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!
Tomorrow, I will be hosting and participating in the Artisan’s Reception at the Columbia County Historical Society’s Holiday Market. I’m looking forward to talking with people about how my jewelry is made, and especially meeting some of the other talented artisans who will be participating, including:
Dick Brooks, Woodcarving (and author of the newspaper column “Whittling Away” in the Catskill Daily Mail and the Register Star)
John Clum, Clumtree Baskets
Pamela Dalton, Scherenschnitte (Pamela’s papercut illustrations helped earn the book “Brother Sun, Sister Moon” a spot on the NY Times 10 Best Illustrated Children’s Books of 2011 list)
Katie Kearney, Katie’s Magical Knits
Mary Remback, Omi Silver, Jewelry
Sabina Steen, Camphill Village, Spinning
Come join us on Thurs, Dec. 15th from 4-7pm at the Vanderpoel House of History, 16 Broad St., Kinderhook, NY
2011 Gallery of Wreaths at CCHS, a set on Flickr.
More photos that I took this weekend while working at the Columbia County Historical Society’s Gallery of Wreaths. There were some beautiful wreaths this year… and the gingerbread!
All week I’ve been busy scurrying around getting ready for our Civil War Music and Dancing Festival. There’s still a lot to be done, but I’m getting excited… three great bands that play music of the Civil War era, fun crafts for kids, bbq suppers, and hay rides, plus all the fun activities that will be on our front lawn for the OK Fall Festival.
If you’re in Columbia County this Saturday, come check it out!
The Columbia County Historical Society is part of a new collaborative of historical societies in the county (it is amazing how many there are!). We meet each month, each time at a different historical society, which is fun because it’s an excuse to get into the far corners of the county that I wouldn’t usually get to. Today, not only did I get to the Roeliff Jansen Historical Society, but I also checked out the Copake Iron Works in Taconic State Park. The iron works were started in 1845, and the ruins are part of the coal blast furnace. I’ve always been fascinated by photos of the blast furnace, so it was great to see it in person. I would like to get back with a real camera, plus I would like to look longer at the historical society, and walk part of the Harlem Valley Rail Trail- looks like a day in Copake Falls is in order!
The first sunny day after an ice storm is always a favorite. I totally wanted to head out on a trail with my snowshoes, rather than head to work today. My commute was so beautiful, I almost drove off the road at one point. I did take some time to swing by the Van Alen house to get some photos of it in its winter splendor, before I headed into the office.
…from the Columbia County Historical Society. Which historical Columbia County, NY politician would you vote for? Martin Van Buren is probably the most widely known (a the hometown boy in Kinderhook, NY, where the historical society is located). Chancellor Robert R. Livingston has an impressive resume though (and I, personally, am biased, as my husband re-enacts him on occasion- more on that later).
yeoldefashion:
An exquisite Canadian plaid/tartan evening gown from circa 1860. The popularity of plaid exploded after Queen Victoria and Prince Albert chose Balmoral Castle in the Scottish Highlands as one of their royal residences.
This brought back memories of Clermont- I can totally see a Livingston wearing this (in the Livingston tartan, of course).
