Rensselaer County Historical Society

Rensselaer County Historical Society is a historical society located in Troy, New York, dedicated to preserving and promoting the history of Rensselaer County, New York. The society was founded in 1927 by a group of local historians, including Henry Burden and Erastus Corning, with the goal of collecting and preserving historical artifacts and documents related to the county's history, including the American Revolution and the Industrial Revolution. The society's founding was influenced by the work of historians such as David McCullough and Dorothy Canfield Fisher, who had written extensively on the history of New York State and the United States. The society's early efforts were also supported by organizations such as the New York State Historical Association and the American Historical Association.

● History

The Rensselaer County Historical Society has a long and storied history, dating back to the early 20th century, when it was founded by a group of local historians, including Samuel Blatchford and William Seward, who were instrumental in collecting and preserving historical artifacts and documents related to the county's history, including the French and Indian War and the War of 1812. The society's early efforts were influenced by the work of historians such as Arthur Schlesinger Jr. and Barbara Tuchman, who had written extensively on the history of New York City and the United States. The society's history is also closely tied to that of the Hudson River Valley, which played a significant role in the development of the region, with cities such as Albany, New York and New York City serving as major commercial and cultural centers. The society has also been influenced by the work of organizations such as the National Park Service and the Library of Congress, which have provided support and resources for the society's efforts.

● Mission_and_Objectives

The Rensselaer County Historical Society's mission is to collect, preserve, and interpret the history of Rensselaer County, New York, with a focus on the county's role in the development of the United States, including the American Revolution and the Industrial Revolution. The society's objectives include providing educational programs and services to the public, including exhibits, lectures, and workshops, in partnership with organizations such as the New York State Museum and the Albany Institute of History & Art. The society also seeks to promote the preservation of historic sites and properties, including the Cherry Hill, a historic mansion in Troy, New York, and the Burden Iron Works, a historic industrial site in Troy, New York. The society's efforts are also supported by the work of historians such as Eric Foner and Linda Kerber, who have written extensively on the history of New York State and the United States.

● Collections_and_Exhibits

The Rensselaer County Historical Society's collections include a wide range of historical artifacts and documents, including manuscripts, photographs, and artifacts related to the history of Rensselaer County, New York, including the American Revolution and the Industrial Revolution. The society's exhibits have featured topics such as the History of Troy, New York, the Industrial History of the Hudson River Valley, and the Role of Women in the American Revolution, with contributions from historians such as Joyce Appleby and Gordon Wood. The society's collections also include materials related to the history of New York State and the United States, including the Civil War and the World War I, with support from organizations such as the National Archives and Records Administration and the Library of Congress. The society has also partnered with other historical organizations, such as the Schenectady County Historical Society and the Albany County Historical Society, to provide a comprehensive understanding of the region's history.

● Programs_and_Services

The Rensselaer County Historical Society offers a range of programs and services to the public, including lectures, workshops, and tours of historic sites and properties, in partnership with organizations such as the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The society also provides educational programs for students and teachers, including curriculum development and professional development opportunities, with support from historians such as Natalie Zemon Davis and David Herbert Donald. The society's programs and services are designed to promote a greater understanding of the history of Rensselaer County, New York and the Hudson River Valley, and to support the preservation of historic sites and properties, including the Vanderbilt Mansion and the Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site. The society has also collaborated with other organizations, such as the New York State Historical Association and the American Historical Association, to provide a comprehensive range of programs and services.

● Historic_Sites_and_Properties

The Rensselaer County Historical Society is responsible for the preservation and maintenance of several historic sites and properties, including the Cherry Hill, a historic mansion in Troy, New York, and the Burden Iron Works, a historic industrial site in Troy, New York. The society also provides support for the preservation of other historic sites and properties in the county, including the Crandall Public Library and the Waterford Historical Museum and Cultural Center, with contributions from historians such as Edmund Morgan and C. Vann Woodward. The society's efforts are also supported by the work of organizations such as the National Park Service and the Preservation League of New York State, which have provided resources and expertise for the preservation of historic sites and properties. The society has also partnered with other historical organizations, such as the Saratoga County Historical Society and the Washington County Historical Society, to provide a comprehensive approach to historic preservation in the region.