I’ve got a new project at work— a new blog about the history of Columbia County from the perspective of Luykas Groundhog.  The idea of having a groundhog who was interested in exploring local history came from the time last year we found a real groundhog trapped in one of our historic buildings, while we had a school tour going on.  The blog is intended for our younger visitors and local school children, but it will be adult friendly as well.  I hope you’ll join me in welcoming Luykas to Tumblr— be sure to read his “About Me” section, and perhaps give him a follow!  

luykasgroundhog:

Today was the day- my first day as history ambassador for the Columbia County Historical Society!  As soon as I got to the Columbia County Museum in Kinderhook, they put me right to work.  The museum has a great research library, full of books, files on families, and maps.  People come in to do research on their families, their neighborhoods, and when they are writing books and articles.  You can see me with my favorite book (History of Columbia County, NY by Franklin Ellis) and my favorite magazine (Columbia County History and Heritage, which is put out twice a year by the historical society).  I used the card catalog to help researchers look for books, and I even got to work at the front desk! (You can click on the images to make them bigger)

I’m glad I got to learn about the library- now I will be able to search deeper for the history of some of the great places in Columbia County!