Announcing
* THE HUDSON QUADRICENTENNIAL *
A series of events celebrating Hudson’s past,
to be held throughout the year 2009
THE YEAR 1609 marked the discovery of two major water courses: the Hudson River, chanced-upon by Henry Hudson; and Lake Champlain, discovered by Samuel de Champlain. Almost two hundred years later, in 1807, the inventor Robert Fulton made the first successful steamship voyage up the Hudson, marking a new era of navigation and technology. These events set the stage for settlement of New York City and the Hudson River Valley.
IN 2009 these three events will be commemorated in celebrations all the way from New York City to Quebec. In 2005, Governor George Pataki established a commission to oversee the 400th anniversary. This commission is working through county committees to plan a series of events to take place from the port of New York to the Capital in Albany.
THIS REGIONAL EVENT provides a golden opportunity to celebrate Hudson’s unique history. By the time Robert Fulton steamed up the Hudson in 1807—piloted by Hudson land-owner Capt. David Mandeville--Hudson was arguably the most important city in the region. Its port was the second largest in New York; its economy enriched by whaling, trade, and industry (both legal and illegal); its social life enlivened by waves of immigrants seeking new opportunity. Even during tough times, the residents of this diverse city showed resilience and resourcefulness.
ALL OF THIS deserves to be explored and celebrated. In 2006, City of Hudson Mayor Richard Tracy called for a local committee to plan Hudson’s part in the Hudson-Fulton-Champlain Quadricentennial Commemoration. Events are being planned for a year-long celebration in 2009 to:
· celebrate the major figures and moments in Hudson’s rich past,
· highlight the city’s historic connectedness to the river,
· honor and explore Hudson’s legacy of social diversity, and
· showcase its beautiful historic buildings and landscapes.
TO SUCCEED, however, we need your help. For the 1909 tri-centennial, nicknamed the “Hoopla on the Hudson,” the city pulled out all the stops. But it took years of planning, committed volunteers, and close cooperation among various community organizations and agencies to achieve success. If “Celebrate Hudson 2009” is to meet the standard set by past generations of Hudsonians, we need a similar level of commitment. And the work is starting now!
Since the City of Hudson is the only municipality on the river to be named for Henry Hudson, our celebration, called the" Namesake Celebration", features a visit from the replica ship, the Half-Moon, to be anchored in the City of Hudson's Waterfront Park and available for tours.
Please contact Ellen Thurston, 828-3378 for more information.
Alderman EllenThurston, Chairman
Thurston@mhonline.net
