Local History Explored in Upcoming Programs
Albany street names, Underground Railroad stations, and long-ago authors are topics of upcoming local history programs at Albany Public Library.
**5/1 UPDATE: This program has been canceled due to unforseen circumstances** “Cradle of the Union: Albany History Uncovered”
May 1 (Wed) | 6:30 pm | Pine Hills Branch | 517 Western Ave.
The city of Albany has almost 800 streets with a variety of names derived from war heroes, criminals, founding fathers, and Dutch settlers. Author Erik Schlimmer takes attendees on a virtual tour of these streets, which he examines in the book Cradle of the Union: A Street by Street History of New York’s Capital City. The program is free and open to the public. Registration: Call (518) 482-7911 x2.
The Underground Railroad: A New Interpretation of an Old Story
May 16 (Thurs) | 6 pm | Arbor Hill/West Hill Branch | 148 Henry Johnson Blvd.
The Underground Railroad had active stations in Albany and aided escaped slaves gain freedom in the 1800s. Dark tunnels, secret hidey-holes, and daring escapes populate our images of this time. But research into this important piece of American history tells a richer, more nuanced story. In this program, participants learn Underground Railroad history through the voices of the people who lived through it. The program is free and open to the public. Registration: Call (518) 694-0596.
June 15 (Sat) | 4:30 pm | Washington Ave. Branch | 161 Washington Ave.
Guide Maeve McEneny leads this literary pub crawl where participants admire historical buildings, visit taverns, and learn about the stories behind Albany’s surprising literary history. The Literary Libations walking tour is a fundraiser for the APL Foundation, which funds special projects and programs at the library. Tickets are $25 each. This program is for adults 21 and older. The fundraiser requires registration and advance ticket purchase at literarylibations.brownpapertickets.com. For more information, call the APL Foundation at (518) 427-4367.
Stephanie Simon
Stephanie Simon is manager of APL's Communication and Creative Services Department, which provides content and information for the library's website, social media, publications, videos, podcasts, and other outlets. Stephanie also manages APL's public relations and marketing efforts.