Genealogy & History Programs at HVCC

The following was cut and pasted from the web site of Hudson Valley Community College's Office of Community and Professional Education.

Below are upcoming inexpensive non-credit programs for anyone interested in local history and genealogy. Contact the Hudson Valley office for further information:

Office of Community and Professional EducationPhone: (518) 629-7339
Fax: (518) 629-8103
Email: communityed@hvcc.edu
Location: Guenther Enrollment Services Center, Room 252

Architecture Worth Saving in Rensselaer County: 50 Years Later 
In 1965, Bernd Foerster, a professor of architecture at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, published a book to document urban and rural architecture built before 1929. Foerster felt these buildings were threatened by the urban renewal movement in Troy and the expansion of the interstate highway system. His photographs covered a wide range of urban and rural houses, churches and businesses. Instructor Kathryn Sheehan has re-photographed all the sites from Foerster's original publication to see if the buildings are still there and if so, what condition they are in. She is also authoring a new publication that will have a chapter including buildings that were not in the first publication. To accomplish this she is working closely with the county's 14 town historians and other local architects and historians. Kathryn has also expanded the time frame of the new publication to include buildings constructed before 1965. 
60952
$15
1 Session, WIL 113
Wed., 4/18, 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Kathryn Sheehan, Instructor

Troy's Tiffany Treasures
Troy is said to have more Tiffany stained glass per square mile than any other city in the nation. One of the top restoration experts refers to Troy as "The Mother Lode of Tiffany Glass." While it can be argued that is a slight exaggeration, we are still blessed with astonishing amounts, including some of the most famous windows that Louis Comfort Tiffany ever created. This illustrated lecture will give you a peek at some of the stained glass grandeur that the 19th century industrial fortunes made possible. 
60941
$25
I Session, WIL 113
Fri., 4/27, 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Michael Barrett, Instructor

A Look at Crailo and Schuyler Mansion State Historic Sites
Heidi Hill, site manager of Crailo and Schuyler Mansion State Historic Sites, will give two presentations. The first will focus on Crailo, the historic estate of the Van Rensselaer family, now a museum dedicated to the Colonial Dutch in the Hudson River Valley. It will focus on the 17th century Dutch colony that has been owned by the state since 1924. Catharine Van Rensselaer Schuyler was born and grew up at Crailo and in 1755 married Philip J. Schuyler, who became the Major General of the Northern Department during the Revolutionary War. Together they built the home that is known today as Schuyler Mansion (1761-1765). This important showcase of a house was only part of their holdings. This second lecture will focus on the lavish 18th century lifestyle at the mansion and the illustrious guest that were attracted by the family's hospitality, power and influence. 
60962
$16
1 Session, WIL 113
Fri., 3/16, 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Heidi Hill, Instructor

Irish Genealogy 101
There's never been a better time to discover your Irish roots! With more and more genealogy resources becoming available online, including the collection of Catholic parish records from the National Library in Dublin digitized in July 2015, finding your elusive Irish ancestor is within reach for many. Join professional and genealogist-in-residence for the Irish American Heritage Museum, Lisa Dougherty, for an overview on utilizing resources in both the USA and Ireland to make your ancestral journey back to the Emerald Isle a memorable and successful one! 
60942
$15
1 Session, WIL 113
Tues., 3/20, 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Lisa Dougherty, Instructor

Understanding Your Ancestry DNA Test
Whether you have done an ancestry DNA test or are just thinking about it, you are probably wondering just what it all means. This workshop, with professional genealogist Lisa Dougherty, will provide an overview of DNA basics, what you can expect from an ancestry DNA test, why ethnicity estimates are not the most important part of the test and how DNA can help you discover more about yourself and your family history.
60943
$15
1 Session, WIL 113
Tues., 4/10, 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Lisa Dougherty, Instructor

Mahican, Mohican, Mohegan?
Nobody's quite sure how to spell their name in English, but this Native American tribe was once a force to be reckoned with in the Hudson Valley. Their nation stretched from Dutchess County northward to Lake Champlain. The Mohawks, famed as the fiercest of warriors, feared them. Who were these First Americans? Where did they go? And why? Steve Trimm, amateur historian and tour guide at Grant Cottage State Historic Site, will answer these questions. 
60944
$15
1 Session, WIL 113
Mon., 4/23, 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Steve Trimm, Instructor

The Tragedy of Alexander Hamilton
Alexander Hamilton led the Federalist Party for over a decade, and served as Secretary of the Treasury, inventing fiscal policy that laid the foundation for a prosperous modern commercial nation. Yet shame over his humble origins dogged him and made him hypersensitive to criticism. Jack Casey, an author, attorney and former political leader, who just completed his historical novel, "Hamilton's Last Clash," will explore this uniquely American tragedy. While showing why Hamilton is the most influential of the founding fathers upon our way of life, Jack will share his views on the darker side of American adversarial politics, and will also acquaint attendees with Revolutionary-era songs he will play and sing.
60832
$25
1 Session, WIL 113
Mon., 4/16, 1-3 p.m.
Jack Casey, Instructor

The Erie Canal - America's First Great Public Work
Jack Casey will discuss his historical novel A Land Beyond the River which portrays New York State's rise to national preeminence (1810-1825) as "The Empire State." Hudson Valley heiress Eleanora Van Rensselaer falls in love with a "real man" from the west, ship captain Daniel Hedges, a smuggler on Lake Erie. Soon the War of 1812 erupts and ends their affair. Only after each suffers great loss can they reconnect and join forces to assist DeWitt Clinton in realizing his vision, a 363-mile canal across New York State. Yet even as they collaborate, canal opponent Martin Van Buren employs a dark secret to blackmail Eleanora, and she must choose between her vast wealth and the man she loves. A Land Beyond the River was published by in paperback by Bantam Books (1988), and in hardcover by Jack's imprint, Diamond Rock Publishing, Inc. (2005). He will enhance his discussion with a few canal songs. 
60930
$25
1 Session, WIL 113
Mon., 4/16, 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Jack Casey, Instructor

A Tour of the New York State Capitol Focusing on WWI
As the nation commemorates the centennial of American participation in World War I, we'll examine how New York State and its citizens played a critical role in the United States' efforts during the war, and discusses its significance to understanding history today. Find out about Harlem Hell Fighters and the 369th Infantry Regiment in WWI, which will be one of our topics as we follow Stuart W. Lehman, education coordinator for the New York State Capitol. Our tour program will also include a look at New York and New Yorkers in the WWI exhibit in the New York State Capitol and a behind the scenes gallery tour of the new exhibit at the Vietnam Memorial Gallery. Be prepared to show a photo ID.
60960
$12
1 Session, meet at the Visitors Center on the Empire State Plaza
Wed., 3/28, 2- 4 p.m.
Marie D'Entrone, Coordinator

Knickerbocker Family Mansion - Ghosts, Tour and Lunch
The Knickerbocker Historical Society will be our hosts as they tell us about the history of the Knickerbocker Mansion, which dates from about 1770. They will arrange for historical 'ghosts' to give moving first-hand accounts of their lives and experiences, and they will explain the renovations – the not-for-profit Society rescued the mansion from certain demolition and has continued to restore it. Our visit concludes with a chance to tour the mansion and to a colonial lunch cooked with authentic recipes, a delicious side to the history of the mansion! Course fee includes $25 materials fee. 
60018
$35
1 Session, Knickerbocker Family Mansion
Wed., 5/16, 10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Jean Chenette, Coordinator
Marie D'Entrone, Instructor

Walking Tour of Troy's Historic Washington Park and Surrounding Homes, and Tea
Enjoy taking a step back in time to see and experience the genteel living of the nouveau rich of Troy's Washington Park. You will be able to see firsthand, the loving care taken to rehabilitate and update many of these one-of-a-kind homes of the emerging upper middle class of the 19th century and visit their own private park. A tea reception will be held in our last home visit on the tour.

There will be lots of walking on mostly uneven surfaces: sidewalks, grass, roads, and some home interiors with multiple flights of stairs, climbing up and down. Wear comfortable walking shoes as you will be on your feet for all of the tour. Meet in Washington Park across from the front of 195 Second Street. Parking is along the bordering streets of Washington Park - Washington Place, Second Street, Third Street and Washington Street. Course fee includes $15 materials fee.
60460
$25
1 Session, meet in Washington Park across from the front of 195 Second Street
Mon., 4/30, 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Lea Darling, Coordinator

The Restoration of Pat's Dutch Barn in the Rensselaer Technology Park
Pat's Barn is truly a unique and special place; you will feel the authentic charm and elegance of this historic Dutch barn, which was restored in 2009, the instant you walk through the front door. Patricia Roberts took the initiative to preserve this rich piece of history, so the barn was appropriately named after her. Pat's Barn is now used for RPI programs, retreats, conferences and special events. Michael Wacholder, project coordinator, will share insights in to the behind-the-scene details that went into this project.
60961
$12
1 Session, meet at Pat's Barn
Thurs., 4/26, 1 - 3 p.m.
Presenters: Michael Wacholder, Keith Van Amburgh
Jean Chenette, Coordinator

Visit Historic Grant's Cottage
Guide Steven Trimm will provide a tour of the historic cottage and share little-known stories about U.S. Grant. Grant Cottage is full of marvelous, unexpected and sometimes improbable but true tales. Steve will share all of them with you. Following his program, we will depart for a tour of the cottage and we'll have the chance to marvel at the views of the Berkshires, Catskills and Green Mountains from Promenade Point. We may even have a secret family member of Grant's with us to share more stories of the illustrious President U.S. Grant. This may be up to a 2.5-hour program and requires standing during the cottage segment of the tour. Please wear comfortable shoes and dress warmly. We will meet at the Grant Cottage Visitor's Center to begin our tour. Course fee includes $10 materials fee.
60457
$20
1 Session, meeting at the Grant Cottage Visitor's Center
Mon., 5/7, 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Lea Darling, Coordinator

The Saugerties Lighthouse
Join us at the Saugerties Lighthouse, an 1869 landmark on the Hudson River that now stands proudly as a living museum and a renowned bed and breakfast. Step back in time over a hundred years to experience the charm and rustic simplicity of life in the middle of the river. Furnished as it may have looked in the early 20th century, the light-house contains a small museum, gift shop, parlor, kitchen, keepers' quarters, and two guest bedrooms. The operational light tower offers a panoramic view of the Hudson River Valley and Catskill Mountains.

Because of its location on the river, tours must be scheduled with tide schedules in mind. The lighthouse can be reached via a half-mile nature trail of dirt and rock paths with wooden bridges and boardwalks and sandy trails. It is at the end of Lighthouse Drive in the village of Saugerties. Suitable, comfortable shoes are recommended. Course fee includes an $8 materials fee.
60470
$18
1 Session, meet at the lighthouse, Saugerties, NY
Thur., 5/17, noon - 1:30 p.m.
Paula Johannessen, Coordinator