The William G. Pomeroy Foundation has officially opened a new grant round of its Historic Transportation Canals Marker Grant Program. This historic marker program commemorates the history of these important canals across the U.S. Grants cover the entire cost of a marker, pole and shipping.

The Pomeroy Foundation is a private, grant-making foundation based in Syracuse, N.Y. One of its main initiatives is to help people celebrate their community’s history through a variety of roadside marker grant programs, including its historic transportation canals program.

Canal marker grants are available to 501(c)(3) organizations, nonprofit academic institutions, and local, state and federal government entities within the U.S. For details on how to apply, visit the Foundation’s Historic Transportation Canals Marker Grant Program webpage. The deadline to submit an online letter of intent is October 18, 2019. The grant application deadline is November 15, 2019.

“Across the country, canals have long been an important factor in enhancing commerce, travel and development,” said Paula Miller, Executive Director of the Pomeroy Foundation. “Communities want to commemorate the historical significance of transportation canals and this grant program creates the perfect opportunity to do just that with historic markers.”

Markers proposed for the Historic Transportation Canals Marker Grant Program must commemorate a historical canal fact that occurred more than 50 years from the year of the application. Currently, that year is 1969. The colors of the canal markers are blue with black highlighted lettering and border. There are two unique logos for grant recipients to choose from that will allow the markers to be recognizable as commemorating a historic canal. Markers are 18” x 32” cast aluminum with a 7’ aluminum pole.

Visit the Pomeroy Foundation’s historic transportation canals webpage for program details and application guidelines.

About the Pomeroy Foundation
The William G. Pomeroy Foundation is a private foundation established in 2005. The Foundation is committed to supporting the celebration and preservation of community history; and to raising awareness, supporting research and improving the quality of care for patients and their families who are facing a blood cancer diagnosis. To date, the Foundation has awarded nearly 900 grants for historic roadside markers and plaques in multiple states. Visit: wgpfoundation.org

Save the Date! The University at Albany, SUNY is presenting "Safety Culture for Cultural Organizations" workshop on October 17 at the Science Library.

"Museums, Libraries, Archives- are there hidden hazards in YOUR collections? Are there chemical or biological risks lurking in the stacks? What healthy and safety issues should your organization actively plan for?"

Join presenter John Van Raalte, Director of Hygiene Services, OEHC Of Eastern New York who will help identify potential risks, outline protections, and explain how you can create a safety culture for your cultural organization.

Learn more and register today!

Congressman Tonko will be hosting an Arts and Humanities Grants Workshop, August 20 at HVCC Bulmer Telecommunications Center Auditorium, 80 Vandenburgh Avenue in Troy, 9:00 AM check-in, 9:30 AM -12:30 PM workshop. Hear from National Endowment for the Arts, National Endowment for the Humanities, Institute of Museum and Library Services, and Humanities New York. Learn about resources available through various grants and programs. Participants are encouraged to bring a laptop, tablet or other wi-fi enabled mobile device for maximum involvement.

There is no charge for this workshop.

Please email Congressman Tonko’s Office to register, marilyn.smith@mail.house.gov

The William G. Pomeroy Foundation, a private, grant-making foundation based in Syracuse, N.Y., has officially opened the next grant round of its NYS Historic Marker Grant Program. The program commemorates historic people, places or things during the years 1740 to 1919.

One of the Pomeroy Foundation’s main initiatives is to help people celebrate their community’s history with historic roadside markers. Grants cover the entire cost of a marker, pole and shipping.

The current grant round is available in the following New York State counties: Columbia, Delaware, Greene, Sullivan and Ulster (Region 4); Albany, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Warren and Washington (Region 5); and Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Hamilton and St. Lawrence (Region 6).

The NYS Historic Marker Grant Program is open to all 501(c)(3) organizations, municipalities and nonprofit academic institutions in New York State. Often, municipal historians or local historical organizations (or related nonprofits) will apply for a marker on behalf of a property owner.

Those interested in applying for a marker grant should submit an online Letter of Intent to verify primary sources by Friday, Sept. 13, 2019. Primary source documentation is necessary to support the text on a marker. The final application deadline is Friday, Oct. 4, 2019. To apply for a grant or review application guidelines, visit the Foundation’s NYS marker grant webpage. A complete grant schedule by region is also on the Foundation’s website.

Additional marker grant programs include the Legends & Lore® Marker Grant Program, Historic Transportation Canals Marker Grant Program, National Register Signage Grant Program and National Women’s Suffrage Marker Program. The next grant round for the historic canals program opens on Friday, Sept. 6, 2019.  Grant applications for the other national programs are accepted on a rolling basis.  The Foundation’s website also features a digital mapof all the markers and plaques they have funded. 

About the Pomeroy Foundation
The William G. Pomeroy Foundation® is a grant-making foundation based in Syracuse, N.Y. One of its initiatives is helping communities celebrate their history. Since 2006, the Foundation has funded over 875 roadside markers and plaques in multiple states. Grants cover the cost of a marker, pole and shipping. Visit: www.wgpfoundation.org

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Steve Bodnar
Communications Manager
William G. Pomeroy Foundation
steve@wgpfoundation.org
315-913-4068

https://newyork.cbslocal.com/2019/06/19/9-11-survivor-tree-fire-museum/ 

 Curated by high school students, exhibition culminates four-month research project to foster and share understanding of LGBTQ history 

[May 22, 2019] Brooklyn, NY— Brooklyn Historical Society (BHS) is pleased to announce the opening of A Queer Look at Brooklyn, an LGBTQ-focused exhibition researched and curated by high school students in BHS’ Spring 2019 Teen Council internship program. On view from May 30, 2019 through May 2020, this exhibition focuses on the evolution of LGBTQ experiences from the 19^th century to present day through the lens of struggle, privilege, and acceptance.

A Queer Look at Brooklyn is broken down into four panels which explore how themes of community, gentrification, and advocacy have historically affected Brooklyn’s queer experience. Beginning with an examination of Walt Whitman’s veiled articulation of his own sexuality in comparison to the later experiences of Crown Heights’ inclusive community at Starlite Lounge, the LGBTQ call for change in response to the HIV/AIDS crisis, and the artistic and politically driven DUMBA Collective, this exhibition considers the ways race, class and gender have shaped LGBTQ expression over time.

A Queer Look at Brooklyn complements Brooklyn Historical Society’s groundbreaking On the (Queer) Waterfront, the first exhibition to focus explicitly on the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer history of Brooklyn, which is currently on display at BHS’ Pierrepont location. While On the (Queer) Waterfront centers queer history along Brooklyn’s waterfront from the 1800s to through World War II, A Queer Look at Brooklyn emphasizes queer history throughout the borough over the last half century.

This exhibition is researched, written, and curated by 21 high school students representing diverse backgrounds, neighborhoods, grade levels, and schools across New York City. Students spent four months researching and writing content for A Queer Look at Brooklyn before debuting their work to the public. Their research process included using resources at Brooklyn Historical Society’s Othmer Library, listening to oral histories from BHS’ collections, and conducting intergenerational interviews for first-hand accounts. In addition to sharpening their research and writing skills, students gained invaluable experience by developing new relationships with peers as well as mentors, and expanding their historical point of view. The four-month curation process began in February 2019 and culminates with the unveiling of A Queer Look at Brooklyn during an opening reception at Brooklyn Historical Society on Wednesday, May 29 at 5:30pm. This event is free and open to the public.

Now in its third year, Teen Council is Brooklyn Historical Society’s after-school internship program for New York City teens. By focusing on timely topics affecting marginalized communities, Teen Council creates an opportunity for youth involvement in telling repressed stories and preserving history. Teen Council is one of several education-focused initiatives from Brooklyn Historical Society which aim to enhance education outside of school curriculum and assist future generations in bridging the gap between the past, present and future.

Teen Council members gain resume-worthy experience that will offers a leg up for competitive summer and senior year internships, and exposure to careers in museums, archives, informal education, public history, and more. All students involved in the program are compensated with a stipend, letters of recommendation for college and scholarships, and credit/volunteer hours toward graduation where applicable.

Teen Council at Brooklyn Historical Society is generously supported by the Pinkerton Foundation, the Michael Tuch Foundation, Inc. and the Ferriday Fund Charitable Trust. Additional support is provided by BHS education funders: Hearst Foundation, Con Edison, the Morris and Alma Schapiro Fund, the Sterling National Bank Charitable Foundation, the Kinder Morgan Foundation, and Investors Foundation. Programs are also made possible by the New York Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature, and are supported, in part by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the New York City Council.

A Queer Look at Brooklyn will be on display at Brooklyn Historical Society (128 Pierrepont Street, Brooklyn, NY), from May 30, 2019 until May 2020. BHS is open to the public Wednesday to Sunday from 12pm to 5pm. Suggested admission is $10 for adults, $6 for seniors and teachers, and free for members, veterans/military personnel, and students of all ages.

About Brooklyn Historical Society

Founded in 1863, Brooklyn Historical Society is a nationally recognized urban history center dedicated to preserving and encouraging the study of Brooklyn's extraordinary 400-year history. Located in Brooklyn Heights and housed in a magnificent landmark building designed by George Post and opened in 1881, today's BHS is a cultural hub for civic dialogue, thoughtful engagement and community outreach. In May 2017 BHS opened a second site in DUMBO’s Brooklyn Bridge Park.

Urban Heritage Strategies in Rotterdam (the Netherlands), which will take place August 19-30, 2019). The course is executed as part of the Shared Cultural Heritage Program and sponsored by the Consulate General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in New York. The short course on Urban Heritage Strategies aims to develop a better understanding of the complex relationship between urban development and heritage management. It addresses themes such as urban heritage management, urban planning, gentrification, community participation, adaptive reuse and more. If you are engaged in urban management or heritage conservation as a government official, working for an NGO, a consultant, an advisor or a lecturer or if you are an academic or researcher in urban heritage management or conservation then this course is right for you.  The course is provided by the Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies of Erasmus University in Rotterdam and it is developed and executed in close collaboration with the Cultural Heritage Agency of the Netherlands.

This year’s course is tailored to four countries: the United States of America, South Africa, Brazil and the Netherlands. These countries partner in knowledge exchange on heritage conservation. For that reason, the Dutch government provides a full tuition fee waiver for selected applicants from the United States of America. Applicants can apply and find more information here: https://www.ihs.nl/en/education/short-courses/urban-heritage-strategies The deadline for application is June 1st, 2019.

This training aims to reflect on the engagement with and presentation of shared cultural heritage topics in museums that might be considered as being contested. The Cultural Heritage Agency of the Netherlands organizes this training in cooperation with the Reinwardt Academy (Amsterdam University of the Arts). The training program will cover two weeks, from Sunday 1 until Friday 13 December 2019 and is open to a limited number of upcoming museum professionals and academics.

This training originates from the need to gain more knowledge on the engagement with and the presentation of contested heritage in the Netherlands. However, as this theme is also topical in our Shared Cultural Heritage partner countries, it could be beneficial to all parties concerned to exchange knowledge, experience and perspectives on this theme. By exploring views on contested heritage from multiple perspectives, this training aims to open up the transnational dialogue on this theme, thus adding new perspectives and approaches to the spectrum from which all parties involved can benefit in practice.

The training is centered around practice-based lectures, discussions and talks, field trips to museums, workshops and training sessions and self-study based on selected literature. These aspects require the active participation of the participants. A complete overview of learning objectives, activities, conditions and the selection process can be found in the letter “Call for Candidates” attached to this email. For an impression of the training program please see the program booklet of the first edition of the training. 

Candidates who wish to apply for the training should meet the following requirements:

• The candidate works in the heritage or academic field in one of these countries: Australia, Brazil, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Suriname, the United States of America or the Netherlands.
• The candidate is proficient in the English language, both in written and spoken form.
• The candidate falls within the age range 25 - 35.
• The candidate has a bachelor, specialist or master degree.
• The candidate has at least three years’ work experience in the heritage or the academic field.
• The candidate can commit to the training period: 1-13 December 2019. It is recommended that the candidate should arrive in the day before the training period commences (30 November) to guarantee attendance.
• The motivation letter of the candidate (500 words) and a resume have to be submitted before 15 June 2019, 8 AM.

Learn more.

Image of the earthworks at Fort Wood Creek taken in 2018, courtesy of Rome Historical Society. 

On March 14, 2019 the French and Indian War fortification known as Fort Wood Creek was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Fort Wood Creek, located on the Rome Historical Society’s Fort Bull property, dates to 1756 when it was constructed by the British to replace Fort Bull after it had been attacked and destroyed by 362 French and their Indian allies.

With various efforts to preserve the property going back generations, it was not until 2015 that the Fort Bull Research Group nominated the site for review by the New York State Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Office for listing on the State and National Historic register.  

“The Rome Historical Society, on behalf of its members and the general public would like to thank the Fort Bull Research Group for its instrumental and continuing role in the preservation and interpretation of the Society’s Fort Bull/ Wood Creek property. Their effort along with those of the State Historic Preservation Office and in consultation with local independent historians was the first truly collaborative effort of its kind to recognize and protect the property for future generations.” said Rome Historical Society Director, Arthur L. Simmons III

The National Register is the nation’s official list of properties worthy of preservation. Listing on the National Register recognizes the importance of these properties to the history of our country and provides them with a measure of protection. Properties owned by not-for-profits are eligible to apply for state historic preservation matching grants.

Fort Wood Creek and the Fort Bull property was also in the news recently when an American Battlefield Protection Program Grant in the amount of $68,000 was awarded to the Public Archaeology Facility at SUNY Binghamton to conduct an archaeological survey of the Fort and surrounding area in order to identify the remnants of the Battle of Fort Bull which occurred on March 27, 1756. With the survey set to begin this spring Arthur L. Simmons III said “we cannot be more excited about working with the Public Archaeology Facility on this project. This is the first time in over 25 years that any legitimate attempt has been made to identify the remaining historical resources at and around the site”.  Also known to be in the vicinity of the Fort Wood Creek/ Bull property is the remains of the Western Inland Lock Navigation Canal, The First Contract Portion of the Erie Canal and the currently watered remains of the Improved Erie.

“This is where it all came together, the original gateway to the west, the Oneida Carrying Place. From its Native American origins through 18^th century conflicts to 19^th Century channeled waterways, there is no other place in North America that would have such a diverse role in our nation’s history than this small strip of land.” said Rome Historical Society Director, Arthur L. Simmons III

The Rome Historical Society is located at 200 Church Street, Rome, NY and is a non-profit organization under section 501(c)(3) of the United States Internal Revenue Code.  For more information, call (315) 336-5870, like them on Facebook, or visit their website at www.romehistoricalsociety.org

Cornell University Press is pleased to announce that the journal New York History, published in association with the New York State Museum, will begin its second century of publication with a new look and an expanded mission. With volume 100, number 1, to appear this summer, New York History will feature a fresh design and offer more space and devote greater editorial attention to public history and the essential work done in museums and historical societies across the state. More space will be devoted to exhibit reviews, and new features like “Artifact NY” and “Community NY” will highlight museum collections and community engagement. The journal editors are also actively soliciting articles that address curation, programming, and other aspects of the work of public history.

As a brief preview of what is new in New York History, it is valuable to highlight two short pieces that indicate new directions. The summer 2019 issue will contain a short piece by Christine L. Ridarsky, Historian of the City of Rochester, exploring the history of Rochester’s LGBTQ+ communities. Focusing a new exhibit at the Central Library of Rochester & Monroe County titled Stonewall: 50 Years Out, Ridarsky describes the fruitful collaboration between the Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley (recently renamed the Out Alliance) and the public library’s Local History & Genealogy Division. The exhibit demonstrates the power of joining archival resources with community stories, and Ridarsky’s piece is the first installment of the now-regular “Community NY” feature. The other new feature series, “Artifact NY,” kicks off with a contribution from Don Wildman. Wildman, the host of Travel Channel’s long-running hit, Mysteries at the Museum, helps us excavate the history of lower Manhattan by looking at a nineteenth-century wooden water main. Unearthed during routine electrical maintenance around Coenties Slip Park near South Street Seaport in 2004, the main pipe (featured in photographs paired with the article) is a curiosity in itself and, more importantly, inspires stories of municipal development and politics, human need, and technical challenges as New York City grew. The ancient pipe now is housed and carefully preserved in the New York State Museum.

Articles, features, and reviews for coming issues of New York History can be sent for editorial consideration to NYHJ@nysed.gov. Subscription inquiries can be sent to nyhjournal@cornell.edu or to the attention of New York History at Cornell University Press, 512 East State Street, Ithaca NY 14850.