The library, the Hendrick Hudson Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, and the Columbia County Historical Society are collaborating on a 3-site project of exhibitions and programs focusing on Hudson’s beginnings and its era of whaling and maritime trade. The first event in this yearlong project is the Opening Reception of Hudson: A History of Whaling & Maritime Commerce at the library.
In 1784 Hudson was founded by a group of whalers and merchants, largely from Nantucket, who purchased Claverack Landing from Dutch settlers. The established river port soon became a busy port with whaling and transatlantic voyages. Between 1784-1845, there were 47 whaling voyages out of Hudson, some successful and some financially devastating. These 3 exhibitions will illustrate different perspectives of Hudson’s whaling trade.
The reception includes a short panel discussion with Library Trustees Gary Sheffer and Joseph Ferris speaking with representatives of the DAR and the historical society and Richard Bazelow, a local history researcher who’s spent years searching special collections at museums, libraries, the National Archives and historical societies for Hudson’s artifacts and whaling past. We will premiere a short film, Whaling in Hudson? What!?, produced by local filmmaker Karl Frederick Mattson of 542films, which introduces Hudson’s rich maritime heritage through interviews with residents and business owners, highlighting the people and narratives that brought this city to life.
This exhibit is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature, Friends of the Hudson Area Library and individual donors.
Stay tuned for more information and related events.
Date/Time: Thursday, March 6, 6-7:30pm
Location: In-person, Hudson Area Library Community Room
Registration: No registration required. All are welcome.
Image credit: Hudson: A History of Whaling & Maritime Commerce logo design by Alan Coon.