September 2015

Barnabas McHenry, Chair Greenway Council, Co-Chair National Heritage Area

Sara Griffen, Acting Chair Greenway Conservancy, Acting Co-Chair National Heritage Area

Mark Castiglione, Acting Executive Director Greenway, Acting Director National Heritage Area  

 

In This Issue

What's New?            Upcoming Grant Opportunities        Regional Events 

Heritage Spotlight              Project Spotlight                Green Tip Of The Month 

What's New? New
 
It's Time to Ramble!

September 11 is the next deadline for the Greenway Grant Program. Applications must be postmarked or emailed by 4:00 P.M. For more information on all Greenway grant opportunities, guidelines, and to download applications, please visit hudsongreenway.ny.gov/grants.aspx.








After the great success of the first History Happy Hour at the Albany Institute of History & Art this spring, the soiree moves down Capitol Hill for an early fall edition of this popular event. On September 24, the public is invited to Schuyler Mansion State Historic Site for another evening of local beer, wine, hors d'oeuvres, and after-hours mingling with like-minded art and history enthusiasts. All the while, the historic eighteenth-century brick mansion will be open to explore at your leisure - you can even try your hand at historic activities.





Teaching for Engagement in the Hudson Valley: The Next 100 Years Depends On It
Photo courtesy of Teaching the Hudson Valley
Congratulations to Teaching the Hudson Valley on the success of its 2015 Institute Teaching for Engagement in the Hudson Valley: The Next 100 Years Depends On ItThis annual educational program offered lectures, field experiences, and workshops on environmental, cultural, and historical issues that will affect the Hudson Valley in the next century, all geared towards educators and others who work with young people. The 2015 Teaching the Hudson Valley Institute was held July 28th through 30th at FDR Home and Presidential Library in Hyde Park. Teaching the Hudson Valley is a program of the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area. For more on the 2015 Institute, please visit
teachingthehudsonvalley.org .

Reenactment Day at Constitution Island
Constitution Island hosted another successful edition of its popular Reenactment Day on August 27th, with support from a grant by the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area.
Heritage Spotlight HeritageSpot
National Endowment for the Humanities Awards $460,000 to the Thomas Cole National Historic Site for Restoration
In July the National Endowment for the Humanities awarded $460,000 to the Thomas Cole National Historic Site that will fund restoration work on previously unknown friezes painted by Cole on the walls of his Catskill home. Senator Chuck Schumer was instrumental in advocating for the federal funds necessary to restore and replicate the original work of the Hudson River Schoolmaster, which was discovered during renovation in late 2014. For the full story and photographs, see this article by the  Times Union .
Project Spotlight Projectspot
"James F. Brown Day: From Slave to Mr. Brown" at Mount Gulian Historic Site
On Saturday, September 5th, Mount Gulian Historic Site celebrates the life of James F. Brown, an escaped slave who became a noted master gardener and diarist over four decades of freedom in New York. His seven-volume journal is one of the few mid-nineteenth century written documents by an African-American in existence. James F. Brown Day at Mount Gulian will feature a live theatrical performance, a short film on the life of Mr. Brown, gospel singing, and discussions with historians on the extraordinary life of this man.
 
"James F. Brown Day: From Slave to Mr. Brown" is a 2015 Hudson River Valley Ramble event and was funded in part by a grant from the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area.
Upcoming Grants and Other Opportunities Grants
The next deadline for the 2015 Hudson River Greenway Grants Program is  September 11 ( December 4 is the next and final deadline for 2015). This program offers financial assistance (approximately $5,000-$10,000) to designated Greenway Communities or Greenway Compact Communities within the Greenway Area. Projects should relate to community planning, economic development, natural resource protection, cultural resource protection, scenic resource protection, or open space protection. Applications must be postmarked or emailed by 4:00 PM: September 11 and December 4, 2015. For more information,  applications, and  guidelines, please visit the program  webpage.

Hudson River Improvement Fund 2014 Call for Proposals
The  Hudson River Improvement Fund supports projects that promote and enhance the public use and enjoyment of the natural, scenic and cultural resources of the Hudson River and its shores. Awards are primarily directed to physical projects that require capital construction, development or improvement. The Fund is particularly interested in projects that will have a lasting positive impact on waterfront access, education and habitat restoration. Deadline: September 21 . For more information, visit hudsonriver.org .

National Trust Preservation Funds - October
Grants from the National Trust Preservation Funds encourage preservation at the local level by providing seed money for planning and education projects. These grants help stimulate public discussion, enable local groups to gain the technical expertise needed for particular projects, introduce the public to preservation concepts and techniques, and encourage financial participation by the private and public sectors. Grants range up to $5,000 and require a dollar-for-dollar match. Full eligibility requirements and grant guidelines, along with a link to our application, can be found at preservationnation.org. Deadline: October 1.

The New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) has provided $102,000 to be distributed by the Museum Association of New York (MANY). Grants of up to $5,000 are available to work on modest planning or implementation projects through two new programs, "Mini-Grants" and "Travel Grants". Deadlines for the Mini-Grants program are October 30, 2015  and February 5, 2016; the deadline for the Travel Grant program is September 1, 2015 . For more information, please visit manyonline.org .

Short Course in Habitat & Water Resource Assessment for Land Use Planning
Hudsonia Ltd. and the Hudson River Estuary Program present a three-day intensive course designed to teach municipal officials, planners, and land trust staff how to assess habitat and water resources for land use planning. The three-day course will be held at the NYSDEC Region 3 office in New Paltz on September 10-12. For more information and an  application form, please visit  hudsonia.org.

Gravestone Preservation Workshop at Historic Huguenot Street
On September 19-20, Historic Huguenot Street is hosting  a two-day Gravestone Preservation Workshop led by monuments conservator Jonathan Appell. Attendees will learn about the challenges and techniques involved in the preservation of gravestones, monuments, and other historic stone structures.  Registration is required.  More...
 
The Sustaining Cultural Heritage Collections grant program of the National Endowment for the Humanities helps cultural institutions meet the complex challenge of preserving large and diverse holdings of humanities materials for future generations by supporting sustainable conservation measures that mitigate deterioration and prolong the useful life of collections. Deadline: December 1. For more information, visit neh.gov.

Rolling Acceptance of Grant Applications:

Federal Grant Opportunities (courtesy of Congressman Paul Tonko)
A comprehensive and updated list of federal grant opportunities is available at the  website of New York Congressman Paul Tonko. 

New York State Conference of Mayors Grant & Award Opportunities (Ongoing)
New York State Conference of Mayors and Municipal Officials provide access to several ongoing grant and award opportunities. NYSCOM shares several links to federal, state, private foundation, and corporate grant and award programs. For more information, visit nycom.org.

Farmland Protection Implementation Grants (Ongoing)
The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets invite municipalities and nonprofit conservation organizations to apply for Farmland Protection funding. Prequalification for all not-for-profits is required; all municipalities interested must register on the State's new Grants Gateway  website. For more information, please visit agriculture.ny.gov.
Regional Events
September 5-6, 12-13, 19-20, 26-27
month of guided landscape walks, hikes, paddles and biking adventures, Hudson River Estuary explorations, heritage site tours, and cultural events from the Capital Region to New York City and beyond. For more information and to view event listings, please visit  hudsonrivervalleyramble.com .

Tuesdays in September
Early Morning Birder Series at Minnewaska State Park Preserve - Kerhonkson
Designed for birding enthusiasts or those just looking to learn the basics, this series will offer various outings led by experienced birding volunteers and park naturalists. More...

Wednesdays in September
Weekly Car Show at Bear Mountain State Park - Bear Mountain
The car show takes place every Wednesday, weather permitting, and provides classic car owners the chance to show off their vehicles and hang out with other car enthusiasts each week. More...

Wednesdays and Saturdays in September
Behind-the-Scenes Restorations Tours at Historic Cherry Hill - Albany
View Cherry Hill's layers of history and learn about how the museum is restoring this 1787 timber frame house. More... 

Architecture Hunts at Historic Cherry Hill - Albany
For children and families. Hunt for clues to learn about the restoration of Cherry Hill. More...

Saturdays (through October 3)
Artists on Art: River Crossings Exhibition Tours at Olana State Historic Site - Hudson
The Olana Partnership announces special artist-led tours to illuminate the exhibition River Crossings: Contemporary Art Comes HomeArtists on Art Tours are offered at Olana every Saturday through October 3. This special tour of Olana is led by contemporary artist guides who live and work in the Hudson Valley region. More... 

Saturdays (through October)
John Jay Homestead Farm Market at John Jay Homestead State Historic Site
Purchase locally produced healthy food and support local, sustainable agriculture. This weekly market (through October 31) also offers musical entertainment, featured community  organizations, demonstrations, and workshops. More... 

September 10
Intro to Organic Gardening Series: Organic Pest & Disease Management at John Jay Homestead State Historic Site - Katonah
Learn everything you need to know to grow organic vegetables at home, with a focus on organic pest and disease management. More...
 
2nd Saturday at the Farm Market at John Jay Homestead State Historic Site - Katonah
A free, walk-in program for families with children ages 3-10 which takes place during Farm Market. This Saturday, come and learn all about our heritage breed chickens. More...
 
September 11
An Evening with Jay Ungar & Molly Mason at Senate House State Historic Site - Kingston
Come join the Friends of the Senate House for an enchanting evening under the stars with Grammy winning folk artists Jay Ungar and Molly Mason. Nationally renowned for their fiddle and banjo inspired folk songs and their score work on films such as Ken Burn's The Civil War, the acclaimed duo will entertain the Friends and guests for an evening of music and refreshments on the Senate House lawn. More...

September 12 - Hudson River Valley Ramble Event Highlights

Hudson River Birding Ramble at Stony Point Battlefield State Historic Site
Join Della and Alan Wells of the Rockland Audobon Society on a walk through the diverse bird habitats found at the Stony Point Battlefield. First time birders are welcome. More...

Hawk Migration Watch at Thacher Park - Voorheesville
Hawk watch leader Will Aubrey will be on hand to assist with raptor identification. Come see live raptors and learn about wildlife rehabilitation. Children will enjoy the butterfly station and face painting. More...

Historic Tallman Mountain State Park Hike at Tallman Mountain State Park - Sparkill
Hike through the historical Tallman Mountain State Park and learn its history as a former oil tank farm and military site. More...

Meandering Among the Historic Millionaires' Mansions Walk at Old Croton Aqueduct State Historic Park
Part of the Hudson River Valley Ramble. This walk will present works by Louis Comfort Tiffany and locations in historic Irvington. More...

Geology Hike at Hudson Highlands Nature Museum - Cornwall-on-Hudson
Learn about more than a billion years of New York State history. After a brief overview of the fascinating geology of our region, take a two-mile guided hike to visit the site of a 19th-century mine. More...

Sunset Seine and Sing at Esopus Meadows Preserve - Ulster Park
Come enjoy the Hudson River estuary with fishing and singing.  More...

Harvest Faire at Crailo State Historic Site - Rensselaer
An old fashioned agricultural festival devoted to all aspects of harvest time in the colonial era Hudson Valley. Harvest Faire offers seventeenth and eighteenth century music, historical reenactors, vendors, Native American and colonial demonstrations, games and activities. Harvest Faire is part of the Hudson River Ramble. More...

Downton Abbey Tours at Staatsburgh State Historic Site - Staatsburg (also September 19, 20 and October 4)
These tours will look into preparations for entertaining by the Mills Mansion servants and how the extravagant life of the Mills mirrored the popular television drama. Tours are led by a costumed interpreter. The deluxe tours on September 20 and October 4 feature an entire cast of characters from the estate's past.   More...

Hudson River Ramble at Stony Point Battlefield State Historic Site - Stony Point (also September 13)
Enjoy a guided walk to the Stony Point Lighthouse, learn about the Battle of Stony Point from a colonial soldier, and see a 6-pounder cannon being fired.  More...

September 12
Lecture: "Legacy of the Civil War" at Saint Paul's Church National Historic Site - Mt. Vernon
Professor Adrienne Petty of City College explores the significance, aftermath, and legacy of the Civil War. More...

The Thomas Phelan Endowed Lecture Series at the Rensselaer County Historical Society - Troy
This annual lecture series features morning presentations by historian Dr. Karen W. Mahar and Joshua Hauck-Whealton, archivist at the Dudley Observatory, followed by a luncheon and workshop. More...

The Incidental Steward: Reflections on Citizen Science at Clermont State Historic Site - Germantown
Author Akiko Busch, furthermore grant recipient, reads from her new book. Busch combines her love of nature with elegant writing and makes us look more closely at the Hudson River and its valley. More...
 
Bannerman Island Chefs Farm Fresh Dinner at Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve - Nelsonville
Enjoy a five-course meal served up from local farm fresh ingredients, cooked by five noted Hudson Valley chefs. More...

Yonkers Riverfest at Philipse Manor State Historic Site - Yonkers
Participate in a variety of family-friendly and historic activities with crafts, games, and re-enactors in the 23rd annual Yonkers Riverfest. More...

"Taking Back the Hudson" at the D&H Canal Historical Society and Museum - High Falls
More...

September 12 and 13
Shaker Craft Fair at the Shaker Heritage Society - Albany
Explore the booths of dozens of local and regional artisans on the beautiful grounds of the Shaker Heritage Society. More...

September 12 (also September 19)
Hike to the Shingle Gully Ice Caves at Minnewaska State Park Preserve: Sam's Point Area - Cragsmoor
Explore the Shingle Gully Ice Caves where ice persists into summer in deep crevice caves in a rugged, protected landscape accessible only on guided tours led by park staff and volunteer docents. More...

September 13 - Hudson River Valley Ramble Event Highlights

Croton Reservoir & Dam Hike at Old Croton Aqueduct State Historic Park - Dobbs Ferry
A Hudson River Valley Ramble event. Enjoy an easy hike along the beautiful New Croton Dam while learning about the history and construction of the Old Croton Aqueduct and Dam. More...

6th Annual Volunteer Trail Work Day at Minnewaska State Park Preserve - Kerhonkson
Come to the park preserve to meet new friends, help improve trail conditions and learn about basic trail maintenance from experienced trail keepers in this stewardship project. More...

"What You See and What You Don't See" at Staatsburgh State Historic Site (also September 27)
In 1895, Staatsburgh's landscape architect designed a glorious landscape fit for the Gilded Age, while deliberately hiding the technology and labor that made the estate run. Enjoy a free guided stroll on the grounds as you explore what you see and don't see. More...

"Busy with the Bees" at the Bronck Museum - Coxsackie
Explore beekeeping and the uses of bee products in the early American household.More...

Guided Tour of the D&H Canal Five Lock Walk - High Falls (also September 20)
See five restored locks on this guided tour of the National Historic Land Mark Five Lock Walk and learn how the canal fueled the Industrial Revolution in America and helped make New York the world's largest city. More...

RamsHorn-Livingston Sanctuary Paddle at Dutchmen's Landing - Catskill
Join Audubon New York naturalists on a trip by kayak or canoe through the primeval landscape in this largest tidal swamp in the Hudson River Estuary. While paddling along RamsHorn Creek, you'll discover creatures from bald eagles and great blue herons to beaver, otter, and muskrat. More...

Wildflower Walk at Huyck Preserve - Rensselaerville
Join preserve naturalists for a guided wildflower walk along some of the most popular trails at Huyck Preserve.   More...

September 13
Bedford Riding Lanes Association Fall Pace and Picnic at John Jay Homestead State Historic Site - Katonah
Horseback-riding pace and lunch begins and ends on the grounds at John Jay Homestead. More...

Vanderbilt Garden Tea and Lecture at Vanderbilt Mansion - Hyde Park
The Frederick W. Vanderbilt Garden Association will host an Edwardian-era tea with a lecture "Preserving Nationally Significant Gardens" by Margie Coffin Brown of the National Park Service Olmsted Center for Landscape Preservation. More...

Naturalist Walk and Talk at Hudson Highlands Nature Museum - Cornwall-on-Hudson
 
September 14
Preschoolers in the Park: Insect Exploration at Minnewaska State Park Preserve - Kerhonkson
Come spend the morning exploring nature with your preschooler at Minnewaska State Park Preserve! Share the excitement of your preschooler's early experiences with nature as they engage in activities that will focus on sight, hearing, smell and touch.

September 15
Behind-the-Scenes in the Garden at Locust Grove Estate - Poughkeepsie
Join Locust Grove horticulturalists on an informative walk through the historic gardens, followed by refreshments. More...

September 16
Colonial Fair and Muster Day at the Glebe House - Poughkeepsie

Nature Strollers at Hudson Highlands Nature Museum - Cornwall-on-Hudson
Hiking group for families with babies and toddlers. More...

Lecture: "The Rondout Lighthouses" at Hudson River Maritime Museum - Kingston
With speaker Allynne Lange, curator of the Hudson River Maritime Museum. More...

September 17
Herb Fair at John Jay Homestead State Historic Site - Katonah
Sponsored by the New York Unit of the Herb Society of America. Plant and craft demonstrations, great food, and herb-related merchandise on the grounds of John Jay
Homestead. More...

September 18
History Happy Hour at Schuyler State Historic Site - Albany
Come to historic Schuyler Mansion for a social evening of refreshments and after-hours tours with local art and history enthusiasts. More...

Family Camp-Out at Hudson Highlands Nature Museum - Cornwall-on-Hudson
Welcome the season with a night under the stars! More...

September 18 through 20
Crafts at Lyndhurst - Tarrytown
This contemporary crafts event features over 300 artists offering one-of-a-kind objects, demonstrations, food, live music, and children's activities. More...

September 19 - Hudson River Valley Ramble Event Highlights

Biodiversity Celebration at Bear Mountain State Park - Bear Mountain
Come to the Biodiversity Celebration and learn why biodiversity is so important and ways your family can provide habitat for local wildlife. More...  

Ghost Town History Hiking Tour at Bear Mountain State Park - Bear Mountain
Tour the ghost town of Doodletown and see the cemeteries, sidewalks, walls, and foundations. The history hike rambles along old roads and paths, past pretty streams, and beautiful woods with beautiful mountain views.  More...

Saw Mill River Heritage Tour at Philipse Manor Hall State Historic Site - Yonkers
Philipse Manor Hall and downtown Yonkers have both shaped and been shaped by the Saw Mill River. This walking tour follows the Saw Mill from its mouth at the Hudson to Chicken Island. Patrons will learn about the growth and development of Yonkers from 1682 to the present. More...

Town of Clarkstown Supervisor's Walk at Rockland Lake State Park - Valley Cottage
The Clarkstown Supervisor's Walk is three hikes in one, ranging from easy to difficult, for the whole family to the avid hiker. More...
 
Lighthouse Day at Stony Point Battlefield State Historic Site - Stony Point
Celebrate the history of lighthouses on the Hudson River. Tour the lighthouse, visit with a Civil War veteran and 19th century lighthouse keeper Nancy Rose, and listen to 19th century maritime music and storytelling performed by Ballader Linda Russell and Storyteller Jonathan Kruk in the shadow of the lighthouse. More...

Retracing the Capture of Major Andre - A Walk in Sleepy Hollow at Old Croton Aqueduct State Historic Park - Dobbs Ferry
A Hudson River Valley Ramble Event. Retrace the steps of the capture of Revolutionary War spy Major Andre and learn about this historic event that played an crucial role in the American victory. More...

Second Annual Vassar Street Brewfest - Poughkeepsie
The Vassar Street Brewfest celebrates the heritage of Matthew Vassar and his brewery with Pilsner glass giveaways, local and artisan craft beer and cider tastings, food, and live music. More...

Bird Walk at Audubon's Buttercup West Sanctuary - Standfordville
Explore Buttercup West Sanctuary with members of the Ralph T. Waterman Bird Club and identify and learn about resident bird species. More...

Capital Region Apple & Wine Festival - Altamont (also September 20)
The 23rd annual Capital Regionl Apple & Wine Festival will be held at the Altamont Fair Grounds, with a juried craft show, farmers' market, entertainment, a car show, wine tasting, and pony rides. More...

September 19 
Hudson Valley Apple Festival at Clermont State Historic Site - Germantown
Come to this old-fashioned apple festival and learn about the use of apples as historic love-charms. More...
 
Fall Migration Bird Walk at Taconic State Park - Copake Falls Area - Copake Falls
Join us for a rare opportunity to watch birds as they begin their fall migration to warmer winter climates. More...

Hike the New South Taconic Trail Extension at Taconic State Park - Rudd Pond Area
Celebrate the grand opening of a new section of the South Taconic Trail extending the trail south to the Rudd Pond area. This hike will meander through hardwood forest, hemlock groves, and open rock ledges with expansive views. More...
 
Lake Effect Car Meet at Lake Taghkanic State Park - Ancram
A charity car meet with all proceeds to benefit the Miles of Hope Breast Cancer Foundation. All cars, trucks and bikes welcomed. More...
 
Barn Dance at John Jay Homestead State Historic Site - Katonah
Country barbecue, a pizza truck, a campfire, and music by local bands. More...

Love the Lakes Shoreline Cleanup at Grafton Lakes State Park - Cropseyville
Join friends of the park to beautify the shorelines of Grafton Lakes. More...

Historic Hiking in the Hudson Highlands at Hudson Highlands Nature Museum - Cornwall-on-Hudson
Hiking in the Hudson Highlands. More...

Walk and Wade at Esopus Meadows Preserve - Ulster Park
Explore how water has shaped the environment with a hike along the Hudson and more. More...

Volunteer Landscape Day at Manitoga, The Russel Wright Design Center - Garrison
Roll up your sleeves and meet other arborists, horticulturalists, garden designers, and landscape enthusiasts. Volunteers of all levels welcome. More...

Sunset Tour at Manitoga, The Russel Wright Design Center - Garrison
Join architect Tom Krizmanic for an intimate look at Manitoga. More...

September 19 and 20
Battle of Saratoga Anniversary Encampment at Saratoga National Historic Park - Stillwater
Celebrate the 238th anniversary of the Battle of Saratoga with musket drills, open-fire cooking, cannon firing, and other re-enactment activities. More...

Gravestone Preservation Workshop at Historic Huguenot Street - New Paltz
Historic Huguenot Street is hosting  a two-day Gravestone Preservation Workshop led by monuments conservator Jonathan Appell. Attendees will learn about the challenges and techniques involved in the preservation of gravestones, monuments, and other historic stone structures. Registration is required. More...

September 20 - Hudson River Valley Ramble Events Highlights

Camp Smith Trail to Anthony's Nose at Bear Mountain State Park - Bear Mountain
Running parallel to the Hudson River, the Camp Smith Trail to Anthony's Nose offers spectacular views that make this strenuous hike worth the work. More...

Fall Sunrise Stroll at Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park - Poughkeepsie
Celebrate fall with a sunrise stroll, coffee, and bagels. More...

Mushroom Identification Walk at Minnewaska State Park Preserve - Kerhonkson
Join Jill Weiss and Laura Conner, Environmental Educator, for an educational, non-foraging, mushroom walk along the Beacon Hill Carriage Road. This introduction to mushrooms will teach participants how to identify some of the more common mushrooms found at Minnewaska and as a bonus, participants will get a stunning view from the end of the carriage road. More...

Highlands Bluegrass Festival at Harmony Hall - Sloatsburg
Banjo sensation Jeff Scroggins will headline this year's festival, along with a great lineup of noted musicians on the Great Lawn of Jaco Sloat's 1848 mansion Harmony Hall.  More...

200 Years of Landscape History at Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site - Hyde Park
Learn about two centuries of landscape history on this one-mile hike around the historic Vanderbilt Mansion estate, including walking tour of the formal gardens. More...

Brilliant and Bristly Buckmoths at the Albany Pine Bush - Albany
Visit Albany's unique Pine Bush habitat and learn about the inland barrens buckmoth, a beautiful creature that flies for during a brief window of time in the early fall, and is a species of special concern in New York State.  More...

September 20
Romeo and Juliet: Cultural Katonah at John Jay Homestead State Historic Site - Katonah
Aquila Theatre will bring to life an all new production of William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet under a tent at the Homestead. More...
 
Fishing the River at Norrie Point at Mills Norrie State Park - Staatsburg
The public is invited to come fishing on the river at the DEC's Norrie Point Environmental Center. All ages are welcome and no license is required. More...
 
Presentation: "Ferry and Turnpike Company Connections to Gomez Mill House, Part 3" at Gomez Mill House - Marlboro
Local historian Jim Berkise presents the third part of this series. More...

September 24
Schuyler Mansion at Night at Schuyler Mansion State Historic Site - Albany
During the 2015 season, Schuyler Mansion will be open for evening tours, the last Thursday of the month, May through October. If work or other daytime commitments have prevented you from visiting this important 18th century historic site, take advantage of these evening hours! More...

September 25
An Evening of Wine and Music at the Shaker Heritage Society - Albany
This fundraising event features hors d'oeuvres and wine served in the 1848 Meeting House. More...

September 26 - Hudson River Valley Ramble Event Highlights

Sterling Forest Fire Tower Ramble at Sterling Forest State Park - Tuxedo
The Fire Tower Ramble is a moderate 4-mile loop highlighted by scenic views of Sterling Forest. Hikers are able to observe the surrounding Hudson Highlands from a 60-foot fire tower built in 1922. More...

Changes of the 20th Century in the South End at Schuyler Mansion State Historic Site - Albany
Schuyler Mansion hosts a walking tour of Albany's South End with historian Tony Opalka that will explore how the neighborhood has changed under urban renewal and movements of the city's ethnic groups. More...

Kites Over The Hudson at Washington's Headquarters State Historic Site - Newburgh
Come fly a kite and add some color to the majestic Hudson River's breathtaking view. The first 150 children under the age of 15 will receive a free kite, and prizes will be awarded in various kite-related categories. More...

Trail Building with the Taconic Crew at Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve - Nelsonville
The Taconic Crew constructs new trails and rehabilitates eroded and damaged trails. Newcomers and beginners are welcome. More...

Fall Festival at Thacher Park - Voorheesville
A fun, family festival with live music, games, hayrides, live birds of prey, face painting, pony rides, old fashioned games, and more.  More...

Tappantown Historical Society Annual Colonial Day at the Dewint House - Tappan
Step back in time and visit the eighteenth century at the historic DeWint, where costumed interpreters and military reenactors will demonstrate colonial activities like spinning, woodcarving, and blacksmith. Plenty of activities for the children, including apple pressing, quill writing, and candle dipping. More...

September 26
Arrival Weekend at New Windsor Cantonment State Historic Site - New Windsor
Part of Smithsonian Magazine Museum Day Live. This encampment with musket firings and other period activities  is part of the Smithsonian Magazine Museum Day Life and celebrates the arrival of the Continental Army at New Windsor in 1782. More...
 
2nd New York Provincial Battalion (re-enactment) at Stony Point Battlefield State Historic Site - Stony Point
Known for their precision drilling with 18th-century reproduction weapons and military tactics, the 2nd New York Regiment will demonstrate throughout the day with musket fire and artillery. More...
 
Lecture: "Benedict Arnold" at Stony Point Battlefield State Historic Site - Stony Point
An illustrated lecture covering the events of Benedict Arnold's life leading up to his decision to switch allegiance and pursue a career with the British Army. It will cover his treasonous dealings with the spy Major John Andre and his ultimate demise. More...

Family Day at Constitution Island - Cold Spring
Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy miniature horses, tours of the island's history, storytelling, and much more. More...

Annual Benefit Performance at Manitoga, the Russel Wright Design Center - Garrison
Featuring a performance of Terry Riley's landmark work "In C". More...

September 26 and 27
Stone Carving Seminar with Kevin VanHentenryck at Opus 40 - Saugerties
Learn the ancient art of stone carving with the native bluestone of the Catskill Mountains at Opus 40 with a master sculptor. More...

September 27 - Hudson River Valley Ramble Event Highlights
 
Jay Day! Fall Family Festival at Jay Heritage Center - Rye
Come to the Fall Family Festival at the Jay Heritage Center and enjoy pony rides, face-painting, pumpkin activities, apple coring, a farmers market, food and more.More...
 
Walk to the Hasenclever Mine & Cemetary by Rock House Mt. at Harriman State Park - Bear Mountain
This hike will lead from the Old Ball Field to Hasenclever Mine - once the most valuable iron ore mine in the country - and then to the cemetery near Rockhouse Mountain.  More...
 
Birds of Prey at Minnewaska State Park Preserve - Kerhonkson
Join Annie Mardiney and Laura Conner for an up-close and personal look at some of the raptors common on the Shawangunk Ridge. Participants will get a rare look at these beautiful creatures, in a safe environment. More...

Presentation: "History of the Local Apple Orchard Industry" at Gomez Mill House Museum - Marlboro
Ulster County historian Anne Gordon discusses the local history of apple production.More...

One River, Many Streams Folk Festival - Beacon
The only folk festival of its kind in the Mid-Hudson Valley, One River, Many Streams showcases traditional artists, musicians, and dancers from a variety of cultures. More...

Springside Landscape Stroll at Springside National Historic Landmark - Poughkeepsie
Springside was the country estate of Matthew Vassar, the prosperous brewer and founder of Vassar College. The grounds of Springside were designed by A.J. Downing, the father of American landscape architecture. Explore the only remaining example of his work on this stroll across Springside. More...

September 27 
Immigrant Stone Workers, 1892-1905: A Walking Tour of the New Croton Dam at Old Croton Aqueduct State Historic Park - Dobbs Ferry
A Hudson River Valley Ramble Event. Learn the dramatic labor story of the New Croton Dam, a nineteenth-century engineering marvel that continues to inspire visitors with its massive size and rustic beauty. More...

The Wonderful Woolly Bears at Hudson Highlands Nature Museum - Cornwall-on-Hudson
Can woolly bear caterpillars really predict the weather? More...

September 28
September Member Moonwalk at Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park - Poughkeepsie
Come view the Harvest Moon from the Walkway! Entrance will be from the West (Highland) and East (Poughkeepsie) approaches. More...
 
October 1
Homeschoolers Program: Apples at Minnewaska State Park Preserve - Kerhonkson
Come join other homeschoolers at Minnewaska State Park Preserve for an afternoon of nature discovery! Activities include natural history lessons, games, hikes, and crafts. More...
 
October 3
The Art & Practice of Seed Saving Series - Thresh & Winnow: Harvesting, Cleaning and Storing Seeds at John Jay Homestead State Historic Site - 
Be a part of a community seed system! In three short classes, learn everything you need to know to harvest seeds from your favorite plants. More...

Iona Island Hike at Hudson Highlands Nature Museum - Cornwall-on-Hudson
Enter and hike Iona Island with Doc Bayne. More...

Ongoing Events and Exhibitions:
 
The New York State Museum, in collaboration with the Shaker Museum | Mount Lebanon, Hancock Shaker Village, and the Shaker Heritage Society (Albany), as well as the State Library and State Archives, presents this major exhibition detailing one of the most significant and influential communal religious groups in American history. On view through March 6, 2016. More...
 
Albany Institute of History & Art - Albany
Current exhibitions include Seeing Double: The Anaglyphs of Eric Egas and The Capital Region in 50 Objects (opening September 19).

Dia:Beacon - Beacon
Current exhibitions include Excursus: Homage to the Square. More...
 
Frances Lehman Loeb Art Center - Poughkeepsie
Upcoming exhibitions include Gordon Parks: The Making of an Argument (opening September 25). More...

Friends of Historic Kingston - Kingston
Jervis McEntee: Kingston's Artist of the Hudson River School is the first presentation of the work of this Kingston native, a leading member of the Hudson River School. More...
 
Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum - Hyde Park
The Spirit of the Gift: Gifts of State and Affection showcases gifts given to FDR by governments, organizations, and private individuals. More...
 
Hudson River Museum - Yonkers
Current exhibitions include ENVY: One Sin, Seven Stories.
 
Hudson Valley Center for Contemporary Art - Peekskill
Current exhibitions include Love: The First of the 7 Virtues. More...
 
Mary Rutherford Jay - Garden Architect at Jay Heritage Center - Rye
Mary Rutherford Jay was a descendant of John Jay and an early American landscape artist. This exhibition highlights her work, which combined horticultural knowledge with architecture and engineering. More...
 
Katonah Museum of Art - Katonah

Neuberger Museum of Art - Purchase
Current exhibitions include Teresa Margolles: We Have a Common Thread. More...

Rensselaer County Historical Society - Troy
Current exhibitions include Scenic Overlook: Perspectives on Rensselaer County's Changing Landscape. More...
 
Samuel Dorsky Museum of Art - New Paltz
 
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Green Tip Of The Month GreenTip

Autumn Green Tips

Summer ends on September 23. Stay green even when the leaves don't with these autumn green tips from the Sierra Clubincluding helpful hints on keeping your home free of drafts, composting autumn leaves, and recycling unwanted summer stuff.



 

Autumn on the Hudson River (1860) by Jasper Francis Cropsey (1823-1900), now at the National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.

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