The Beat

“The Great Bird Blind Debate”

Oyster Bay, N.Y. – Planting Fields Foundation (“Planting Fields” or “the Foundation”) and New York State Parks Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation are pleased to announce the exhibition, The Great Bird Blind Debate by artists Mark Dion and David Brooks, opening May 16 and on view through December 2020.  The first of its kind at Planting Fields, the exhibition ushers in the Foundation’s new Catalyst program created to bring newly commissioned work by living artists to the site.

Newburgh, NY (January 24, 2020) – Help us celebrate General George Washington’s birthday– his 288^th–at Washington’s Headquarters State Historic Site. As one of the critical figures in our country’s birth, one or two days honoring him just isn’t enough; we do THREE days-February 15^th, 16^th and 17^th, from 12 PM until 4 PM each day. Admission is free for all those three days, though donations are accepted.

Sing “Happy Birthday” to the General (reenactor John Koopman) as he cuts into his birthday cake, officially starting the day’s festivities. Have a piece of cake and prepare to enjoy all that each day offers: demonstrations, topical talks, historical presentations and a take-home craft.

Gala, Dinner Show and Fundraiser Planned for February 18^th    

Lake Placid Celebrates 40^th Anniversary of the 1980 Olympic Winter Games February 13-23, 2020

Lake Placid, N.Y. – On February 18, 2020, members of the 1980 Olympic Figure Skating Team return to the Lake Placid Olympic Center and Olympic Oval to celebrate the 40^th anniversary of the XIII Olympic Winter Games. 

Olympic 1984 gold medalist and 1980 Team USA Olympic Flag Bearer, Scott Hamilton will host the day’s events that start with a 10 a.m. press-breakfast at the Convention Center. This is followed by a 3 p.m. charity skate-a-thon and culminating with an evening gala and dinner at 7 p.m. and show in the Olympic Center, at 8 p.m.

Crua Outdoors is hosting a gathering for the outdoors community. Suitable for families, groups and solo travelers.

Adirondack Park, N.Y. – A new celebration dedicated to spending time enjoying the magic of the outdoor lifestyle is coming to the Adirondacks this summer. On July 31, August 1 and August 2, Crua Outdoors, in partnership with Paul Smith's College, is hosting the inaugural Werifesteria by Crua Outdoors event. …

Silent auction to be held benefitting the Lake Placid Olympic Museum

Lake Placid, N.Y. – The United States hockey team shocks Russia and the rest of the world in the Lake Placid Olympic Center en route to Olympic gold. Eric Heiden captures an unprecedented five gold medals on Lake Placid’s speed skating oval. The closest cross-country ski race in history occurs at Mount Van Hoevenberg outside Lake Placid.

Ticonderoga, N.Y. – Stuart Lilie, Fort Ticonderoga Vice President of Public History was recently awarded the Museum Association of New York (MANY) Individual Achievement Award of Merit for 2020. The Award Ceremony will take place on March 30, 2020 at the Hilton Albany in Albany, NY.

Lilie joined the Fort Ticonderoga leadership staff in the spring of 2011. Lilie oversees the Public History department, which reaches nearly 70,000 visitors annually through daily programs and events.

Buffalo, N.Y. - The Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens is an inspiring place to learn about horticulture, art and wellness. A Horticulture Certificate Series - Horticulture III will begin January 25 and a Horticulture Certificate Series - Horticulture IV will begin March 28.  Beginner, Intermediate, and Plein Air Watercolor classes will be offered in several different sessions beginning February 25, and two sessions of Yoga, Gentle Hatha and Gentle Power Flow will be offered beginning March 3.

Where to Go in 2020 – Bloomberg

New gondola system opens at Olympic Jumping Complex in Lake Placid – The Post Star…

The Hyde, APE seek young storytellers for Black Fly event

Glens Falls, N.Y. – The Hyde Collection and Art in the Public Eye (APE) are offering their popular Black Fly storytelling event — with a youthful twist. Students in grades 6 and higher are invited to participate in Black Fly: KidsTales on April 19.

The Black Fly series give members of the community opportunities to share their stories at The Hyde Collection.

February 1, 2020, 10 am–3 pm

East Meredith, N.Y. – Hanford Mills Museum in the Catskills’ East Meredith will hold the 31st annual Ice Harvest Festival on Saturday, February 1, 2020. In the days before mechanical refrigeration, ice harvesting was an essential wintertime activity. The ice harvested in the winter would be used to keep food and agricultural products cold in the warmer months.

“To farmers, ice was a winter crop and a way to generate income in the winter,” says Liz Callahan, the executive director of Hanford Mills Museum. She said they have been watching the weather and assessing the quality of the ice on the Mill Pond, just as farmers did a century ago. Staff shovel snow from the ice to encourage a good crop of clear ice.