The Saugerties Public Library will host a range of events celebrating libraries, local history and America’s 250th anniversary thanks to a $10,000 gift from the Carnegie Corporation of New York, the same group that paid $12,500 in 1914 to build the town’s library.
Andrew Carnegie, a Scottish immigrant who made his fortune in steel, benefited early in life from a retired colonel who opened his private library to him. Carnegie later founded the corporation to distribute his wealth and, among many other grants, funded the construction of nearly 1,700 libraries in the United States.
The gift to Saugerties is one of a number of $10,000 grants awarded to Carnegie libraries across the country to mark the nation’s 250th anniversary. Programs related to the anniversary are especially significant, said Saugerties Library Director Jennifer Russell.
“That era is important for local history and regional history,” she said.
The grant will fund the following programs, all of which will take place at the library, 91 Washington Ave.:
April 17 at 6 p.m.: A lecture on the history of the Saugerties Public Library with local historian Gus Pedersen. Mid-Hudson Library System Executive Director Rebekkah Smith will also discuss the development of the Mid-Hudson Library System and its impact.
April 24 at 7 p.m.: A screening of “Party Girl,” starring Parker Posey, presented in partnership with the Saugerties Film Society.
April 30: Deadline for a teen art contest with the theme of rebellion.
May 13 at 6:30 p.m.: Lecture: “Choosing Sides — Ulster County During the American Revolution.”
July 8 at 6:30 p.m.: “I Hear America Singing,” a vocal performance for children by Emily Ellison featuring traditional American songs.
July 11 at 11 a.m.: “Gravestone Guardians,” a discussion of local cemeteries from the Revolutionary War era.
Aug. 10 at 6 p.m.: U.S. History Trivia Night.
Oct. 7 at 6 p.m.: A discussion with Justin Wexler of Wild Hudson Valley, “Bitter Farewell: The Esopus Indians and the American Revolution.”
Nov. 4 at 6 p.m.: A discussion with Zachary Veith of Historic Huguenot Street, “Escaping Ulster: Black Loyalists in the War for Independence.”
John W. Barry is a reporter for The Overlook. Reach him at john@theoverlooknews.com.