2015-2016 Programs
September 13, 2015 Virtual Tour of the Schuyler Mansion State Historical Site. The Mansion in Albany’s south end was the home of Revolutionary War Major General Philip Schuyler. It was once and 80 acre estate and site of elegant events.
October 24, 2015 A visit to the Rensselaer County Historical Society for the current exhibit “Scenic Overlook.” Then a walking tour of Troy’s Underground Railroad lead by County Historian Kathy Sheehan and who discussed the roles of Harriet Tubman, Charles Nalle, and Fredrick Douglas, during this tragic period.
January 10, 2016 “Riot in Greenbush -- The Anti-Rent War Renewed.” The story of East Greenbush farmer, William Witbeck who was tried for murder of Rensselaer County Deputy Sheriff Willard Griggs in an anti-rent incident in 1869. Presented by Jill Witbeck Knapp, his great great granddaughter.
April 10, 2016 “Reburial of the Remains of the Schuyler Slaves.” Lisa Anderson, curator of bioarchaeology at the NYS Museum, the program presented the research that has taken place on the skeletal remains of individuals unearthed in Menands in 2005. The remains of the 13 individuals will be buried in St. Agnes Cemetery in June 2016.
May 22, 2016 Jim Finke will speak on growing up in Greenbush in the 1940s/1950s. He is looking for audience participation with memories and/or memorabilia.
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November 8, 2015 “G.I. Gantter’s Infantry.” The dramatic story of WWII as told by his nephew, and historian, Steve Trimm. Ray Gantter was an Army Sergeant when he and his platoon clawed their way through the Battle of the Bulge and the invasion of Nazi Germany. Ray Gantter’s account is told in his memoir book “Roll Over Me.”
March 13, 2016 “A Mohican Understanding of Papscanee Island.” Tribal Historic Preservation Officer of the Mohican Tribe, Bonney Hartley, discussed the history of the tribe in the area prior to the arrival of Europeans and the importance of the island to the tribe. Information the tribe’s current status and customs was provided.
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