In 1609, English explorer Henry Hudson led the first European expedition up the river that would be named after him. A lot of history originated from Hudson’s journey on his ship the Half-Moon, and 400 years later, New York State is celebrating the events that started it all. Enjoy this yearlong series of activities—from a relay flotilla with replica ships to the opening of new riverside parks.
In
New York City, the Dutch government is presenting a gift to mark the anniversary, in the form of a new visitors’ pavilion in
Battery Park. It is set to open in September 2009. In May and June, visit the
New York Botanical Gardens to see their show, The Glory of Dutch Bulbs. The
South Street Seaport Museum highlights maps and documents from the city’s Dutch period.
During the state's River Day in early June, a commemorative flotilla traces Henry Hudson’s trip. Five replica ships—including the Half-Moon, a traveling ship museum— will sail out of New York City, tracing Henry Hudson's path to
Albany. They'll be joined by hundreds of boating enthusiasts from New York's yacht clubs and sightseers on the shoreline.
Cities and towns along the
Hudson Valley let you follow Hudson’s journey on your own (some with a modern twist). The
Hudson Valley Center for Contemporary Art opens an exhibit to explore Dutch aesthetic and art. Head for festivals like the
Hudson Valley Garlic Festival for a bulb you can eat or the
Native American Heritage Festival to learn more about the area’s indigenous culture. Set to open in this quadricentennial year, the 212-foot-tall Poughkeepsie-Highland railroad bridge is being transformed into a park, the
Walkway over the Hudson.
The
Capital-Saratoga region celebrates with several events. At the
Albany Institute of History and Art, an exhibit of more than 200 historical objects tells the story of the Hudson River. The
New York State Museum draws from its collection, as well as from museums in the Netherlands, for a retrospective on Henry Hudson, the Dutch and Native Americans. In May, the annual tulip festival celebrates the city's Dutch heritage.