October 2019
Barnabas McHenry, Chairman Greenway Council, Co-Chair National Heritage Area
Kevin M. Burke, Chairman, Greenway Conservancy for the Hudson River Valley,
Co-Chair National Heritage Area
Scott Keller, Executive Director Greenway,
Director National Heritage Area 
Monthly News, Events, & Grant
Opportunities
Hudson River Train Tour Wins a Tourism Excellence Award
Last month, the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area received a Tourism Excellence Award from the New York State Tourism Industry Association (NYSTIA) for the Hudson River Train Tour app . This award recognizes leaders in New York State's tourism industry who have achieved a high level of excellence and accomplishment at the Tourism Excellence Awards. Individuals and organizations are selected from nominees that have demonstrated commitment, leadership, and accomplishment in the travel and tourism sector from January 1, 2018 to May 31, 2019.

The Hudson River Train Tour app allows you to discover a world of history, nature, and culture. And there’s no better way to experience it all than by riding a train through the Hudson Valley. With the Hudson River Train Tour app, you’ll discover what’s out that train window…and beyond. Download it today .

Learn more about NYSTIA's Tourism Excellence Awards .
Another Successful Ramble
The 20th annual Hudson River Valley Ramble was a success with 214 submitted events for the month of September. Events ranged from guided hikes, historic site tours, festivals, and more. Thank you to everyone who participated in events and a special thanks to event leaders for helping us celebrate the history, culture and natural resources of the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area ! If you haven't already filled out comment cards, please do to help us make the 21st annual Hudson River Valley Ramble even more of a success.

Also, this year we had an unanticipated request from one of our participating heritage area sites. Peggy Lockwood, of Fort Montgomery State Historic Site offered to create a quilt of Ramble t-shirts from this year and previous years. The quilt came out amazing. Thank you Peggy for your creativity and hard work to make this years Ramble even more festive!

Lastly , don't forget to like/follow the Hudson River Valley Ramble on Facebook and Twitter !
Path Through History Weekend!
On the weekend of  October 12-14 , New York will celebrate its second Path Through History Weekend of 2019. Events will take place throughout New York State. In 2012, Governor Cuomo unveiled the statewide " Path Through History ," initiative that links historically and culturally significant sites, locations and events throughout New York State. This effort to highlight our rich heritage aims to not only showcase the state's history and cultural significance, but also promote tourism and economic development in communities across the state. Events taking place throughout the Hudson Valley during October 12-14 are listed  here .
Promote Arbor Day with Your Artwork
New Yorkers are invited to enter DEC’s Arbor Day artwork contests. Each year, the Urban and Community Forestry program within DEC’s Division of Lands and Forests offers two artwork contests for New Yorkers – one contest for all members of the public, and one specifically for fifth grade students. Both contests aim to promote the immeasurable value of trees in both the environment and our lives. All members of the public may enter the NYS Arbor Day Original Artwork Poster. Entries can be either original artwork or photographs taken in New York State and should be submitted to [email protected] by December 31, 2019 . Include your name, address, and where the photo was taken when submitting. Model consent forms are required for any people in photos. For more information about the contest, visit the contest website . Fifth graders may enter the Fifth Grader Poster Contest by creating an original poster depicting this year’s contest theme: “Trees Feed New York.” The contest is open to all students enrolled in fifth grade (including homeschool students), and schools should submit classes together. Posters must be submitted to your local DEC regional office by December 20, 2019 to allow time for judging and printing artwork.
Upcoming Events

NAISMA, Hilton Saratoga, Saratoga Springs, NY
October 1, 2, 3: The 2019 NAISMA Annual Meeting will be a joint conference with the New York Invasive Species Research Institute, Cornell University, an internationally renowned center of academic research and outreach. Find out more .

Bear Mountain and the Bridges of the Hudson Valley, Croton Free Library, Croton-on-Hudson, NY
October 3: When the Bear Mountain Bridge opened in 1924 it was the longest suspension bridge in the world, the first large bridge built to carry automobiles and the first to rely on auto tolls to pay for its construction. It also opened the floodgates on an era of American bridge construction. Learn more .

Outdoor Movie Screening of Beatrix Farrand's American Landscapes, Home of FDR National Historic Site, Hyde Park, NY
October 3: Enjoy a free outdoor screening of the documentary film, "Beatrix Farrand's American Landscapes." Learn about this pioneer of landscape design told through the career of acclaimed modern designer Lynden B. Miller.  More info .

Starry Starry Night, Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park, Highland, NY
October 4: The event will celebrate the 10th anniversary of the opening of the Walkway and features food, wine, craft beer, a silent auction, and fireworks display. Find out more .

A Closer Look: A Curator-Guided Exploration of the Hidden & Hard-to-See, Staatsburgh State Historic Site, Staatsburgh, NY
October 5: Staatsburgh's curator will focus on a selection of objects that are not easily seen on the usual tour, or which tell a special story. More details .

Annual Tour of Historic Barns and Working Farms, Winnakee Nature Preserve, Hyde Park, NY
October 5: This annual event has grown to be a northern Dutchess County signature event! Equipped with a map & information guide, guests will travel by car, motorcycle, or bicycle on this self-guided tour that provides a unique and engaging perspective of several area historic barns and farms.  Read more .

Walk for Hope, James Baird State Park, Pleasant Valley, NY
October 6: Enjoy the 17th Annual Miles of Hope Community Walk for Breast Cancer. This is a 5K walk through this beautiful park during peak fall foliage time! Learn more .

Storytime in the Gardens, Untermyer Park & Gardens, Yonkers, NY
October 6, 13: Stories and songs appropriate for ages 2-5 on the Lower Terrace of the Walled Garden. More details .

New York Safe Boating Course, DEC Central Office, Albany, NY
October 11: By 2025, all operators of motorized vessels will be required to have a boating safety certificate. Get ahead of things and sign up for this free course today! Sign up by emailing [email protected] . More info .

Connecting Collections and Audience: The Theater-Artists' Approach to Telling the Story of the Objects in the Collection (WEBINAR)
October 11: In this webinar, fun and challenging theater-based activities will be explored through voice and movement exercises, acting techniques, improvisation, and facilitated reflection to invite participants into the process of telling stories about the objects in the museum. Find out more .

Furnace Fest, Taconic State Park, Copake Falls, NY
October 12: After more than five years of ongoing preservation work, the furnace has been stabilized and protected, the Visitor Center offers a stunning diorama, an excellent film that depicts the history of the site during its working years, between 1845 and 1903, and exceptional guided tours of the Museum and surrounding buildings. Read more .

Animals of the Night, Sterling Forest State Park, Tuxedo, NY
October 12: Join the Rangers for a talk about nocturnal animals. Learn about the different types of nighttime creatures found within the Park and the advantages of being active at night. Find out more .

Full Moon Hike: Hunter’s Moon, Rockefeller State Park Preserve, Pleasantville, NY
October 13: The hike follows our wide gravel carriage roads and is relatively flat with a few hilly spots (moderate hike). Learn more .

Safety Culture for Cultural Organizations, University at Albany, SUNY, Albany, NY
October 17: John Van Raalte, Director of Hygiene Services, OEHC of Eastern New York will help you identify potential risks, outline protections, and explain how you can create a safety culture for your cultural organization. More info .

Founders Lecture: Henry Louis Gates, Jr., John Jay Homestead State Historic Site, Katonah, NY
October 18: Scholar, author, filmmaker, journalist, cultural critic, mentor and institution builder, Gates is the Alphonse Fletcher University Professor and Director of the Hutchins Center for African and African American Research at Harvard University. More details .

It Was Dark Back Then, Knox Headquarter's State Historic Site, Vails Gate, NY
October 19: A theatrical presentation of the macabre at Knox's Headquarters State Historic Site, the 1754 Ellison house.  Learn more .

Continental Soldiers Take Over, Stony Point Battlefield State Historic Site, Stony Point, NY
October 19: Join the 2nd New York as they demonstrate how an American unit in the first year of the American Revolution, 1775, would march, drill, charge bayonets, and fire in unison. The 2nd New York will set up a small camp and engage with visitors between drill sessions, explaining camp life, material culture, and the fascinating history of the regiment in the uncertain early part of the American Revolution. Find out more .

Sunset Tour, Manitoga/The Russel Wright Design Center, Garrison, NY
October 19: Enjoy a late afternoon in-depth tour of the House, Studio and Woodland Garden. Then soak up the majestic late day sun with a glass of wine and conversation with other design enthusiasts on Dragon Rock's terraces, overlooking the Quarry Pool. More info .

Pumpkin Painting, Thacher State Park, Voorheesville, NY
October 20: Feeling festive this fall? Decorate a pumpkin! Perfect your pumpkin masterpiece while sipping on cider and snacking on Cider Donuts and fresh apples from Indian Ladder Farms. Learn more .

Fall Family Fun Fest, Ashokan Center, Olivebridge, NY
October 20: Celebrate fall in the Catskills with the whole family. Apple cidering, nature hikes, hayrides, face painting, pumpkin painting, blacksmithing, broom making, live music with Jay Ungar and Molly Mason and friends, food, crafts and more. Read more .

Introduction to Habitats of the Hudson Valley (WEBINAR)
October 24: This webinar will introduce key identifying characteristics of major Hudson Valley habitats, their importance to species of conservation concern, community benefits, and common threats. More details .

Haunted Rondout Boat Rides, Hudson River Maritime Museum, Kingston, NY
October 25, 26, 27, 31: Meet at the museum to hear the tales of ill-fated spirits, then board Solaris for a spooky trip around the Rondout Lighthouse. Who knows what spirits you may encounter along the way? Learn more .

Legends by Candlelight Ghost Tours, Clermont State Historic Site, Germantown, NY
October 26: Guests will find themselves traveling back in time, as the house is filled with ghosts from throughout the mansion's 250-year history. More info .

Extraordinary Haverstraw Bay, Stony Point Battlefield State Historic Site, Stony Point, NY
October 26: Hudson River Historian Scott Craven will present his latest talk on the fascinating ecology and history of Haverstraw Bay, the Hudson River's widest point and largest inclusive body. Find out more .

Scary Storytelling, Olana State Historic Site, Hudson, NY
October 26: Join author and storyteller Pamela Schmebri for a ghost story walk along Olana’s carriage roads inspired by historic gothic and Victorian era literature, folklore, and Halloween traditions. Read more .

Croton Reservoir & Dam Hike, Old Croton Aqueduct State Historic Park, Dobbs Ferry, NY
October 27: Easy 2-mile (total) hike north along the Aqueduct and atop the beautiful Croton Dam. The leader of the hike will discuss the history and construction of the Old Croton Aqueduct and the features of the Croton Dam, the trailhead of the Aqueduct Trail. Find out more .

Last Chance Hike to the Shingle Gully Ice Caves, Minnewaska State Park Preserve, Cragsmoor, NY
October 28: Explore the Shingle Gully Ice Caves, where ice persists into summer in deep crevice caves. These caves are in a primitive area in Minnewaska State Park Preserve. More details .

Make History Live! Character Development (WEBINAR)
October 29: This webinar will take participants through active ways to create, launch, and maintain a living history interpretation. Read more .

Closing Day – Halloween Open House, Crailo State Historic Site, Rensselaer, NY
October 31: Calling all goblins, ghouls, princesses and superheros! Stop by for treats, in costume or not, on our last day open for the season. Museum will be open for self-guided tours. Learn more .

Haunted House, Philipse Manor Hall State Historic Site, Yonkers, NY
October 31: Grab on to your partner and get ready to scream!!! Additional entertainment and activities to take place on the site.  More info .
Heritage Spotlight: Saint Agnes Cemetery
Founded in 1867 as part of the Rural Cemetery Movement of the mid-19th century, St. Agnes Cemetery's sacred ground grew into what is now 114 acres of beautifully landscaped, rolling hills offering spectacular views of the Hudson River and beyond. It is dotted with lovely gardens, fantastic sculpture and neo-classical style mausoleums featuring intricate stained glass windows. The Cemetery also features thousands of ornately carved monuments that memorialized some of Albany's most prominent and respected citizens including congressmen, three Medal of Honor recipients, mayors, famous people (i.e. Dan O'Connell, the "Democratic Machine"), over 500 Civil War veterans and not the least of all is the captains of industry who helped usher in the industrial revolution making Albany and nearby Troy leading manufacturing cities in the country. St. Agnes Cemetery actively promotes its history through free guided and self-guided tours and through various publications and events. In addition, they conduct educational programs such as lectures on topics of local history and genealogical research, hands on gravestone conservation workshops, plein aire art classes using the historic sculpture as subjects, photography workshops, and an annual photo contest as well as massive and worthy military monument restoration projects. The intent is to engage the public and increasingly gain interest as a worthwhile, culturally significant stop among the many historic sites in the Hudson River Valley. Their efforts also serve to increase appreciation for historic cemeteries in general, making them more likely to be considered important enough to maintain and preserve. In 2008, this became the first Catholic cemetery in the country to be listed on the National Historic Register. Learn more .
Project Spotlight: Hudson River Lighthouse Coalition
The Hudson River Maritime Museum in cooperation with the Saugerties Lighthouse Commission, Save Esopus Meadows Lighthouse Commission, Stony Point Battlefield State Historic Site, and the Village of Sleepy Hollow were awarded a Heritage Development Grant to revive the Hudson River Lighthouse Coalition, which connects the Hudson-Athens, Saugerties, Rondout (King ston), Esopus Meadows, Stony Point, Tarrytown, and Jeffrey's Hook (Little Red) lighthouses, along with the Statue of Liberty, in cooperative marketing, historical interpretation, and programming. This organization was originally founded in the 1990s, but fell into disuse. The purpose of this grant was to reconnect these lighthouses through a joint website, rack card, and brochure booklet so that locals and tourists alike may have easy access to information about the history, visiting hours, and tours of these historic lighthouses.  The grant was successful in by bringing the coalition together for several meetings and in cooperation on the website, which has been up and running for nearly a year. In addition, rack cards were designed and list the 8 remaining lighthouses (including the Statue of Liberty) as well as evergreen information on tours and how to contact each managing organization. To learn more about these historic lighthouses explore the Hudson River Lighthouse Coalition's website .
Green Tip of the Month: Green Your Halloween
To prevent contributing to the graveyard for Halloween, the landfill, consider treats or candy with the least amount of packaging, or you could use the treats or candy that contain recycled packaging. You could also use eco-friendly candy to hand out to trick-or-treaters, which can be found at local organic grocery or food stores. Learn how to make your Halloween greener !
Grant and Funding Opportunities

Hudson River Valley Greenway Grant Program
Matching grants available for Greenway Communities and Greenway Compact Communities. Deadline: November 8, 2019 . More info .

Greenway Conservancy Trail Grant Program
This grant program is dedicated to funding recreational trail projects. Special consideration is given to projects that seek to implement the goals of the Greenway Trail Program. This year's application emphasizes connections to the Empire State Trail, and makes funding available for Water Trail projects. Applications are due  November 8, 2019 . More  here.

National Heritage Area Sponsorship's Available
The Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area (HRVNHA) will partner with various organizations to sponsor programs and events that reinforce the Heritage Area’s mission. While complementing the mission of the Heritage Area, cultural, heritage and recreational events deliver significant tourism and economic benefits to communities, and encourage local and regional partnerships. Municipalities and nonprofit 501(c)3 organizations located within the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area are eligible to apply. For more information, please contact Dan Jeanson at [email protected] or 518-473-3835.

Teaching the Hudson Valley Explore Awards
These matching grants are intended to create opportunities for students to explore the history, environment, and culture of the Hudson River Valley, connecting their studies to significant places. They encourage students’ appreciation for and stewardship of their communities and cultures, and connect teachers with site educators and place-based learning. Eligible expenses include transportation and admission fees to eligible Hudson Valley locations for school groups. Read more .

Erie Canalway IMPACT! Grants
Erie Canalway IMPACT! Grants are made to forward-looking organizations who develop and implement creative place-based projects. Projects submitted for funding consideration must meet at least one of the following Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor goals. Projects that meet multiple goals will receive priority consideration. Deadline: October 18, 2019 . More details .

Historic Transportation Canals Marker Grant Program
Often considered a precursor to interstate highways, transportation canals helped facilitate the movement of goods and people from east to west. This spurred development of towns and villages along the way, leading to the overall expansion of the nation. The Historic Transportation Canals Marker Grant Program commemorates the history of these important transportation canals in the United States. Canal markers must be installed near an existing or former canal site and recognize a historical fact that occurred more than 50 years from the year of your application. Currently, that year is 1969. Applications that don’t fall within this time-frame will be not be considered. Letter of Intent due: October 18, 2019 . More info .

New York State Discretionary Grant Program for the Conservation and Preservation of Library Research Materials
The New York State Program for the Conservation and Preservation of Library Research Materials provides $500,000 each year for preserving materials in the collections of libraries, archives, historical societies and similar agencies. The grant awards for 2020-2021 will be limited to a minimum of $2,500 and a maximum of $40,000. Deadline: November 8, 2019 . Find out more .

DHPSNY's Fall 2019 Planning & Assessment Services
Documentary Heritage and Preservation Services for New York (DHPSNY) currently offers Planning & Assessment Services in four major areas. These services are designed to support New York organizations in improving and advancing program efforts while forming strategies for future growth and development. DHPSNY’s Planning & Assessment Services consist of Archival Needs Assessments, Preservation Surveys, Condition Surveys, and Strategic Planning Assistance. In each instance, our services aim to improve adherence to best practices and are tailored to an organization’s unique circumstances. Deadline: November 15, 2019 . More info .

Inspire! Grants for Small Museums
Inspire! Grants for Small Museums is a special initiative of the Museums for America program. It is designed to help small museums implement projects that address priorities identified in their strategic plans. Deadline: November 15, 2019 . Read more .

Accelerating Promising Practices for Small Libraries
Accelerating Promising Practices for Small Libraries (APP) is a special initiative of the National Leadership Grants for Libraries Program. The goal of this initiative is to support projects that strengthen the ability of small and/or rural libraries and archives to serve their communities and to build grantee capacity through participation in a community of practice. Deadline: December 2, 2019 . More details .

Park & Trail Partnership Grants
The program is administered jointly by Parks & Trails New York and the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) and is designed to:
  • Enhance the preservation, stewardship, interpretation, maintenance and promotion of New York State parks, trails, state historic sites and public lands.
  • Increase the sustainability, effectiveness, productivity, and volunteer and fundraising capabilities of not-for-profit organizations that promote, maintain, and support New York State parks, trails, state historic sites and public lands.
  • Promote the tourism and economic development benefits of outdoor recreation through the growth and expansion of a connected statewide network of parks, trails, greenways and public lands.
Deadline: December 3, 2019 . More info .

Urban Birds Mini-grants
Mini-grants help finance creative events that integrate the arts, gardening, community participation, and of course Celebrate Urban Birds’s citizen science project. We hope that these events, or series of activities, will inspire others to organize similar events in their communities. All applicants will receive free training, materials, and resources to bring their ideas to life; including proposals that we are unable to fund. Organizations that work with underserved communities are strongly encouraged to apply. No experience with birds required. The mini-grants range from $100 to $750. Deadline: December 31, 2019 . Find out more .

Wal-Mart Foundation: Community Grant Program
Through the Community Grant Program, Wal-Mart associates are proud to support the needs of their communities by providing grants to local organizations. Awarded grants range from $250 to $5,000. Deadline:  Dec. 31, 2019 . More details .

Preservation Assistance Grants for Smaller Institutions
Preservation Assistance Grants help small and mid-sized institutions—such as libraries, museums, historical societies, archival repositories, cultural organizations, town and county records offices, and colleges and universities—improve their ability to preserve and care for their significant humanities collections. These may include special collections of books and journals, archives and manuscripts, prints and photographs, moving images, sound recordings, architectural and cartographic records, decorative and fine art objects, textiles, archaeological and ethnographic artifacts, furniture, historical objects, and digital materials.  Deadline  January 15, 2020 . Find out more  here .

EcoSolution™ Grants
Grants range from $500-$2,500 and are intended to support solution-oriented, youth-led projects that result in real environmental outcomes. EcoSolution™ Grants are available to educators working with youth in the United States. Deadline: January 15, 2020 . More details .

EcoTech™ Grants  
This grant program was created to combat the notion that students needed to choose between “the screen” or “the green” and to encourage educators and students to explore the role technology can play in designing and implementing solutions to some of our most pressing environmental challenges. We believe that technology can present innovative ways to address environmental challenges – and that when dealing with digital natives, we do ourselves a disservice by asking them to unplug. EcoTech™ Grants are specifically offered to engage children in inquiry-based, STEM-related projects that leverage technology and/or use nature-based design to address environmental problems in local communities. Deadline: January 15, 2020 . Read more .

Collections Assessment for Preservation Program
The Collections Assessment for Preservation (CAP) program is a joint effort of IMLS and the Foundation for Advancement in Conservation to help small and mid-sized museums better care for their collections. A CAP assessment is a study of an institution’s collections, buildings, and building systems, as well as its collections care policies and procedures. The assessment involves a site visit by collections and building assessors, who spend two days touring the museum and interviewing staff and governing officials. The assessors then prepare a comprehensive report that outlines recommendations for improving collections care. Deadline: February 1, 2020 . Find out more .

New York State Assembly Grants Action News 
State, federal, and private grant information from the New York State Assembly. More info .

Trail Steward For New Ashokan Rail Trail
NYNJTC has partnered with the County and Woodstock Land Conservancy on a volunteer Trail Steward program, which is where you would come in! Trail Stewards will help ensure that the new trail is enjoyed and used responsibly by all, as well as help to keep the County informed about trail maintenance issues that arise.  Get involved .
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