Upcoming RCHS tours and talks: Troy landmarks, Prohibition, abolition, Aaron Burr's slumber
One of the programs will cover the rescue of Charles Nalle in downtown Troy, which was aided by Harriet Tubman.
The Rensselaer County Historical Society has a handful of tours and talks coming up over the next month (or so) that look interesting..
They range from walking tours of Troy landmarks, to talks about Prohibition, to a program about the history of abolition in Troy, to... Aaron Burr's slumber.
June 3: Monuments & Memorials walking tour
"We walk by them all the time, often without truly noticing them. Join us as we take a closer look at the many monuments, large and small, that remind us of wartime sacrifice, famous events and the people who left their mark on Rensselaer County and its history." 10:30 am -- $10
June 5: Prostitution & Prohibition at Plumb Oyster Bar
"Join us for a RCHS FUNraiser: a signature cocktail and a talk about Troy's promiscuous and unprincipled history, with City Historian Kathy Sheehan. Plumb Oyster Bar's Proprietor Heidi Knoblauch will also be available to answer your Oyster History questions!" 6:30 pm -- $25
June 10: Abolition & Escape: The Underground Railroad in Troy walking tour
"At one time, Troy was a hotbed of abolitionist activity. This program provides background on Henry Highland Garnet and several other activists and educators who were integral advocates for the end of slavery and key persons in this region's African American community. We'll also discuss the famous rescue of Charles Nalle, an escaped slave who was captured by Federal Marshals and later freed by a group of citizens led by Harriet Tubman." 10:30 am -- $10
June 10: It Happened Here First tour at Hart-Cluett House
"Who says Troy isn't the trendsetter of cities? William Howard hired NYC Architect Martin Thompson to build a house at 59 2nd Street now known as the Hart-Cluett House. What many don't know is that Martin Thompson then took his design of this magnificent Troy house back to NYC where many examples of this 1827 Federal Style Town House were copied throughout Manhattan. The Hart-Cluett House is fortunate to have retained the original features of Thompson's design. As you tour through the house you will also learn about the Hart family's strong connections to Manhattan architects, builders and tradesman, all who were integral to this avant-garde residential structure." 2 pm -- $10
July 8: Aaron Burr Slept Here & Other Oddities tour at Hart-Cluett House
"The RCHS museum contains a compelling collection of intriguing objects. While we are able to show documentation or provenance for some of these thought-provoking pieces, others that have been passed down along with oral histories from the families who donated them. This program will look at a few of our quirkier objects, including a bed that allegedly was slept in by Aaron Burr, human hair jewelry and china upon which meals were served to four sitting presidents. Experience the objects and hear the stories of how RCHS acquired these pieces. This program will make you want to search your own attic for family tales and relics!" 2:30 pm
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