Our line-up of events on September 12, 2009, is now complete. These events will be part of the Hudson River Valley Ramble, the Hudson Heritage Weekend, and the Hudson-Fulton-Champlain Quadricentennial.

The day will begin with this event, sponsored by the Black History Committee of the Dutchess County Historical Society--participation is limited so please call the number listed to reserve your spot!

African American Cemeteries Tour. This informative day begins with a continental breakfast hosted by the First Congregational Church and a demonstration of gravestone-rubbing techniques.Then board a mini-bus to tour African-American cemeteries throughout Dutchess County. Limit 26 people. Cost $20. Sponsored by the Black History Committee, Dutchess County Historical Society. Sat. 9/12, 8:30-1. Rt. 9 north or south to Rt. 44/55 east exit; stay in left lane for 2 blocks to L turn onto Academy St. for 3 blocks to L on Mill St. to First Congregational Church on left. I-87 (NYS Thruway) to Exit 18 (New Paltz); R onto Rt. 299 east to R onto Rt. 9W to Rt. 44/55 east exit to Mid-Hudson Bridge (toll); stay in left hand lane on Rt. 44/55 east and follow directions above. Pre-register: (845) 454-1960.

The Mid-Hudson Antislavery History Project will follow this with two events at the same location (First Congregational Church of the United Church of Christ, 269 Mill Street, Poughkeepsie)


2:30 to 3:30 PM: Reception and Book Signing. Join Clyde Griffen, who with Harvey K. Flad is the co-author of "Main Street to Mainframes: Landscape and Social Change in Poughkeepsie", just published by SUNY Press (for more information see http://www.sunypress.edu/details.asp?id=61818 ). Books will be available for purchase. Meet the author and learn about Poughkeepsie's history!


4 PM: "Until the Whole Broad Earth Be Freed': Mid-Hudson Antislavery History in Words and Song": a program of music and historical readings on the history of slavery and abolitionism in our community; featuring members of the Mid-Hudson Antislavery History Project and the Dutchess Antislavery Singers (free and open to the public; suggested donation $5 per person) The following events, which will wrap up the day, are sponsored by First Congregational Church/United Church of Christ, Poughkeepsie 5 PM: Official Dedication of First Congregational Church as a designated site on the New York State Underground Railroad Heritage Trail; unveiling of the new historical marker. (free and open to the public).


5:45 PM: Hudson Valley Harvest Buffet, a home-cooked church supper with fresh local ingredients, hosted by First Congregational Church/UCC in the fellowship hall. (Buffet price TBA; reservations to be made through the church office through Sept. 9; 454-2960 or fccoffice@gmail.com )