The Beat

Columbia County, N.Y. (Sept. 24, 2020) – The Columbia County Historical Society has added two more road trips to its ongoing 'Drive Through History' series. The self-guided driving itineraries are free to download at www.cchsny.org/drive-through-history.html

'Good Apples' explores the role of apple farming in Columbia County's agricultural history, visiting seven heritage orchards and other points of interest. Stops include Vosburgh Orchards, which has been in the Vosburgh family since 1839, and Philip Orchards, one of the oldest continually operating family farms in New York State. Visitors may buy or pick their own apples at each stop.

Granville, N.Y. – After several months of closure following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in March, the Slate Valley Museum is ready to re-open its doors. On Friday, September 25, the Museum will begin welcoming guests for scheduled visits.

“The Museum opened 25 years ago this month, and we are excited to re-open and begin our anniversary year by welcoming people back to visit us,” shared Interim Director Sarah Kijowski, “We’ve reviewed guidelines and recommendations, and we’ve looked toward other museums of our size to see how they are handling visits and programs. We really wanted to take our time, learn from our peers, and open in the safest way possible for our visitors and our staff.”…

Plan a trip to see the vibrant fall foliage as a fun-filled send off to summer

Orange County, N.Y. (September 21, 2020) – As summer fades into autumn, vibrant fall foliage bedecks the picturesque landscapes of the Hudson Valley. Blazing orange, red, and yellow leaves paint unparalleled sights for all to see during leaf-peeping season. Send off summer and welcome in fall with loved ones with a trip to one, or all, of the many must-visit spots for the most beautiful foliage in Orange County, N.Y.

“You need to get here! So, grab your sweater and discover why fall is the most beautiful time of the year in the Hudson Valley,” said Orange County Tourism Director Amanda Dana. “As the leaves change, the rolling hills and mountains of our region transform into a tapestry of vibrant colors. The eye-popping change begins in mid-September, building to a riot of red, orange, copper, and gold throughout October. With scenic vistas and hundreds of miles of trails, take in the spectacular views by foot, bike, or car. And, don’t forget to pick up an apple-cider donut before the day is done!”…

Funding will be used to collaborate with post-secondary educators and students, advancing online programming and access to resources

Ticonderoga, N.Y.  – Fort Ticonderoga has been awarded a Humanities New York CARES Grant with support from the National Endowment for the Humanities and the federal CARES Act in the amount of $10,000. Project funding will enable museum staff to collaborate with post-secondary educators and students as they shift in-person programming to online, and make additional museum resources available digitally.

“Fort Ticonderoga will develop and expand resources for college professors and instructors as they seek a richer, more engaging experience for students who are increasingly being taught online,” said Miranda Peters, Fort Ticonderoga Vice President of Collections & Digital Production and Project Director for this program. “This semester brings challenges, but also many opportunities as we redefine how museums can support post-secondary education in a digital world.”…

Waterloo, N.Y. – If you give a human a cookie, they will probably eat it. When they eat it, they will probably feel guilty. And if they feel guilty, they will probably want to go for a run.

But if they do this fun run, they can have their cookies and eat them too. Join the Waterloo Library and Historical Society for its second annual Milk & Cookie Fun Run, which is being held virtually this year and must be completed by Saturday, Oct. 10.

Scheduled for Wednesday, September 30 at 6:30 PM

Join Oneida County Historian Joseph P. Bottini for a virtual lecture to discover the history behind Utica’s Union Station. He will share details of the station’s history, construction, architectural features, and renovations. This free online presentation takes place on Wednesday, September 30, 2020 from 6:30- 7:30 pm. Advanced registration is required and can be completed using the link below. A recording of the presentation will be available on the History Center YouTube channel after the event.

Explore, make, and share during five Zoom sessions from Sept. 25 to Nov. 20

Saratoga Springs, NY (September 17, 2020) — The Frances Young Tang Teaching Museum and Art Gallery at Skidmore College announces the fall 2020 Tang at Home Studio series. This series will be conducted online to ensure the health and safety of our audiences and our staff. The Museum building is closed to the public for now, but we are open online to bring the Tang experience into your home.

Tang at Home Studio gives kids the chance to explore their creativity, make new things, and share their artwork with peers online! Each session, which occurs every other Friday at 5:00 PM from September 25 to November 20, includes an at-home looking and exploration of an artwork, instructions for project preparation and a real-time online gathering led by Sunny Ra,  The Laurie M. Tisch Educator for K-12 and Community Programs, with assistance from Skidmore College student interns. Learn how to take part and read the description of all five sessions…

Saranac Lake, NY - The Saranac Lake streetlight banner program has a new addition to its lineup that celebrates the thriving local arts scene.

The newest banners were designed by local artist Anna Kittle with the help of the volunteer Saranac Lake Arts and Culture Advisory Board. The Arts and Culture banners highlight writing, art, dance, theatre, and music, and include three of each of the five designs. The village has 15 light poles that banners are displayed on regularly.

“The colorful, well-designed banners that line our downtown main streets are ageless, adding festiveness, purpose, and variety, while promoting our most treasured activities, events, connections, and special causes that make Saranac Lake decidedly different,” Kathy Ford, chair of the Arts and Culture Advisory Board said. “Soon to be added to the mix of paddling, hiking, and more will be striking new banners promoting the arts that are so vital to Saranac Lake. A special project of the Arts and Culture Advisory Board, these five banners capture our vibrant local arts community, representing music, creative writing, theatre, dance, and art.

Series will focus on local businesses and reimagined visitor experience

Auburn, N.Y. - In an imaginative concept, the Cayuga County Office of Tourism is creating a series of videos showcasing interviews with local businesses. The videos will focus on how the businesses have reimagined their business model as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic and what visitors can expect when they visit.

The video series gives a voice to businesses around the county, showcasing business owners and managers as they discuss how the current situation has encouraged them to make thoughtful and safe changes and to let their visitors know they truly care about their well-being and enjoyment.

Invites craft beer enthusiasts to join top brewers for a beer

Rochester, N.Y. - The New York State Brewers Association (NYSBA) is inviting craft beer enthusiasts to go behind the scenes with brewers and brewery owners of popular New York State breweries during their New York State Virtual Craft Beer Tasting Experience on Sat., Sept. 26, 2020. The interactive virtual event will bring the experience of visiting NYS breweries to enthusiasts living rooms, beer included! Four breweries will be highlighted over four 90-minute tasting sessions: Grimm Artisanal Ales, Sand City Brewing Co., Hudson Valley Brewery and Greenport Harbor Brewing Co.