Announcing
* THE HUDSON QUADRICENTENNIAL *
A series of events celebrating Hudson’s past,
to be held Labor Day Weekend, Sept. 5-7, 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. Governor George Pataki has established a commission to oversee the 400th anniversary. The commission has developed a series of signature events, including a voyage in July of replica vessels up the river from the port of New York to Albany and a triumphal conclusion in October, involving fireworks and torches from Quebec to New York City.
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. City of Hudson Mayor Richard Tracy has called for a local committee to plan Hudson’s part in the Hudson-Fulton-Champlain Quadricentennial Commemoration. We wish to begin planning events for Labor Day Weekend, Sept. 5-7, 2009, that will:
· 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
· 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 we must start the planning now. Please contact Andrew Rieser (249-1121) for more information.
Dr. Andrew Rieser Chairman
Hudson, New York Hudson-Fulton-Champlain Quadricentennial
(518) 249-1121, rieser@sunydutchess.edu Commemoration, Hudson Local Committee
