The following article comes to us from the latest edition of the Rensselaer County Advertiser newspaper.
Troy Irish Genealogy Election of Officers
The Troy Irish Genealogy Society recently held the election of officers for 2018-2019.
President: Christine Connell
Vice President: Kris Ayotte
Treasurer and List Administrator: Kathy Buckley
Secretary: Gail Landrigan
Project Coordinator: Bill mcGrath
Membership Chairperson: Donna Vaughn
Web Master: Peter Reilly
The Troy Irish Genealogy Society (TIGS) is an organization whose main purpose is to collect, share, and preserve genealogy information. We are open to everyone. You don't need to live in troy, or be of Irish descent, to join TIGS or get genealogy information from us.
Meetings are usually held on the third Thursday of the month at 6:30 p.m., and the venue may change from month to month. August's meeting will be at the East Greenbush Library on Thursday August 16, at 6:30 p.m., Meeting Room A.
19 August 2018
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.
"Victory Turned into Mourning": Farewell to Lincoln and Grant at the New York State Capitol
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
"Victory Turned into Mourning": Farewell to Lincoln and Grant at the New York State Capitol
One hundred and fifty years ago, as the nation mourned its martyred president, a special funeral train journeyed from Washington, D.C. to Springfield, Illinois. Albany, New York was one of the major stops on its route. On April 26 of that year, Lincoln's body lay in the old state Capitol building while 50,000 people filed by to pay their respects. At the exact same time, over 400 miles to the south, assassin John Wilkes Booth was cornered in a tobacco barn, shot by a New York cavalryman, and died of his wounds.
Thirty years later, the New York State Capitol was once again the scene of a somber farewell, as President Ulysses S. Grant lay in the new Capitol Building.
This program will explore these solemn events and their connection to the New York State Capitol.
51018
$12
1 Session, WIL 113
Fri., 11/9, 10 a.m. - noon
Stuart Lehman, Instructor
Thirty years later, the New York State Capitol was once again the scene of a somber farewell, as President Ulysses S. Grant lay in the new Capitol Building.
This program will explore these solemn events and their connection to the New York State Capitol.
51018
$12
1 Session, WIL 113
Fri., 11/9, 10 a.m. - noon
Stuart Lehman, Instructor
Our Compelling Local History
Style and Sustenance: 17th Century Dining Customs of the Colonial Dutch
A fascinating history of Dutch colonial dining has emerged, based on local archaeology and documents, as well as Dutch genre paintings. Using these sources, this presentation will center on how a convergence of cultures in New Netherland, along with a complex trade network, gave rise to unique food-ways and table customs in the 17th century Hudson River Valley.
Style and Sustenance: 17th Century Dining Customs of the Colonial Dutch
A fascinating history of Dutch colonial dining has emerged, based on local archaeology and documents, as well as Dutch genre paintings. Using these sources, this presentation will center on how a convergence of cultures in New Netherland, along with a complex trade network, gave rise to unique food-ways and table customs in the 17th century Hudson River Valley.
When Hamilton Became a Schuyler: From Caribbean Orphan to New Nation Elite
This presentation chronicle's Alexander Hamilton's journey across oceans and his rise up social and political ladders during and after the Revolutionary War. Of particular focus will be his marriage to Elizabeth Schuyler and how his relationship with the Schuyler family facilitated this advancement.
51039
$15
1 Session, WIL 113
Mon., 11/5, 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Jean Chenette, Coordinator
Heidi Hill, Site Manager of Crailo and Schuyler Mansions, Instructor
This presentation chronicle's Alexander Hamilton's journey across oceans and his rise up social and political ladders during and after the Revolutionary War. Of particular focus will be his marriage to Elizabeth Schuyler and how his relationship with the Schuyler family facilitated this advancement.
51039
$15
1 Session, WIL 113
Mon., 11/5, 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Jean Chenette, Coordinator
Heidi Hill, Site Manager of Crailo and Schuyler Mansions, Instructor
A Blending Of Households: The French Huguenot and Palatine Migration to the Hudson and Mohawk Valleys
When the Dutch first began to build their homes in early New York, they copied the homes they knew from both the cities and farmlands of the Netherlands. French Huguenots fled France to escape persecution and sheltered in both the Netherlands and Germany before arriving to New York. By 1710, the Palatine area of Germany was experiencing a severe famine and persecution from the 30 Year's War. This brought them into the Hudson Valley and ultimately into many areas of the Mohawk Valley. Because of the mingling of these families over the generations while living in Holland and Germany, a unique merging of cultures, building traditions and stylistic motives, was created in America.
When the Dutch first began to build their homes in early New York, they copied the homes they knew from both the cities and farmlands of the Netherlands. French Huguenots fled France to escape persecution and sheltered in both the Netherlands and Germany before arriving to New York. By 1710, the Palatine area of Germany was experiencing a severe famine and persecution from the 30 Year's War. This brought them into the Hudson Valley and ultimately into many areas of the Mohawk Valley. Because of the mingling of these families over the generations while living in Holland and Germany, a unique merging of cultures, building traditions and stylistic motives, was created in America.
All of these homes are considered to be part of the Dutch architectural history of New York, but their fascinating variations are based in native roots. Because masonry (brick) was considered more desirable in the Netherlands and local stone was free for the taking, the stone houses in Ulster County can be compared to the stone fortified homesteads in the Mohawk Valley.
This lecture will discuss and illustrate the buildings and their interiors, along with distinctive examples of their furnishings.
51009
$19
1 Session, WIL 113
Thurs., 9/13, 10 a.m. - noon
Marilyn Sassi, Instructor
51009
$19
1 Session, WIL 113
Thurs., 9/13, 10 a.m. - noon
Marilyn Sassi, 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, 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.
50671
$25
1 Session, WIL 113
Wed., 11/7, 1 - 3 p.m.
Jack Casey, Instructor
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, 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.
50671
$25
1 Session, WIL 113
Wed., 11/7, 1 - 3 p.m.
Jack Casey, Instructor
Russell Sage, the Money King
Born into poverty, Russell Sage was a self-made man, although the man he made himself into was the quintessential robber baron of the Gilded Age. After leaving his home in Troy for the richer pickings of New York City, his financial manipulations of the Wall Street stock market, the banking industry, railroads and other major corporations became the stuff of financial legend. Along with his primary partner, Jay Gould, Sage pillaged and plundered the American economic marketplace for almost forty years. He was probably the wealthiest American at the time of his death in 1906, and his wife's reaction to his passing is one of the greatest stories of philanthropic retaliation in American history.
51002
$25
1 Session, WIL 113
Fri., 11/2, 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Michael Barrett, Instructor
Born into poverty, Russell Sage was a self-made man, although the man he made himself into was the quintessential robber baron of the Gilded Age. After leaving his home in Troy for the richer pickings of New York City, his financial manipulations of the Wall Street stock market, the banking industry, railroads and other major corporations became the stuff of financial legend. Along with his primary partner, Jay Gould, Sage pillaged and plundered the American economic marketplace for almost forty years. He was probably the wealthiest American at the time of his death in 1906, and his wife's reaction to his passing is one of the greatest stories of philanthropic retaliation in American history.
51002
$25
1 Session, WIL 113
Fri., 11/2, 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Michael Barrett, Instructor
Murder and Mayhem in Rensselaer County
From the gallows to the electric chair, Rensselaer County and Troy City Historian Kathy Sheehan will present a lecture on the seedier side of life in the county. Topics include everything from the story of brothel owner Mame Fay to the stories of the veiled murderess Henrietta Robinson, the poisoning of Marianne Green in Berlin, and the still-unsolved mystery of who killed Hazel Drew in Sand Lake. These and other juicy stories of crimes in Rensselaer County will be revealed!
51013
$17
1 Session, WIL 113
Wed., 10/17, 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Kathryn Sheehan, Instructor
From the gallows to the electric chair, Rensselaer County and Troy City Historian Kathy Sheehan will present a lecture on the seedier side of life in the county. Topics include everything from the story of brothel owner Mame Fay to the stories of the veiled murderess Henrietta Robinson, the poisoning of Marianne Green in Berlin, and the still-unsolved mystery of who killed Hazel Drew in Sand Lake. These and other juicy stories of crimes in Rensselaer County will be revealed!
51013
$17
1 Session, WIL 113
Wed., 10/17, 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Kathryn Sheehan, 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.
50822
$15
1 Session, WIL 113
Tues., 10/16, 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Lisa Dougherty, Instructor
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.
50822
$15
1 Session, WIL 113
Tues., 10/16, 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Lisa Dougherty, Instructor
DNA Testing for Genealogy: Beyond the Basics
DNA testing can be a powerful tool for finding living family, confirming your paper trail research and debunking family myths. Find out how to use your matches to achieve these goals, and how to branch out from Ancestry DNA to find different matches and more sophisticated tools, without paying for another test. Join professional genealogist Lisa Dougherty for a guide to taking your DNA test to the next level. Note: this class is for those who have already taken a DNA test and have received their results.
51008
$15
1 Session, WIL 113
Tues., 11/13, 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Lisa Dougherty, Instructor
DNA testing can be a powerful tool for finding living family, confirming your paper trail research and debunking family myths. Find out how to use your matches to achieve these goals, and how to branch out from Ancestry DNA to find different matches and more sophisticated tools, without paying for another test. Join professional genealogist Lisa Dougherty for a guide to taking your DNA test to the next level. Note: this class is for those who have already taken a DNA test and have received their results.
51008
$15
1 Session, WIL 113
Tues., 11/13, 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Lisa Dougherty, Instructor
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 a colonial lunch cooked with authentic recipes, a delicious side to the history of the mansion. Course fee includes a $25 materials fee.
50071
$35
1 Session, Knickerbocker Family mansion
Wed., 9/19, 10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Jean Chenette, Coordinator
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 a colonial lunch cooked with authentic recipes, a delicious side to the history of the mansion. Course fee includes a $25 materials fee.
50071
$35
1 Session, Knickerbocker Family mansion
Wed., 9/19, 10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Jean Chenette, Coordinator
Murder at Cherry Hill: A Dramatic Tour Re-enacts a Fateful Evening
A rifle shot, a scream, and the Cherry Hill household erupts into chaos! On May 7, 1827 a notorious murder occurred at Cherry Hill mansion that resulted in two sensational trials and Albany's last public hanging. Join us at Historic Cherry Hill to investigate the scene of the crime and relive the differing perspectives of those who witnessed that fateful night. Attendees will receive the popular "Murder at Cherry Hill" book and enjoy light refreshments at the end of the program.
A rifle shot, a scream, and the Cherry Hill household erupts into chaos! On May 7, 1827 a notorious murder occurred at Cherry Hill mansion that resulted in two sensational trials and Albany's last public hanging. Join us at Historic Cherry Hill to investigate the scene of the crime and relive the differing perspectives of those who witnessed that fateful night. Attendees will receive the popular "Murder at Cherry Hill" book and enjoy light refreshments at the end of the program.
Located at 523 ½ South Pearl Street, in Albany's south end, Historic Cherry Hill is a historic house museum in and the five-generation home of the Van Rensselaer family from 1787-1963. Please dress for the weather (rain or shine) and wear comfortable shoes. Inside, the tour will take participants up and down two flights of stairs; outside, participants will walk over some uneven ground. If you have any concerns, please call (518) 434-4791. Course fee includes $18 materials fee.
50651
$28
1 Session, Cherry Hill
Fri., 10/26, 4 - 6 p.m.
Cynthia Serbent, Coordinator
50651
$28
1 Session, Cherry Hill
Fri., 10/26, 4 - 6 p.m.
Cynthia Serbent, Coordinator
A Visit to the Burden Iron Works Museum with Michael Barrett
Located in the former office of one of the most important firms in the history of iron and steel, the museum covers the industries that made Troy one of the birthplaces of the American Industrial Revolution. Among other things, the area gave the world the detachable collar and cuff, the hook-headed railroad spike, the armor for the USS Monitor, machine made horseshoes at a rate of 51 million a year, the modern fire hydrant, heating and cooking stoves and so much more. Course fee includes $10 materials fee.
51003
$20
1 Session, Burden Iron Works Museum
Tues., 10/30, 10 a.m. - noon
Marie D'Entrone, Coordinator
Located in the former office of one of the most important firms in the history of iron and steel, the museum covers the industries that made Troy one of the birthplaces of the American Industrial Revolution. Among other things, the area gave the world the detachable collar and cuff, the hook-headed railroad spike, the armor for the USS Monitor, machine made horseshoes at a rate of 51 million a year, the modern fire hydrant, heating and cooking stoves and so much more. Course fee includes $10 materials fee.
51003
$20
1 Session, Burden Iron Works Museum
Tues., 10/30, 10 a.m. - noon
Marie D'Entrone, Coordinator
18 August 2018
Evangelical Protestant Cemetery August 2018 Update
So far this year a lot of work has been accomplished at the Evangelical Protestant Cemetery. Click HERE for the link to the "Friends" blog for the latest update at the cemetery.
16 August 2018
Oakwood Chapel Tours
Below is a recent publicity article from the Rensselaer County Advertiser newspaper.
Oakwood's Historic Chapel Open for Tours
Maybe you've lived here all your life or maybe you're new to the area, but either way you've provably wondered what it looks like inside that "Castle on the Hill" in troy. Here's your chance to find out!
The Friends of Oakwood Cemetery will be offering guided tours of the Gardner Earl Chapel every Tuesday in August at 1 pm and at 2 pm for just $8 per person. Children under 12 are free. Registration is not necessary, but please arrive 10 minutes before starting time. For groups of 8 or more, please call Heidi at 518-221-7941 in advance. Look for the OPEN flag. Tuesday Tours happen only in the month of August.
A National Historic Landmark like no other, The chapel boasts Tiffany windows, marble mosaics and unique hidden treasure. You'll understand why it's a popular venue for intimate weddings and special events and you'll learn about the young man who inspired this spectacular building.
Oakwood's Historic Chapel Open for Tours
Maybe you've lived here all your life or maybe you're new to the area, but either way you've provably wondered what it looks like inside that "Castle on the Hill" in troy. Here's your chance to find out!
The Friends of Oakwood Cemetery will be offering guided tours of the Gardner Earl Chapel every Tuesday in August at 1 pm and at 2 pm for just $8 per person. Children under 12 are free. Registration is not necessary, but please arrive 10 minutes before starting time. For groups of 8 or more, please call Heidi at 518-221-7941 in advance. Look for the OPEN flag. Tuesday Tours happen only in the month of August.
A National Historic Landmark like no other, The chapel boasts Tiffany windows, marble mosaics and unique hidden treasure. You'll understand why it's a popular venue for intimate weddings and special events and you'll learn about the young man who inspired this spectacular building.
Bronck Museum Tavern Experience
An interesting email from the New Netherland Institute came to me earlier today. The details are below.
The Bronck Museum offer guests a “tavern experience” at 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 25.
The Bronck houses will be transformed into a mid-1600s country tavern where costumed volunteers will serve guests a beer specially prepared by Crossroads Brewery in Athens to replicate a beer offered at Pieter Bronck’s Beverwijck tavern. During most of the 1650s Bronck and his wife Hilletje Jans were involved in brewing and keeping just such a tavern on the river front at Beverwijck (today’s Albany).
Tickets can be purchased the day of the event for $30. Advance sale tickets are $25 before Aug. 17.
To reserve advance sale tickets, send a check payable to GCHS to:
The Bronck Museum offer guests a “tavern experience” at 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 25.
The Bronck houses will be transformed into a mid-1600s country tavern where costumed volunteers will serve guests a beer specially prepared by Crossroads Brewery in Athens to replicate a beer offered at Pieter Bronck’s Beverwijck tavern. During most of the 1650s Bronck and his wife Hilletje Jans were involved in brewing and keeping just such a tavern on the river front at Beverwijck (today’s Albany).
Tickets can be purchased the day of the event for $30. Advance sale tickets are $25 before Aug. 17.
To reserve advance sale tickets, send a check payable to GCHS to:
Greene County Historical Society, P.O. Box 44, Coxsackie, NY 12051
The Bronck Museum will be closed during the day on Aug. 25 for regular season tours in order to prepare the houses for the evening’s festivities.
04 August 2018
Storm Damage at Albany Rural Cemetery
This is a blog article that I do not enjoy writing. Last Friday, 27th of July, a fast moving thunderstorm coupled with high winds blew through the Capital District and caused extensive damage in our area. Unfortunately, Albany Rural Cemetery was hit very badly.
Late that afternoon I stopped by the cemetery after the storm to check on a plot in Section 92 for someone. I did see some large branches that had fallen near the plot of Thurlow Weed; however nothing major. Since I was on a mission I did not go elsewhere in the cemetery.
The next couple of days via Social Media and the local news it was brought to attention that major damage was found in the cemetery after the storm. The gravestones from the former Schuyler family burial plot originally located on the land which is now known as Schuyler Flatts Cultural Park in Menands on Broadway were devastatingly damaged in the storm. The Schuyler plot is on the South Ridge adjacent to St. Agnes Cemetery.
The ancient stones, many unreadable today due to weathering from lying in a prone position for many years were removed along with the remains from the original burying ground and reburied in Albany Rural Cemetery circa 1920.
Today, on the way to St. Agnes Cemetery, I drove to the site and personally saw the damage. It is very bad and might be worse when the remains of the large beech tree are finally removed. Some clearing has begun but the tree is enormous. Below are numerous photos of the damage.
Late that afternoon I stopped by the cemetery after the storm to check on a plot in Section 92 for someone. I did see some large branches that had fallen near the plot of Thurlow Weed; however nothing major. Since I was on a mission I did not go elsewhere in the cemetery.
The next couple of days via Social Media and the local news it was brought to attention that major damage was found in the cemetery after the storm. The gravestones from the former Schuyler family burial plot originally located on the land which is now known as Schuyler Flatts Cultural Park in Menands on Broadway were devastatingly damaged in the storm. The Schuyler plot is on the South Ridge adjacent to St. Agnes Cemetery.
The ancient stones, many unreadable today due to weathering from lying in a prone position for many years were removed along with the remains from the original burying ground and reburied in Albany Rural Cemetery circa 1920.
Today, on the way to St. Agnes Cemetery, I drove to the site and personally saw the damage. It is very bad and might be worse when the remains of the large beech tree are finally removed. Some clearing has begun but the tree is enormous. Below are numerous photos of the damage.
Upcoming Friends of Oakwood Cemetery Tour
Here is an interesting article direct from today's issue of the Rensselaer County Advertiser newspaper.
Oakwood's Next tour: 9 and 1/2 Generals
The Friends of Oakwood Cemetery will present their next public tour, 9 and 1/2 Generals, on Saturday, August 4, from 9AM to 12 noon.
What, you never heard of a half general? Along with the great Civil War generals, Wool, Thomas, Carr, and others, the "half general" is one of the may interesting military stories you'll hear in this popular tour led by Michael Barrett. If you are a military history buff, you won't want to miss it.
Registration preferred. Call 518-328-0090. Pay on arrival. $15 pp; children under 12 are free. Meet at the chapel flagpole. In case of inclement weather, status of the tour will be updated on our Facebook page: Oakwood Cemetery, Troy, NY.
Oakwood's Next tour: 9 and 1/2 Generals
The Friends of Oakwood Cemetery will present their next public tour, 9 and 1/2 Generals, on Saturday, August 4, from 9AM to 12 noon.
What, you never heard of a half general? Along with the great Civil War generals, Wool, Thomas, Carr, and others, the "half general" is one of the may interesting military stories you'll hear in this popular tour led by Michael Barrett. If you are a military history buff, you won't want to miss it.
Registration preferred. Call 518-328-0090. Pay on arrival. $15 pp; children under 12 are free. Meet at the chapel flagpole. In case of inclement weather, status of the tour will be updated on our Facebook page: Oakwood Cemetery, Troy, NY.
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