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
Location: Guenther Enrollment Services Center, Room 252
Registration begins January 17.
Checks and Balances: Congress vs. the Presidency
This is an
examination of how the Founding Fathers separated, then checked and balanced
power in our political system. The Constitutional roots of this essential
political structure in our democracy will be studied, with case examples from
American history, including presidential impeachment and other struggles
between the branches of government. Current and recent examples of checks and
balances and their effectiveness will be discussed.
61157
$39
3 Sessions, DCC B06
Mon., 4/1 - 4/15, 10 a.m. -
12:30 p.m.
Henry Bankhead, Instructor
Two Presentations in One!
The Story of Betsy Doyle: A Woman
of Courage and Strength in the War of 1812
Betsy Doyle lived near Fort Niagara where her husband, Andrew
(born in Canada) served in the US Army during the War of 1812. Andrew was taken
prisoner by the British and sent to London to stand trial as a traitor to the
Crown. After the fall of Fort Niagara, Betsy had nowhere to turn for shelter
for herself and her children. So began her winter journey for shelter and to
find out what happened to Andrew. Her destination? Greenbush Cantonment.
The History of Hampton Manor:
From the Beginning to the Present
Join us for a talk on the area now known as Hampton Manor and
learn about its history before the development of the houses, during the
housing development, the more historical homes in Hampton Manor and community
activities of the past and present.
61088
$12
1
Session, WIL 113
Mon.,
4/8, 9:30 - 11:45 a.m.
Bobbie
Reno, Instructor
Woman’s Work: Female Spies in the
Civil War
During the Civil War there were thousands of spies of all kinds -
Union, Confederate, official, unofficial, black, white, effective or
ineffective. Of the thousands, probably several hundred were women. This was an
unlikely group, but a fairly successful one. This is a brief exploration of the
espionage careers of some of the more notorious agents from both sides,
including Elizabeth Van Lew and Kate Warne from the Union side, and Belle Boyd
and Rose Greenhow from the Confederate side, among many others. Many of their
exploits were daring and quite successful, and make for great stories.
61091
$12
1
Session, WIL 113
Tues.,
3/26, 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Jim
Cochran, Instructor
First Lady Dolley Madison: The Toast of Washington City
In 1809, when “Lady President” Dolley Madison and her husband
President James Madison took residence in the “President’s Palace” – the White
House – it was an unfinished and unfurnished hull. Washington City, as it was
then known, was a rustic, muddy town with few public buildings and a curious
political code. While her husband dealt with issues of international and
domestic affairs, Dolley began transforming the White House into a welcoming,
tastefully decorated public space. She crafted a social climate that fostered
personal alliances, earned the respect of foreign emissaries, and promoted
national unity.
At
her lively parties, politicians and regular people mingled within a structure
of polite behavior and personal interaction, forging connections that could
serve the interests of the nation as a whole. In this presentation, we will
explore Dolley Madison’s legacy and accomplishments, and find out why she
remained the social center of Washington long after her husband’s death.
61089
$37
1
Session, WIL 113
Wed.,
3/27, 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Historic
Interpreter Phyllis Chapman, Instructor
The Hudson Mohawk Region: The Silicon Valley of the 19th Century
The Capital District is widely considered to be one of the
birthplaces of the American Industrial Revolution. An unparalleled crossroads
of transportation led 19th century entrepreneurs to flock to this area. They
used the cutting- edge technology of their day to transform the dominant
rural-agrarian lifestyle into an infrastructure devoted to advancement of an
American industrial enterprise. Developments in transportation, including the
Erie Canal and railroads, were coupled with development of investment banking
resources, as well as advanced educational opportunity, to lead to our modern
urban-industrial way of life. Inventions and developments here produced many of
the components of our modern lifestyle, such as mass production of practical
clothing, labor-saving devices, mass-produced food and effective labor
organizations. Their clear understanding of the cultural dimension of this
technological change gave direction to some highly celebrated engineering
innovations.
61109
$25
1 Session, WIL 113
Fri., 5/3, 9:30 a.m. -
11:30 a.m.
Michael Barrett, Instructor
New Discoveries: Researching the Abolitionist Movement in
Rensselaer County
Join Kathy Sheehan, Rensselaer County and Troy City
historian, as she discusses information uncovered in recent years about the
abolitionist movement. This presentation includes research on the Baltimore
Family and information gleaned from the Troy Savings Bank Archives. We never
get to write the last line in history, and new scholarship is always coming to
the surface from unlikely sources. This is a lecture not to be missed.
61115
$15
1 Session, WIL 113
Wed., 4/17, 9:30 - 11:30
a.m.
Kathryn Sheehan, Instructor
TWO PRESENTATIONS IN ONE!
Schuyler
Mansion: The House and the Sisters Who Lived There
The Schuyler Women
The Schuyler Sisters have been causing quite a stir in the
Broadway musical “Hamilton: An American Musical,” but did you know that there
were actually five sisters? Learn what it was like growing up in the wealthy
Schuyler household during this in-depth look at the history of the Schuyler
women, which centers on their daily lives and the impact they had in shaping
their family’s history.
The Restoration of Schuyler
Mansion: Tradition and Technology Accomplish the Impossible
For the 100 years that Schuyler Mansion has been an historic site
open to the public, a restoration of the Ruins of Rome and a glorious
papier-mâché ceiling have been, it seems, impossible to accomplish. Learn how
advances in technology and new techniques have helped restore the mansion to
the grandeur of the 18th century. Other fascinating projects will be
highlighted as well, along with a peek into what’s in store for future
restorations.
61116
$15
1
Session, WIL 113
Mon.,
3/25, 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Heidi
Hill, Instructor
DNA & Genealogy: A Beginner’s Guide
New to the world of genealogy and DNA? The television commercials
make it look so easy, but can you really use your DNA test to help discover
your family history? Professional genealogist Lisa Dougherty will outline the
basics of both traditional genealogy research and understanding your DNA test.
Learn how to combine the two and make important discoveries in your family
history!
61086
$15
1
Session, WIL 113
Tues.,
3/12, 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! (This class is for those who have
already taken a DNA test and have received their results.)
61080
$15
1
Session, WIL 113
Tues.,
4/16, 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Lisa
Dougherty, Instructor
Ten Broeck Mansion Tour with Tea
The elegant Ten Broeck Mansion was the home of two of Albany’s
most prominent families. It was originally built in 1798 as a Federal-style
country home for merchant and Mayor Abraham Ten Broeck, who had served as a
major general of the Albany militia during the Revolutionary War and
distinguished himself at the Second Battle of Saratoga in 1777. Architectural
details from this period include a delicate roof balustrade on the outside and
a superb spiral staircase within. In 1848, the home became the residence of
banker and philanthropist Thomas Worth Olcott and underwent modifications that
included the addition of Greek Revival porticos to the doorways and marble
mantels in the main first-floor rooms. Arrive early and after parking at the
rear of the mansion gardens, stroll the tulip-filled path to enter the mansion
and have a tour followed by a lovely tea. Course fee includes $15 materials fee.
60959
$27
1
Session, meet at Ten Broeck Mansion
Tues.,
5/21, 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Jean
Chenette 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, meet at Knickerbocker Family Mansion
Thurs.,
5/16, 10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Marie
D’Entrone, Coordinator
Tour & Book at the Batcheller Mansion
On this outing, participants are treated to a first-person tour of
the Batcheller Mansion by Mr. George S. Batcheller, portrayed by local author
and Victorian historian Hollis Palmer. The Batcheller Mansion is an icon of
Saratoga. Built in 1873-74, the house had to be finished in time to host a
reception for President Grant. Though the outside may look imposing, those who
have been inside have experienced the house’s true magnificence and warmth. The
entire experience takes about 90 minutes and allows guests to appreciate what
it was like to live in the Victorian house the New York Times called
“Saratoga’s Crowning Glory.” Course fee includes $20 materials fee.
61081
$32
1
Session, meet at Batcheller Mansion
Thurs.,
3/21, 1 - 3 p.m.
Paula
Johanessen, Coordinator
A Visit to the Burden Iron Works
Museum
Located in the former office of one of the most important firms in
the history of iron and steel, the Burden Iron Works 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.
60949
$22
1
Session, meet at Burden Iron Works Museum
Fri.,
3/29, 10 a.m. - noon
Marie
D’Entrone, 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. The Saugerties Lighthouse
Conservancy maintains the lighthouse and adjacent lands for the enjoyment of
the public. The restored, red-brick lighthouse offers overnight bed and
breakfast accommodations, public tours and special events. Furnished as it may
have looked in the early 20th century, the lighthouse 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, New York. Suitable, comfortable shoes are recommended.
Course fee includes $8 materials fee.
60470
$18
1
Session, meet at the lighthouse, Saugerties, NY
Thur.,
5/9, noon - 1:30 p.m.
Linda
Lyden, Coordinator
Visit Historic Grant’s Cottage
Ulysses S. Grant, hero of the Civil War and 18th President of the
United States, died at Grant Cottage, in the town of Wilton, NY, on July 23,
1885. When the clock on the mantel was stopped at 8:08 a.m., the hour and
minute of Grant’s passing, time itself stopped within Grant Cottage. The rooms
and their furnishings are as they were that sad morning of Grant’s death.
As
well as touring the cottage and hearing about the General’s tragic but
ultimately triumphant and inspiring final year, guide Steve Trimm will share
little-known and fascinating stories about U.S. Grant. Grant Cottage is full of
marvelous and unexpected tales. A walk out to Promontory Point on a clear day
is amazing, with views of the Berkshires, Green and Adirondack Mountains. This
is a two-and-a-half hour program with a lot of standing and walking. Please
wear comfortable shoes, as you will be walking on paved and uneven surfaces and
dress for the weather. Course fee includes $10 materials fee.
60457
$20
1
Session, meeting at the Grant Cottage Visitor’s Center
Mon.,
5/13, 10 - 12:30 p.m.
Lea
Darling, Coordinator
Walking Tour of Troy’s Historic Washington Park, Surrounding Homes
and Artists Studio with Tea
Enjoy taking a step back in time to the mid-1800’s to see and
experience the genteel living of the nouveau rich of Troy’s Washington Park,
surrounding neighborhoods and newly-added artist enclave. You will be able to
see firsthand the care taken to rehabilitate and update many of these
one-of-a-kind homes. You will see many different types of architecture,
including Greek Revival, Gothic Revival, Italianate and Queen Anne. We may even
see a restoration in progress at one of the homes. Recently, several artists
have been setting up studios in this rich cultural area, and we will visit one
or more. 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. Be
mindful of your capabilities to keep up with the group as we have a tight
schedule to adhere to for the 2 1/2 hour tour. Wear comfortable walking shoes
as you will be on your feet for all of the tour. Course fee includes $10
materials fee.
60460
$20
1
Session, meet in Washington Park across from the front of 195 2nd Street
Thurs.,
5/23, 10 - 12:30 p.m.
Cynthia
Serbent, Coordinator
The State Education Building
The Education Building of the State of New York was completed in
1912 and was the first major governmental building constructed exclusively for
educational purposes. The tour begins with a look at the architectural elements
of the building. Inside, it includes stops at the Liberty Bell, the Rotunda,
the mural paintings, the Regents Room, and concludes with a viewing of the
monumental artwork “The Genius of America” in Chancellor Hall. Please bring
photo identification.
61095
$12
1
Session, meet at 89 Washington Ave, Albany
Sat.,
4/6, 12:30 - 2 p.m.
Marie
D’Entrone, Coordinator
Unique Schoharie Tour - History,
Eggs, Folk Art and More
We will visit several unique Schoharie County sites. See the
Mildred Vrooman Easter Egg Collection with thousands of hand-painted eggs.
Marvel at egg dioramas: U.S. Presidents, 1st Thanksgiving, a circus and more.
Join us to tour the 18th century Colonel Peter Vrooman house, with original
features including Dutch doors, wide plank floors, ancient beams, and
unexplained markings. Hear interesting stories about the house and its owners.
This is the first time the house has been opened for tours by the present
owners. We’ll also visit a covered bridge and Old Stone Fort Museum and conclude
with a delicious lunch at the Apple Barrel Country Store and Cafe, the Capital
Region’s longest running country store. Please note parts of this trip are not
handicap accessible. Course fee includes $37 materials fee.
61120
$49
1
Session, Meet at Old Stone Fort
Wed.,
4/17
Berna
Heyman, Coordinator
Crailo: the Dutch Lifestyle 350
Years Ago
Crailo, the museum of the Colonial Dutch in the Hudson River
Valley, offers so much to discover. Join us for a tour on the foodways and
domesticity in the 17th century colony of New Netherland. By closely examining
archaeological artifacts, historic reproductions, documents and Dutch genre
paintings, a rich picture of the Dutch lifestyle 350 years ago along the Hudson
River is revealed. The tour will end in Crailo’s kitchen cellar where a
costumed interpreter will share recipes, cooking techniques and typical menus
of a Dutch American home of the 1600s. Course fee includes $4 materials fee.
61122
$14
1
Session, Meet at Crailo
Tues.,
3/19, 10 a.m. - noon
Marie
D’Entrone, Coordinator
Tour the American Italian
Heritage Museum
The American Italian Heritage Museum is the largest Italian
American Museum in the east, ten rooms of exhibits plus a gift shop. The
mission of the museum is to honor the region’s Italian immigrants, tell their
story and showcase the contribution of Italian Americans. Professor Philip J.
DiNovo is the museum’s founder and president, and in 1994 he was knighted by
the Italian government for his years of service to the Italian American
community. Come visit and absorb some of the immigrant experience. Course fee
includes $5 materials fee.
61121
$15
1
Session, American Italian Heritage Museum
Fri.,
3/22, 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Jean
Chenette, Coordinator
Gravestone Restoration
In honor of
Mother’s Day, Historic St. Agnes Cemetery will host a gravestone restoration
workshop focusing on the graves of women and children. Tragically, this
Victorian-era cemetery, like most of its kind, serves as the final resting
place for thousands of mothers and children who were unfortunate victims of a
time when medical care and medicines were primitive and often ineffective. Some
statistics note infant mortality in the 19th century as high as 50 percent
before the age of one year. Childbirth was dangerous and too often fatal. Over
time the memorials to these poor souls have suffered the effects of the
elements and need cleaning and repair. This special workshop is a way for us to
remember the lives of mothers and children gone too soon. Materials for
cleaning and simple repair are provided. You will need to bring waterproof work
gloves, a plastic trowel and a spade for digging. Refreshments and bottled
water provided. Feel free to bring lunch or order from a local deli. Restroom
facilities are on site in our Visitors Center located in St. Agnes Cemetery.
Course fee includes $15 materials fee.
61067
$25
1 Session, St. Agnes
Cemetery
Fri., 5/10, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Kelly Grimaldi, Instructor
