400 Years: Life on the Hudson River

400 Years: Life on the Hudson River, an all-day symposium by the Great Estates Consortium, takes place on Saturday, March 28, from 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. at the Henry A. Wallace Visitor and Education Center at the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and the Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site, Route 9 in Hyde Park.

This conference celebrates the Quadricentennial of Henry Hudson's expedition up the river that bears his name, and will focus on the lifestyles of those that lived alongside the Hudson from the 17th century until today. It will also explore what future roles the river can and should play in the lives of the citizens of the Hudson River Valley.

Here is more info from the brochure:

G. Peter Jemison, Historic Site Manager of Ganondagan State Historic Site, will open the symposium with a look at the lifestyle of the Native American peoples who lived along the Hudson River at the time of Henry Hudson's arrival in 1609. Mr. Jemison is a member of the Heron Clan of the Seneca Nation and Faithkeeper to the Cattaraugus Seneca Nation.

After a brief coffee break Vernon Benjamin, Adjunct Lecturer in History at Marist College, will speak about the lives of the German Palatines whose major migration to New York took place in 1710.

Following lunch, Kjirsten Gustavson, Curator of 1909 Hudson-Fulton Celebration, will explore how New York self-consciously and very publicly transformed itself from a city that was merely "the largest" to an undisputed world-class metropolis.

After a brief coffee break Vincent Tamagana, Hudson River Navigator, will moderate a panel discussion about the Hudson River and what lies ahead for this significant natural resource. The panelists have been selected to represent various perspectives including: conservation and open space protection; public access, recreational
opportunities and tourism; economic develop- ment, and education. Symposium attendees will be encouraged to submit prepared questions to the moderator for presentation to the panel.

Panelists include David Conover, Education Director, Hudson River Sloop Clearwater; Catherine Maloney, Director of Business Development, Dutchess County Economic Development Corporation; Seth McKee, Land Conservation Director, Scenic Hudson, Inc.; and Mary Kay Vrba, Director, Dutchess County Tourism.

Symposium attendees can participate in an optional walking tour of Roosevelt Farm Road. The tour will begin at 8:30 a.m., departing from the lobby of the Henry A. Wallace Center.

The Symposium registration fee of $55 per person includes lunch and a wine & cheese reception. Pre-registration is strongly recommended. For additional information, call 845-889-8851.