudson Valley at Crawford House in Newburgh Sunday, Oct 11 2pm During the early years of the nineteenth century, the Hudson Valley was the "breadbasket of the United States," which was one historian's way of describing the rise of commercial agriculture. Author J. Stephen Casscles will deliver a talk about his book, "Grapes of the Hudson Valley and Other Cool Climate Regions of the United States and Canada." Described as a field reference guide that explores 175 varieties of grapes, it also explores a history that includes growers, grape growing and wine making in the Hudson Valley. Website Link

Pumpkin Festival at Hill-Hold in Campbell Hall Saturday, Oct 17  Enjoy an afternoon of pumpkin rolling, guess the weight of the pumpkin, pumpkin painting, waxing leafs, scare crow making, face painting and a hay ride through the historic grounds of the homestead. Refreshments will be available for sale. A terrific way for the family to spend a Fall afternoon!Website Link

Tour with Ted at Motorcyclepedia in Newburgh Saturday, Oct 17  3-6pm Come and join us for an exclusive tour of Motorcyclepedia with our President and curator, Ted Doering, as he guides and educates us on the museum's extensive collection. Hear the stories and the history behind the bikes as Ted guides us through the past. This tour is open to the public and will fill fast! The tour is $20 per person and tickets must be reserved. The tour has 20 spots, so reserve your ticket today! Tickets are reserved on EventBrite and pay at the door. Facebook Invite

Orange County Historical Society Annual Dinner Saturday, Oct 17 6-10pm The Annual dinner will be held at the Gold Club at Mansion Ridge, guest speaker Rena Corey. For reservations or more information please email info@orangecountyhistoricalsociety.orgWebsite Link

Please email your answer to this question to be featured in a future issue.

'Kites Over the Hudson' at Washington's HQ in Newburgh

Flying kites at the 38th Annual Kites Over the Hudson event. Every year members of the Friends of the Historic Sites of the Hudson Highlands and Purple Heart Chapter 1782 hand out kites to 150 children to fly on site.

Oktoberfest to benefit McGarrah's Stagecoach Inn Museum in Monroe

(From l to r) Robert Valentine II, Master at Cornerstone lodge #711; John Ziegler Tyler; Diana KyDon, Orange County NRA, Johanna Yaun, Orange County Historian; Jonathan Williams, Secretary atCornerstone lodge #711; Mike McGinn, President of FOP Orange County; Michael Coleman, Tuxedo Park Police.