New York Almanack
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A daily journal of history, natural history, the arts and outdoor recreation in New York State. https://www.newyorkalmanack.com/
DEC and Essex County have jointly announced DEC will continue to stock trout in Essex County waters following closure of the Essex County Fish Hatchery next year.
Essex County Fish Hatchery Closing Update - New York Almanack
DEC and Essex Co have announced DEC will continue to stock trout in Essex County waters following closure of the Essex County Fish Hatchery
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November 13, 2025 at 5:30 PM
DEC and Essex County have jointly announced DEC will continue to stock trout in Essex County waters following closure of the Essex County Fish Hatchery next year.
Young porcupines are dispersing from their mothers this time of year, and with that, leaving behind the cutest name for a baby animal – porcupette – as they strike out on their own.
Porcupettes No More: Young Porcupines in the Struggle - New York Almanack
Young porcupines are dispersing from their mothers this time of year, leaving behind their porcupettes as they strike out on their own.
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November 13, 2025 at 4:08 PM
Young porcupines are dispersing from their mothers this time of year, and with that, leaving behind the cutest name for a baby animal – porcupette – as they strike out on their own.
The grounds behind Beck Memorial Presbyterian Church in West Farms in the Bronx hold significant historical value.
Bronx West Farms Slave Cemetery Effort Seeks Support - New York Almanack
The West Farms Memorial Garden Initiative, which is recovering this history aims to convert the area to a public educational and memorial space.
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November 13, 2025 at 1:40 PM
The grounds behind Beck Memorial Presbyterian Church in West Farms in the Bronx hold significant historical value.
After Hurricane Sandy in 2012, Miranda Massie searched online for the climate museum she thought she’d read about. Discovering this museum was a figment of her imagination, she decided to create it.
The Climate Museum Marks Ten Years - New York Almanack
After Hurricane Sandy in October 2012, Miranda Massie searched online for the climate museum she thought she’d read about - it didn't exist.
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November 12, 2025 at 9:33 PM
After Hurricane Sandy in 2012, Miranda Massie searched online for the climate museum she thought she’d read about. Discovering this museum was a figment of her imagination, she decided to create it.
The most traveled of the New York State Bridge Authority’s bridges, the Newburgh-Beacon Bridge carries more than 25 million crossings a year on Interstate 84.
The Newburgh-Beacon Bridge: A History & Engineering Primer - New York Almanack
The most traveled of the NYS Bridge Authority’s spans, the Newburgh-Beacon Bridge carries more than 25 million crossings a year on Interstate 84.
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November 12, 2025 at 6:45 PM
The most traveled of the New York State Bridge Authority’s bridges, the Newburgh-Beacon Bridge carries more than 25 million crossings a year on Interstate 84.
Before it ended service in 1963, the Newburgh-Beacon Ferry was in operation on the Hudson River between the cities of Newburgh and Beacon, since being given its franchise from Queen Anne of England in 1743. It was once the oldest operating ferry in the United States.
The Newburgh-Beacon Ferry, 1743-1963 - New York Almanack
The Hudson River's Newburgh-Beacon Ferry was the oldest in the United States, having been given its franchise from Queen Anne in 1743.
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November 12, 2025 at 5:42 PM
Before it ended service in 1963, the Newburgh-Beacon Ferry was in operation on the Hudson River between the cities of Newburgh and Beacon, since being given its franchise from Queen Anne of England in 1743. It was once the oldest operating ferry in the United States.
Coyote researchers agree that coyotes are fluid when it comes to diet. They are true localvores, eating what is available, when it is available.
Coyotes Prepare for Winter - New York Almanack
Eastern coyotes, I should have known, also like to eat plums. Canis latrans var. and I share a similar world view. I would have eaten all the plums too.
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November 12, 2025 at 4:36 PM
Coyote researchers agree that coyotes are fluid when it comes to diet. They are true localvores, eating what is available, when it is available.
The Shoulder Rider, Beatriz Roman’s tale of the life and times of Shirley McFerson , aka “Sweet Mama Stringbean,” for young people is now available through the Warren County Historical Society.
Sweet Mama Stringbean: Lake George's Shirley McFerson - New York Almanack
The Shoulder Rider, Beatriz Roman’s tale of the life and times of Shirley McFerson is now available through the Warren County Historical Society.
www.newyorkalmanack.com
November 12, 2025 at 2:27 PM
The Shoulder Rider, Beatriz Roman’s tale of the life and times of Shirley McFerson , aka “Sweet Mama Stringbean,” for young people is now available through the Warren County Historical Society.
DEC has announced more than 1,200 acres were permanently protected by five community-based partners through a State program to protect water quality.
State Protects 1,200 Acres to Protect Water Quality - New York Almanack
More than 1,200 acres were permanently protected by five community-based partners through a NYS program to protect water quality.
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November 11, 2025 at 9:49 PM
DEC has announced more than 1,200 acres were permanently protected by five community-based partners through a State program to protect water quality.
In 1871 the Army Corps of Engineers was destroying the natural reefs around NYC and removing obstructive rocks from the East River at Hell Gate.
'Diamond Reef is No More': Clearing New York City's Harbor Reefs - New York Almanack
In 1871 the Army Corps of Engineers was destroying the natural reefs around NYC and removing obstructive rocks from the East River at Hell Gate.
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November 11, 2025 at 7:22 PM
In 1871 the Army Corps of Engineers was destroying the natural reefs around NYC and removing obstructive rocks from the East River at Hell Gate.
In Field Notes from the Northern Forest (North Country Books 2025), Curt Stager draws on scientific literature and on his own observations to share his curiosity about the natural world alongside illustrations by Lake Placid naturalist Anne E. Lacy
Curt Stager's 'Field Notes from the Northern Forest' Published - New York Almanack
In Field Notes from the Northern Forest (North Country Books 2025), Curt Stager draws on scientific literature and his own Adirondack observations.
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November 11, 2025 at 6:10 PM
In Field Notes from the Northern Forest (North Country Books 2025), Curt Stager draws on scientific literature and on his own observations to share his curiosity about the natural world alongside illustrations by Lake Placid naturalist Anne E. Lacy
Even as Hitler and his Nazi regime ran roughshod over Germany and Europe in the 1930s, there were those in America who championed their rise. And nowhere so much as on Long Island. #history #longisland #fascism
Nazis of Long Island: Sedition, Espionage & the Plot Against America - New York Almanack
In Nazis of Long Island: Sedition, Espionage & the Plot Against America Christopher Verga brings to life this often-overlooked Work War Two history.
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November 10, 2025 at 5:38 PM
Even as Hitler and his Nazi regime ran roughshod over Germany and Europe in the 1930s, there were those in America who championed their rise. And nowhere so much as on Long Island. #history #longisland #fascism
In 1686 the H.M.S. Rose, Boston’s first long-term Royal Navy station ship, destabilized the town’s traditional relationship with seafarers.
Devil Unleashed: The Royal Navy in Boston, 1685-87 - New York Almanack
When the H.M.S. Rose arrived in Boston in 1686 as the first long-term Royal Navy station ship, it destabilized the town.
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November 9, 2025 at 10:17 PM
In 1686 the H.M.S. Rose, Boston’s first long-term Royal Navy station ship, destabilized the town’s traditional relationship with seafarers.
The Adirondack Council has released its 44th annual State of the Park Report, highlighting the recent successes, challenges, and future goals for protecting the Adirondack Park.
44th State of the Adirondack Park Report - New York Almanack
Adirondack Council's 44th State of the Park Report, highlights recent successes, challenges, and future goals for protecting the Adirondack Park.
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November 9, 2025 at 5:28 PM
The Adirondack Council has released its 44th annual State of the Park Report, highlighting the recent successes, challenges, and future goals for protecting the Adirondack Park.
NY State Parks has completed restoration work and installed new interpretive signage at the Dickinson Hill Fire Tower in Grafton Lakes State Park. The fire tower is the last remaining in Rensselaer County.
Last Remaining Fire Tower in Rensselaer County Gets Restored - New York Almanack
Restoration was completed at the Dickinson Hill Fire Tower in Grafton Lakes State Park, the last remaining fire tower in Rensselaer County.
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November 9, 2025 at 3:31 PM
NY State Parks has completed restoration work and installed new interpretive signage at the Dickinson Hill Fire Tower in Grafton Lakes State Park. The fire tower is the last remaining in Rensselaer County.
Paul S. D’Ambrosio, the President & CEO of the Fenimore Art Museum and Fenimore Farm & Country Village is retiring after more than 40 years at the organization.
Fenimore Art Museum's Leader, Paul D’Ambrosio Retiring - New York Almanack
Paul D’Ambrosio, the President & CEO of the Fenimore Art Museum and Fenimore Farm & Country Village is retiring after more than 40 years.
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November 9, 2025 at 2:44 PM
Paul S. D’Ambrosio, the President & CEO of the Fenimore Art Museum and Fenimore Farm & Country Village is retiring after more than 40 years at the organization.
One of the earliest cars seen on the streets of Manhattan was an “Allen” in 1885. It was manufactured at 304 West 53rd Street and featured wheels that were chain driven, like a motorcycle, and a tiller rather than a steering wheel.
Early Automobiles In New York City - New York Almanack
One of the early automobiles seen on the streets of New York City was an chain-driven tiller-steered "Allen" in 1885, built at 304 West 53rd St.
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November 8, 2025 at 2:38 PM
One of the earliest cars seen on the streets of Manhattan was an “Allen” in 1885. It was manufactured at 304 West 53rd Street and featured wheels that were chain driven, like a motorcycle, and a tiller rather than a steering wheel.
The Great Christmas Boycott of 1906: Antisemitism and the Battle over Christianity in the Public Schools by Scott Seligman traces a Christmas celebration dispute to the present day.
The Great Christmas Boycott of 1906 - New York Almanack
The Great Christmas Boycott of 1906 traces the history of a New York City Christmas celebration dispute to the present day.
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November 6, 2025 at 9:19 PM
The Great Christmas Boycott of 1906: Antisemitism and the Battle over Christianity in the Public Schools by Scott Seligman traces a Christmas celebration dispute to the present day.
Before humans had spoken language, they had infographics.
Anatomy of an Infographic: BRI's Visual Information Artists - New York Almanack
Before humans had spoken language, they had infographics. The earliest humans communicated information through drawings on cave walls.
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November 6, 2025 at 6:55 PM
Before humans had spoken language, they had infographics.
In Lower Manhattan, Battery Park City’s first public art piece, “Upper Room” by Ned Smyth, is set to be demolished for a climate resiliency project.
Upper Room, Battery Park City’s Popular First Public Art, Being Torn Down - New York Almanack
Battery Park City’s first public art piece, “Upper Room” by Ned Smyth, is set to be demolished soon to make way for a climate resilience project.
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November 6, 2025 at 5:23 PM
In Lower Manhattan, Battery Park City’s first public art piece, “Upper Room” by Ned Smyth, is set to be demolished for a climate resiliency project.
A pair of property owners in Old Forge and Essex, NY have agreed to turn their short-term rentals (STRs) into long-term housing, becoming the first participants in a pilot project meant to help alleviate the region’s persistent housing shortage.
Program Helps Adk Property Owners Convert Short-Term Rentals to Long-Term Housing - New York Almanack
Adirondack property owners can get support for turning their short-term rentals (STRs) into long-term housing to help the region’s housing shortage.
www.newyorkalmanack.com
November 6, 2025 at 3:56 PM
A pair of property owners in Old Forge and Essex, NY have agreed to turn their short-term rentals (STRs) into long-term housing, becoming the first participants in a pilot project meant to help alleviate the region’s persistent housing shortage.
49 men served as mayor until New York legally ended slavery in the state in 1827. Of those, 43 (88%) are documented as enslavers or investors in the slave trade. After emancipation there were 2 more involved with slavery, bringing the total # of mayors directly connected to slavery up to 45.
45 New York City Mayors Were Slavers Records Show - New York Almanack
45 New York City mayors are documented as enslavers or investors in the slave trade according to new online Northeast slavery data.
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November 6, 2025 at 1:48 PM
49 men served as mayor until New York legally ended slavery in the state in 1827. Of those, 43 (88%) are documented as enslavers or investors in the slave trade. After emancipation there were 2 more involved with slavery, bringing the total # of mayors directly connected to slavery up to 45.
At this point in the season, most migrating songbirds and raptors have already left. But on lakes and ponds across the Northeast, some loons are still fishing and paddling.
Lingering Loon Chicks Preparing for Migration - New York Almanack
Loon parents may set off for the ocean before their young can fly, so it’s not uncommon to see loon chicks alone on the water in late autumn.
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November 5, 2025 at 9:10 PM
At this point in the season, most migrating songbirds and raptors have already left. But on lakes and ponds across the Northeast, some loons are still fishing and paddling.
One of the most extreme examples highlighted in the New York State Comptroller’s recent report on the increase of severe weather, was the October 29, 2012 landfall of Hurricane Sandy.
The Impacts of 'Superstorm Sandy' - New York Almanack
Over its course, Hurricane Sandy killed 147 people, including 48 in New York, most from storm surge, but falling trees also caused some deaths.
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November 5, 2025 at 8:20 PM
One of the most extreme examples highlighted in the New York State Comptroller’s recent report on the increase of severe weather, was the October 29, 2012 landfall of Hurricane Sandy.
The latest episode of A Moment in New York History podcast follows the trail of the Marquis de Lafayette. #history
Tracking Lafayette: America's Favorite Fighting Frenchman - New York Almanack
The latest episode of A Momement in New York History podcast follows the trail of the Marquis de Lafayette through New York State in the 1820s.
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November 5, 2025 at 7:39 PM
The latest episode of A Moment in New York History podcast follows the trail of the Marquis de Lafayette. #history