Irving’s ‘Legend’: The Story Behind the Story
Beloved by generations of readers, Washington Irving’s “Legend of Sleepy Hollow” ranks among the classics of American literature. Although it is one of Irving’s shortest…
Cooking with Cornmeal Fresh from Philipsburg Manor’s Gristmill
Philipsburg Manor’s water-powered gristmill produces flour from wheat and, during CORNucopia at Philipsburg Manor over Labor Day weekend, it grinds corn into meal. The resulting cornmeal has…
Philipsburg Manor: A ‘Heritage Site of Slavery’
At Philipsburg Manor, the story of slavery in the colonial north is given not only a full interpretive treatment, but a face: 23 of them, to…
A Tale of Two Hudson Valley Bridges
When the Tappan Zee Bridge was revealed as the “cover girl” for the 2016 federal budget last year, the New York Times responded with barely-concealed surprise and amusement.…
Border (Collie) Patrol at Sheep-to-Shawl
Sheep aren’t the only fluffy, four-legged stars of Historic Hudson Valley’s Sheep-to-Shawl festival at Philipsburg Manor. Sure, they bear the wool that will be sheared, spun, dyed,…
A 19th-Century Snow Day in the Hudson Valley
While the blizzards and deep freezes this winter may be record-breakers, there’s nothing new about how Hudson Valley-dwellers choose to cope with all that snow…
On the Run with the Headless Horseman
Quick—how old is the Headless Horseman? If you answered “older than the United States,” you’d be right, since everyone’s favorite Hessian mercenary must have lost…
Kykuit Guide Is an Asperger’s Success Story
Asperger’s syndrome is a developmental disorder marked by difficulties with social interaction. So one wouldn’t expect to encounter an “Aspie” leading a public tour of…
The Jolly Roger and Its Not-So-Merry Origins
The highly recognizable emblem known as the Jolly Roger that’s been associated with pirates for more than 300 years. But where does this distinctive image…
Cornhole: The Game and Its History
Some say it was invented in 14th century Germany. Others credit the Blackhawk tribe of Illinois. Still others point to a Kentucky farmer in the…