Phone: (518) 755-3411 | Email
Jeane LaPorta, Historian
Important Notice: The Claverack Historical Society (CHS) has been struggling and yet the history of Claverack is certainly significant enough and the need for a space to develop opportunities to teach and promote the history of the town important enough that the organization is worth holding on to. The pandemic really damaged the fledgling organization, but the work of the group should push through, and most believe that it’s undisputed, while we have wonderful County historical society, towns benefit from historical outlets at the local level serving local needs.
The organization has come so far. It has an interim charter with the NYS Department of Education which may become permanent after 5 years of continued functioning and it provides the basis to preserve and collect artifacts for the town. CHS has a small but fine collection of artifacts and documents that are temporarily housed through the gracious generosity of the Claverack Library History Room, awaiting a permanent location where they can be exhibited.
An immediate matter at hand is that President Sean Jennings has indicated that he can no longer serve as the president. Ms. Kara Keeler is the Vice President, and according to the by-laws, Kara will fill the role next. But volunteers are desperately needed to serve on the board and as members of the organization! The organization needs to climb past the pandemic and help is needed to do that. Can our Claverack history enthusiasts support this effort please? To be a member or volunteer, one doesn’t need to live in Claverack. Remember Ghent, Craryville, Harlemville, Hillsdale, Hudson, Greenport were all Claverack first! For information, please call or email Jeane LaPorta, Historian, at 518-755-3411 or [email protected].
https://www.facebook.com/claverackhistoryminute
http://www.claverackhistoricalsociety.org/
America 250! Start Planning. Everyone can!
The US Semiquincentennial is the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 1776 and it is quickly approaching. If you haven’t heard about it you can learn more here: https://www.america250.org/
Last June 2021 the NY legislature passed a resolution creating the 250th anniversary commission. Please read about it here: https://www.nysenate.gov/…/new-york-state-lawmakers…
The Columbia County Board of Supervisors created a 250th anniversary commission and you can read about that here: https://historian.columbiacountyny.com/semiquincentennial.
While the year 2026 seems a bit far off it will be here before we all know it. Planning for such a big occasion will take all of that time. Commemorative activities should start now with individuals doing things that mark time until the date. Some ideas to start can include planning a patriotic garden, or beautifying a streetscape. How about replanting lost trees along a street or avenue? A very easy way to mark the approaching landmark anniversary is to think about the US flag as front and center of the coming celebrations.
We can start with these 2 simple flag rules as time focuses in on July 4, 2026! Did you know the US flag should never be left hanging outside after dark? If there is no light, take it in for the night! Another simple flag rule is this one, a worn and tattered flag must never be hung for display. Let’s get old worn out flags down and replace them with brilliantly lit Stars and Stripes! Veterans organizations are usually happy to help with proper disposal of worn and tattered flags. Claverack will set the pace as a flag savvy town for America 250!
Historian Articles
March 2022 Claverack Historian Report (Why Does Claverack Have a Historian?)