The Beat

New Paltz, N.Y. (August 8, 2018) – In one month, Historic Huguenot Street is hosting a special revival of Stone House Day, a formerly annual tradition, in partnership with the Town of New Paltz. On Saturday, September 8, from 11 AM to 4 PM, the National Historic Landmark District will host Old New Paltz Stone House Day to celebrate the 340th anniversary of the settling of New Paltz by twelve French Huguenots in 1678.

This Old New Paltz Stone House Day will have a stronger focus on the diversity of Hudson Valley history by highlighting the many cultures that impacted New Paltz and Ulster County including African, Dutch, English, Esopus Munsee, and French. The Reformed Church of New Paltz will once again be a partner in this event.

FOR OPENING HIGHLIGHTS IMAGE GALLERY, CLICK HERE

Jamestown, NY (August 6, 2018) – About 30 years ago, just before Lucille Ball passed away, she told her hometown of Jamestown, NY that rather than a museum celebrating her life, there should be a place that celebrates all comedy. This past weekend, that vision was realized with the grand opening of the National Comedy Center. 

The National Comedy Center is now the first non-profit cultural institution and national-scale visitor experience dedicated to the art of comedy.  This new 37,000 square foot, $50 million facility tells the story of comedy from its origins through the present, with more than 50 immersive, interactive exhibits and rare comedy artifacts.

The Museum at Bethel Woods Launches 1969 Woodstock Festival Media Archive

Bethel, NY (August 01, 2018) – Today The Museum at Bethel Woods, located at the National Register Historic Site of the 1969 Woodstock Music & Art Fair in Bethel, NY launched an online archive of Woodstock photography and video from its collection; making rare archival images available to the public for the first time on the eve of the festival’s 49^th Anniversary.

World War I Centennial: Oneida County & New York in The Great War 

Downtown at its Best 

Utica, N.Y. – Two new exhibits open at the Oneida County History Center on August 9, 2018.  Read below for a description of each. An opening reception will be held on Thursday, August 9 from 5:00-7:00 pm.  Light refreshments will be served. This event is free and open to the public.  

World War I Centennial: Oneida County and New York in the Great War commemorates the 100th anniversary of the United States’ entry into the first World War by focusing on the American experience and local history of the war. …

Saratoga Springs, N.Y. — Legendary jockey Julie Krone, the first woman inducted into the National Museum of Racing’s Hall of Fame, will sign autographs at the Museum on Sunday, Aug. 19 from 12:30 p.m. to 1:15 p.m. Autographs are $15 each with proceeds benefitting the Museum. Krone will be signing limited-edition prints of her groundbreaking victory aboard Colonial Affair from the 1993 Belmont Stakes. The prints will be sourced from original artwork by renowned artist Celeste Susany. The print is included with the autograph price.

Center Expected to Welcome More Than 114,000 Visitors Each Year and Generate More Than $23 Million Annually in Local Economic Activity

View Photos of New National Comedy Center Here

NEW YORK – August 1, 2018 – Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the new National Comedy Center, the first non-profit cultural institution and visitor experience dedicated to comedy, is officially open in Jamestown, Chautauqua County. The $50 million state-of-the-art museum is dedicated to telling the vital story of comedy in America, and celebrates comedy's great minds and unique voices, from Charlie Chaplin to Dave Chappelle. The National Comedy Center is presenting a weeklong celebration of comedy performances and dialogues to commemorate the grand opening, which coincides with the annual Lucille Ball Comedy Festival, featuring more than 50 events including appearances by comedy greats such as Amy Schumer, Lewis Black, Lily Tomlin, Fran Drescher, W. Kamau Bell and original "Saturday Night Live" cast members Dan Aykroyd & Laraine Newman.

Newburgh, N.Y. – Allow your creative, artistic, and innovative style to shine. Design your own bookplate for that favorite summer book you’re reading. Visit Washington’s Headquarters State Historic Site, in Newburgh, for this take-home craft being offered on Saturday, August 4^th and Sunday, August 5^th.

As Visitors Stream into Cooperstown During Hall of Fame Weekend, State's Support Ensures Long-Term Future for Doubleday Field   

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the Village of Cooperstown has been awarded a grant of up to $3 million to support rehabilitation efforts and upgrades that will modernize and preserve the historic Doubleday Field. The nearly $6 million project will ensure Doubleday Field's long-term future as a staple of the local economy and the game of baseball. Additionally, the project aligns with the tourism and downtown revitalization strategies identified by the Mohawk Valley Regional Economic Development Council, which recommended New York State's support through the Upstate Revitalization Initiative.

Ticonderoga, N.Y. - What activity combines solving puzzles and testing your knowledge of history with fresh air, sunshine, and over two miles of winding trails? Fort Ticonderoga’s Heroic Maze: A Corm Maze Adventure! Beginning August 11, bring the family along to test your navigational skills among towering stalks of corn in Fort Ticonderoga’s six-acre corn maze located near the King’s Garden. The design changes every year, making it the perfect annual family fun activity! …

Germantown, N.Y. – On Saturday, August 4 at 3:00 p.m. Clermont State Historic Site will present “Luminarium Dance Company in Concert: Exploring Female Identity at Clermont”. Company founders Merli V. Guerra and Kimberleigh A. Holman have created two new pieces of dance exclusively for Clermont, exploring the lives of women who called Clermont home and the Livingstons’ relationship to the landscape.