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February 16, 2025
Julia Chinn By Melissa Dalley Discover the remarkable story of Julia Chinn, a woman who challenged the boundaries of race, gender, and power in the early 19th century. The enslaved partner of Vice President Richard Mentor Johnson, and mother of Richard's two daughters, Julia defied societal norms by managing a plantation, hosting elite social events, and navigating traditionally white spaces. This talk explores her life and legacy, bringing attention to the often-overlooked narratives of Black women’s resilience and agency during a time of deep inequality. By sharing Julia’s story, the discussion reveals how understanding these hidden histories can broaden perspectives on the past and inspire a more inclusive vision for the future. Melissa Dalley is a docent at Lindenwald, President Van Buren’s estate in Kinderhook. 
April 27, 2025
The Van Alen Home By Walter Wheeler The Van Alen home has been the centerpiece of the hamlet of DeFreestville since its completion in 1793. The house was initially constructed for one of the first representatives in Congress for Rensselaer County and his family, and remained in the Van Alen family for 100 years. Sam Swanson, Town Historian during his tenure at the home for 20 years from the 1970s to the 1990s, restored the house with a group of people who later became prominent in their fields. Sam sold the house to Karen Hartgen in 1995. Since that time Karen’s business, Hartgen Archeological Associates, has occupied the Van Alen house and has become identified with it. Walter Wheeler is the Senior Architectural Historian at Hartgen Archeological Associates. 
October 20, 2024
Steamboats on the Hudson By Mark Peckham An informal talk about the development and demise of steamboats on the Hudson River. Mark also shared information about the Hudson River Maritime Museum and its public programs. 
January 19, 2025
Wild Women of Rensselaer County By Kathy Sheehan Kathy will delve into the lives of some the remarkable women who lived and made an impact in our area. Kathy is the Executive Director of the Hart Cluett Museum in Troy and both City of Troy and Rensselaer County Historian. |
March 16, 2025
Albany & Susquehanna Railroad War By Jill Knapp The Albany & Susquehanna (A&S) Railroad (later the Delaware and Hudson) was propose in 1852 and finally completed in January 1869. The road was developed to run between Albany and Binghamton to bring farm products and cheap coal to Albany. James Fisk of the Erie RR tried to get control of the line to connect with the Erie RR, by controlling the board of directors of the A&S road. In August 1869, a “war” between conflicting boards of directors broke out, with Col. Church of Anti-Rent War notoriety working with Fisk. Find out how it ended and became part of the D&H. 
September 15, 2024
Forged by Fire: The Life and Legacy of Harry Howard By Lauryn Czyzewski, Assistant Curator at the FASNY Museum of Firefighting in Hudson, NY This lecture explored who Harry Howard was, what his many accomplishments were and why we are still talking about him today! 
November 17, 2024
A Trojan's War By Bob Macarvey This is the heartwarming story of Nan Emery (270 1/2 Fourth Street) and Jim MacArevey (422 2nd Street) as they came to age in Troy, NY and experienced the tumult of WWII. 
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