A New York Minute In History

On this special episode of A New York Minute In History, we explore how historians are documenting the coronavirus pandemic in real time. Co-hosts Devin Lander, the New York Historian, and Saratoga County Historian Lauren Roberts are joined by Christine Ridarsky, the City of Rochester Historian and President of the Board of the Association of Public Historians of New York State and Matthew Urtz, Madison County Historian and Vice-President of APHNYS. APHNYS has issued guidelines for public historians throughout New York about how best to document the historical event and Urtz has created a timeline tracking the major moments in the pandemic. In the episode, we also explore how museums, like the New York State Museum, are engaging with audiences virtually during the pandemic to showcase their collections. Music used in this episode of A New York Minute In History includes “Begrudge” by Darby and “Hash Out” by Sunday at Slims.  A New York Minute In History is a podcast about the history of New York and the unique tales of New Yorkers. It is hosted by Devin Lander, the New York State Historian, and Saratoga County Historian Lauren Roberts. WAMC’s Jim Levulis is the producer. A New York Minute In History is a production of the New York State Museum, WAMC Northeast Public Radio and Archivist Media. Support for this podcast comes from the William G. Pomeroy Foundation®, which helps people celebrate their community’s history by providing grants for historic markers and plaques. Since 2006, the Foundation has expanded from one to six different signage grant programs, and funded nearly 1,000 signs across New York State and beyond … all the way to Alaska! With all these options, there’s never been a better time to apply. The Foundation’s programs in the Empire State include commemorating national women’s suffrage, historic canals, sites on the National Register of Historic Places, New York State’s history, and folklore and legends. Grants are available to 501(c)(3) organizations, nonprofit academic institutions, and municipalities. To apply for signage at no cost to you, or to learn more about the Foundation’s grant programs, visit WGPfoundation.org. This program is also funded in part by Humanities New York with support from the National Endowment for the Humanities. Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this podcast do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities.

The coronavirus pandemic has altered the world. And it’s upended how many people go about their daily lives. One organization in New York’s Capital Region wants to collect and preserve the stories of how ordinary people are living through COVID-19. The Schenectady County Historical Society is asking county residents to share their experiences of how the pandemic is affecting them, to build an archive. WAMC's Lucas Willard spoke with the organization's librarian and archivist Marietta Carr to learn more. Click here to learn more about the historical society's efforts.

On this episode of A New York Minute In History, we recall the Miracle On Ice, when the U.S. Men’s Hockey team upset the Soviet Union in the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid. Co-hosts Devin Lander and Lauren Roberts also explore how the 1980 Games got off to a rocky start and how they are remembered today. We also learn about how the 1932 Winter Olympic Games in Lake Placid helped make the region in New York's Adirondack Mountains a winter sports haven. In this episode, you'll hear from 1980 Team Captain Mike Eruzione, famed sports broadcaster Al Michaels and New York Times-best selling author Wayne Coffey. Thanks to Wayne Coffey, author of The Boys of Winter: The Untold Story of a Coach, a Dream, and the 1980 U.S. Olympic Hockey Team as well as Michael Burgess who wrote A Long Shot To Glory: How Lake Placid Saved The Winter Olympics and Restored The Nation’s Pride, as well as Allison Haas of the Lake Placid Olympic Museum and Steven Loughman of the New York State Museum for their time and expertise.  Also thank you to the New York State Archives for audio from the 1932 and 1980 Olympics games as well as NBC Sports for hosting the conference call with Al Michaels and Mike Eruzione. Music used in this episode of A New York Minute In History includes “Begrudge” by Darby, “Hash Out” by Sunday at Slims, “Kid Kodi” by Skittle, “Rafter” by Speakeasy, “Roundpine Textile” by Resolute and “Dirtbike Lovers” by Desert Orchard. A New York Minute In History is a podcast about the history of New York and the unique tales of New Yorkers. It is hosted by Devin Lander, the New York State Historian, and Saratoga County Historian Lauren Roberts. WAMC’s Jim Levulis is the producer. A New York Minute In History is a production of the New York State Museum, WAMC Northeast Public Radio and Archivist Media. Support for this podcast comes from the William G. Pomeroy Foundation®, which helps people celebrate their community’s history by providing grants for historic markers and plaques. Since 2006, the Foundation has expanded from one to six different signage grant programs, and funded nearly 1,000 signs across New York State and beyond … all the way to Alaska! With all these options, there’s never been a better time to apply. The Foundation’s programs in the Empire State include commemorating national women’s suffrage, historic canals, sites on the National Register of Historic Places, New York State’s history, and folklore and legends. Grants are available to 501(c)(3) organizations, nonprofit academic institutions, and municipalities. To apply for signage at no cost to you, or to learn more about the Foundation’s grant programs, visit WGPfoundation.org. This program is also funded in part by Humanities New York with support from the National Endowment for the Humanities. Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this podcast do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities.

On this episode of A New York Minute In History, we explore slavery in New York and specifically the resistance to the institution, including the Underground Railroad. Co-hosts Devin Lander and Lauren Roberts speak with area experts and tour a historic home in Albany that is living a new life as a museum depicting the history of its previous occupants. Thanks to Dr. Jennifer Thompson Burns, Dr. David Agum and Dr. Oscar Williams of the University at Albany's Department of Africana Studies for their help with this episode. Also thank you to Mary Liz and Paul Stewart of the the Underground Railroad History Project of the Capital Region for their expertise and time.  Music used in this episode of A New York Minute In History includes “Begrudge” by Darby, “Hash Out” by Sunday at Slims, “Kid Kodi” by Skittle, "Missing Transistor" by Ray Catcher and "The Air Escaping" by K4.  A New York Minute In History is a podcast about the history of New York and the unique tales of New Yorkers. It is hosted by Devin Lander, the New York State Historian, and Saratoga County Historian Lauren Roberts. WAMC’s Jim Levulis is the producer. Our intern for this episode was Alycia Bacon. A New York Minute In History is a production of the New York State Museum, WAMC Northeast Public Radio and Archivist Media. Support for this podcast comes from the William G. Pomeroy Foundation®, which helps people celebrate their community’s history by providing grants for historic markers and plaques. Since 2006, the Foundation has expanded from one to six different signage grant programs, and funded nearly 1,000 signs across New York State and beyond … all the way to Alaska! With all these options, there’s never been a better time to apply. The Foundation’s programs in the Empire State include commemorating national women’s suffrage, historic canals, sites on the National Register of Historic Places, New York State’s history, and folklore and legends. Grants are available to 501(c)(3) organizations, nonprofit academic institutions, and municipalities. To apply for signage at no cost to you, or to learn more about the Foundation’s grant programs, visit WGPfoundation.org. This program is also funded in part by Humanities New York with support from the National Endowment for the Humanities. Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this podcast do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities.

On this “extra innings” episode of A New York Minute In History, co-hosts Devin Lander and Lauren Roberts chronicle the life of Troy native Johnny Evers. In the early 20th century, the scrappy, slender and fiercely competitive infielder had a Hall of Fame career, but is perhaps best known for his role in the famed “Tinker to Evers to Chance” poem, also known as Baseball’s Sad Lexicon. Evers’ great grandnephew, also named Johnny Evers, details what made his noted relative so successful on the field and explains how the poem came to be. For more baseball history, check out our episode on the game's development in the 19th century. Thanks to Johnny Evers for his help with the episode. Music used in this episode of A New York Minute In History includes “Begrudge” by Darby and “Hash Out” by Sunday at Slims. A New York Minute In History is a podcast about the history of New York and the unique tales of New Yorkers. It is hosted by Devin Lander, the New York State Historian, and Saratoga County Historian Lauren Roberts. WAMC’s Jim Levulis is the producer. A New York Minute In History is a production of the New York State Museum, WAMC Northeast Public Radio and Archivist Media. Support for this podcast comes from the William G. Pomeroy Foundation®, which helps people celebrate their community’s history by providing grants for historic markers and plaques. Since 2006, the Foundation has expanded from one to six different signage grant programs, and funded nearly 900 signs across New York State and beyond … all the way to Alaska! With all these options, there’s never been a better time to apply. The Foundation’s programs in the Empire State include commemorating national women’s suffrage, historic canals, sites on the National Register of Historic Places, New York State’s history, and folklore and legends. Grants are available to 501(c)(3) organizations, nonprofit academic institutions, and municipalities. To apply for signage at no cost to you, or to learn more about the Foundation’s grant programs, visit WGPfoundation.org. This program is also funded in part by Humanities New York with support from the National Endowment for the Humanities. Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this podcast do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities.

On this Halloween episode of A New York Minute In History, we explore a murder in the state’s capital of Albany. In May 1827, a member of the city’s elite was killed in his family’s Georgian mansion at Cherry Hill. The murder of John Whipple resulted in two sensational trials steeped in the issues of their time, and the last public hanging in Albany. Historic Cherry Hill continues to mark the anniversary, as WAMC’s Jesse King found out. Music used in this episode of A New York Minute In History includes "Roadside Bunkhouse" by Truck Stop. A New York Minute In History is a podcast about the history of New York and the unique tales of New Yorkers. It is hosted by Devin Lander, the New York State Historian, and Saratoga County Historian Lauren Roberts. WAMC’s Jim Levulis is the producer. A New York Minute In History is a production of the New York State Museum, WAMC Northeast Public Radio and Archivist Media. Support for this podcast comes from the William G. Pomeroy Foundation®, which helps people celebrate their community’s history by providing grants for historic markers and plaques. Since 2006, the Foundation has expanded from one to six different signage grant programs, and funded nearly 900 signs across New York State and beyond … all the way to Alaska! With all these options, there’s never been a better time to apply. The Foundation’s programs in the Empire State include commemorating national women’s suffrage, historic canals, sites on the National Register of Historic Places, New York State’s history, and folklore and legends. Grants are available to 501(c)(3) organizations, nonprofit academic institutions, and municipalities. To apply for signage at no cost to you, or to learn more about the Foundation’s grant programs, visit WGPfoundation.org. This program is also funded in part by Humanities New York with support from the National Endowment for the Humanities. Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this podcast do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities.

On this episode of A New York Minute In History, co-hosts Devin Lander and Lauren Roberts take a crack at early baseball. Through interviews with John Thorn, the official historian of Major League Baseball, and Tom Shieber of the Baseball Hall of Fame, the episode explores the beginnings of baseball in America, the origin stories and how the game developed into America's pastime in the 19th century. Also in this episode, WAMC's Jesse King - on assignment for A New York Minute In History - attended a vintage baseball game between the Fleischmanns Mountain Athletic Club and the Brooklyn Atlantics in New York's Hudson Valley to learn how the early game is remembered and honored. Devin and Lauren took the podcast on a road trip to visit the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, NY. While in the hallowed halls, they explore the Abner Doubleday story and how it is thought of today. The episode also examines how women and African Americans contributed to the growth of baseball in the 19th century. Thanks to John Thorn, the official historian of Major League Baseball as well as Senior Curator Tom Shieber and the staff of the Baseball Hall of Fame for their help with this episode.  Music used in this episode of A New York Minute In History includes “Begrudge” by Darby, “Hash Out” by Sunday at Slims, “Kid Kodi” by Skittle and "Mr. Graves" and "Georgia Overdrive" by Truck Stop. A New York Minute In History is a podcast about the history of New York and the unique tales of New Yorkers. It is hosted by Devin Lander, the New York State Historian, and Saratoga County Historian Lauren Roberts. WAMC’s Jim Levulis is the producer. A New York Minute In History is a production of the New York State Museum, WAMC Northeast Public Radio and Archivist Media. Support for this podcast comes from the William G. Pomeroy Foundation®, which helps people celebrate their community’s history by providing grants for historic markers and plaques. Since 2006, the Foundation has expanded from one to six different signage grant programs, and funded nearly 900 signs across New York State and beyond … all the way to Alaska! With all these options, there’s never been a better time to apply. The Foundation’s programs in the Empire State include commemorating national women’s suffrage, historic canals, sites on the National Register of Historic Places, New York State’s history, and folklore and legends. Grants are available to 501(c)(3) organizations, nonprofit academic institutions, and municipalities. To apply for signage at no cost to you, or to learn more about the Foundation’s grant programs, visit WGPfoundation.org. This program is also funded in part by Humanities New York with support from the National Endowment for the Humanities. Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this podcast do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities.

On this special episode of A New York Minute In History, we attend a birthday party for one of America’s greatest hoaxes. The Cardiff Giant, a 10-and-a-half foot so-called petrified man, was uncovered in 1869. And he is still marveled at by the public today. Just inside the front door of the Farmers’ Museum in Cooperstown – can’t miss him – lies the man who mystified New Yorkers and newspaper readers far-and-wide 150 years ago. The Cardiff Giant, uncovered at a farm in Cardiff, New York, south of Syracuse, became a sensation. And today it remains one of the greatest hoaxes in American history. “Well, I do love a good hoax,” said Kilmer. Brooke Kilmer first learned about the Cardiff Giant in elementary school. “He was in a reading passage on a state test. And I remember going home to my mom and telling her the story of the Cardiff Giant, and I was just fascinated. And I moved to Cooperstown about a year and a half ago and when I found out he was here, I’ve just been very excited ever since,” said Kilmer. The story goes like this. In the 1860s a businessman named George Hull came up with the idea to fool the public with his giant after getting into a discussion with a fundamentalist Christian. Michael Tamburrino, the manager of the performing arts program at the Farmers’ Museum, takes it from here… “And he ended up thinking well, I think this guy would believe anything. So what if we create this elaborate sort-of event where we bury a stone giant in the ground, do you think people actually will believe that this was a biblical person?” Hull went to great lengths to make his petrified giant as realistic as possible. The giant was cut from a solid block of gypsum shipped from Iowa to Chicago, where it was carved in secrecy. Acid was even used to alter the surface of the stone, to make it appear ancient. It was transported to Cardiff and buried at a farm owned by Hull’s co-conspirator William “Stub” Newell. After it was “discovered” by well-diggers in 1869, it became a hit. A tourist magnet. Archeologists and onlookers alike flocked to the farm. “Tourist trap, cash cow, yeah. Absolutely,” said Tamburrino. It cost 50 cents a head to see the giant. Even after the hoax was exposed, people kept showing up. Tamburrino directed a performance at the giant’s birthday celebration to hearken the swindlers of the day – a medicine show, where hucksters try shilling an elixir supposedly bottled from a spring beneath the giant. “Who will be the next to drink Cardiff’s Miracle Elixir and drink to lifelong health and happiness?” Eventually, the giant was sold and exhibited in Syracuse. The giant attracted the attention of showman PT Barnum, whose attempt purchase the giant was turned down. So he made and showed off his own Cardiff copy. The quote often attributed to Barnum – “there’s a sucker born every minute” – may actually have been said by David Hannum, one of a group of investors who purchased a stake in the giant from Hull. The stories of the giant continued long after it was unearthed. David Angel says he is the great-grandson of one of the original tricksters. “My grandfather told my father about his father, my great-grandfather, burying it. My dad was the youngest of the family born in 1902. So I grew up with all the stories of the Cardiff Giant throughout the family history,” said Angel. Angel first saw the giant when he was 14, 55 years ago. He said he never doubted his father’s stories. “I grew up with the stories. You had to have a memory to lie. And he didn’t lie. And he told it like it was. And it wasn’t only him, it was my uncles that told me the story, also,” said Angel. On Wednesday, the giant was honored with decorations made by local preschoolers, his own super-sized party hat, and of course, a huge slice of cake. “Happy birthday dear Giant, happy birthday to you!” “Thank you, everyone! Enjoy your cake!” A giant thanks to WAMC's Lucas Willard for his

Now regarded as one the most iconic cultural expressions of American society, the Woodstock festival of 1969 served to encapsulate the spirit of the 1960s counterculture movement. Despite Woodstock’s continued popularity 50 years after it was first held, the complexities that led to its creation and lasting social impacts are often overlooked. On this episode of A New York Minute In History, co-hosts Devin Lander and Lauren Roberts speak with author Mark Berger, Karen Quinn – the Senior Art Curator at the New York State Museum, art collector Arthur Anderson, and Wade Lawrence – the museum director of the Museum at Bethel Woods, about various aspects of Woodstock such as its lesser known origin story, its role as an emblem of counterculture, and it’s often-overlooked connection to the Woodstock Arts Colony. The episode also includes a compilation of archival WAMC interviews with some of the performers and organizers of the 1969 Woodstock festival. Woodstock Festival The idea of the now iconic Woodstock festival of 1969 was originally conceived by four men from New York City named Michael Lang, Artie Kornfeld, John Roberts, and Joel Rosenman. Lang and Kornfeld both held experience in the music industry with Lang having headed the Miami Pop Festival of 1968 and Kornfeld having served as the youngest vice president at Capitol Records. Roberts and Rosenman were wealthy New York entrepreneurs interested in making a new investment. When they combined forces, the idea was proposed to create a recording studio in Woodstock, NY under the name Woodstock Ventures. Woodstock, NY had been known as a popular center for artists long before the existence of Woodstock Ventures. The rural town was regarded as reflecting the “back-to-the-land” spirit that was becoming increasingly popular in the 1960s and attracted famous musicians, such as Bob Dylan and Van Morrison, seeking a peaceful place to create. In order for Woodstock Ventures to fund their recording studio, they decided to host a concert. Although the fundraiser would be named for the town of Woodstock, due to a series of issues faced by the organizers, the festival would actually take place more than 50 miles away. Finding a suitable location to host the festival proved to be one of the biggest challenges facing the promoters. Due to there being no suitable locations in the small town of Woodstock, the group began looking in neighboring areas. Although they were able to find several possible locations, Woodstock Ventures received pushback from local communities. At one point they tried to secure a spot in Saugerties, NY only to be refused a permit and later tried to host the event in Wallkill, NY but were denied once again. The group's luck changed upon meeting Elliot Tiber. Tiber initially offered the land of his parent’s motel for the group to use, however, this was turned down as the site was deemed unacceptable for the large crowds expected. Tiber then suggested meeting with a real estate agent from the area as they would know of more suitable places nearby. This idea eventually connected Woodstock Ventures with Max Yasgur, the owner of a large dairy farm in Bethel, NY. Yasgur agreed to let his farm be used in exchange for a reported $50,000. Despite the event not being held in Woodstock, it continued to be advertised under the name of the town. Due to the festival’s official title being, “Woodstock Music and Art Fair presents: An Aquarian Exposition” which would be shortened and popularized by the media simply as “Woodstock.” Woodstock Arts Colony In certain circles, Woodstock was already iconic well before 1969. In 1902, The Byrdcliffe Arts Colony was founded near Woodstock by Jane Byrd McCall and Ralph Radcliffe Whitehead and became the first intentionally created year-round arts colony in the nation. Now the oldest arts and crafts colony in the United States, Byrdcliffe was originally formed in opposition to the popular industrialization movement

One hundred years ago, on April 11, 1919, New York Governor Al Smith signed the “Historians Law.” The first law of its kind in the United States, the Historians Law allowed for every village, town, and city in the state to have an official historian to gather and preserve historical records. On this episode of A New York Minute In History, host and New York State Historian Devin Lander is joined by Clifton Park Historian John Scherer, Saratoga County Historian Lauren Roberts, and former Broome County Historian and past president of the Association of Public Historians of New York State Gerald Smith to discuss the role of local historians and the integral part they play in their communities. For those interested in learning more about the Historians Law, click here. In 1916, James Sullivan was appointed as the New York State Historian. Throughout his first several years in this position, he devoted the majority of his energy to his role as the domestic coordinator for an initiative to educate soldiers. Once World War I ended in 1918, Sullivan became an advocate for preserving local historical records related to New York’s involvement in the war. This hope to maintain local records connected Sullivan with Oneida County Assemblyman Louis M. Martin who had planned a bill which would allow municipalities in New York to appoint a local government historian to preserve the history of their community. On December 30, 1918, Sullivan sent Martin a letter containing a draft of the local historians’ bill that would allow each village, town, and city to appoint a historian to collect and maintain materials related to their local history. The bill moved easily through the Assembly and the Senate but on March 27, it was recalled from the Governor’s desk and returned to the Assembly for modification. The role of historical societies and the state historian’s role in appointing local historians had been removed and the task of appointment had now been given to municipal leaders. With this change, the bill was eventually signed into law by Governor Al Smith on April 11, 1919. Although initially frustrated with the changes made to the bill, Sullivan accepted the alterations and began reaching out to municipalities to appoint their historians. The first assignment he tasked the new historians with was to collect and send him copies of materials pertaining to their community’s role in World War I. This project led to an invaluable collection of documents and photographs from various New York municipalities role in the war. One hundred years after the 1919 historians’ law was put into place mandating that every village, town, and city in the state have an official historian to gather and preserve historical records, it has continued to evolve and now includes hundreds of county and borough historians as well. The law remains crucial in the preservation of local history and has led to the formation of a unique network of historians exclusive to New York. Thanks to Gerald Smith, Lauren Roberts and John Scherer for their help with this episode. Sara Casazza, an intern at the New York State Museum, contributed to this episode.  Music used in Episode 7 of A New York Minute In History includes “Begrudge” by Darby, “Parade Shoes” by Arc and Crescent, “Hash Out” by Sunday at Slims and “Kid Kodi” by Skittle. A New York Minute In History is a podcast about the history of New York and the unique tales of New Yorkers. It is hosted by Devin Lander, the New York State Historian. WAMC's Jim Levulis is the producer. A New York Minute In History is a production of the New York State Museum, WAMC Northeast Public Radio and Archivist Media.  Support for this podcast comes from the William G. Pomeroy Foundation®, which helps people celebrate their community’s history by providing grants for historic markers and plaques. Since 2006, the Foundation has expanded from one to six different signage grant programs, and

A reservoir system capacity of 570 billion gallons. A watershed area that covers 1.2 million acres. And a supply that is 90 percent unfiltered. The parameters of New York City’s drinking water infrastructure are astounding, but the story behind the system is much more fascinating. It’s a tale that involves engineering feats, colliding cultures and even Aaron Burr. On this episode of A New York Minute In History, co-hosts Devin Lander and Don Wildman detail how water from the Hudson Valley saved New York City and allowed it to be become the financial and cultural capital of the world. Thanks to University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire Professor Dr. David Soll, Adam Bosch of the New York City Department of Environmental Protection, Croton-on-Hudson Village Historian Marc Cheshire and Tom Tarnowsky of Friends of the Old Croton Aqueduct for their help with this episode. Dana Kerdesky, an intern at the New York State Museum, contributed to this episode.  Music used in Episode 6 of A New York Minute In History includes "Begrudge" by Darby, "Parade Shoes" by Arc and Crescent" and "Hash Out" by Sunday at Slims.  A New York Minute In History is a podcast about the history of New York and the unique tales of New Yorkers. It is hosted by Devin Lander, the New York State Historian, and Don Wildman. Jim Levulis is the producer. A New York Minute In History is a production of the New York State Museum, WAMC Northeast Public Radio and Archivist Media.  Support for this podcast comes from the William G. Pomeroy Foundation®, which helps people celebrate their community’s history by providing grants for historic markers and plaques. Since 2006, the Foundation has expanded from one to six different signage grant programs, and funded over 800 signs across New York State and beyond … all the way to Alaska! With all these options, there’s never been a better time to apply. The Foundation’s programs in the Empire State include commemorating national women’s suffrage, historic canals, sites on the National Register of Historic Places, New York State’s history, and folklore and legends. Grants are available to 501(c)(3) organizations, nonprofit academic institutions, and municipalities. To apply for signage at no cost to you, or to learn more about the Foundation’s grant programs, visit WGPfoundation.org. The project is also sponsored by a Humanities New York Action Grant with funds from the National Endowment for the Humanities.  Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this program do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities.

On this special episode of A New York Minute In History, we come to you from the New York State Museum in Albany. The occasion is Capital Region History Day as more than 100 students from area schools displayed their projects in hopes of making it to New York State History Day in Cooperstown on April 29. Co-host Don Wildman spoke to some of the students competing and the teachers involved in the effort. The team of A New York Minute In History would like to thank the staff at the New York State Museum for their hospitality. A New York Minute In History is a podcast about the history of New York and the unique tales of New Yorkers. It is hosted by Devin Lander, the New York State Historian, and Don Wildman. Jim Levulis is the producer. A New York Minute In History is a production of the New York State Museum, WAMC Northeast Public Radio and Archivist Media.  Support for this podcast comes from The William G. Pomeroy Foundation, which helps people celebrate their community’s history by providing grants for historic markers and plaques. Since 2006, the Foundation has expanded from one to six different signage grant programs, and funded over 800 signs across New York State and beyond … all the way to Alaska! With all these options, there’s never been a better time to apply. The Foundation’s programs in the Empire State include commemorating national women’s suffrage, historic canals, sites on the National Register of Historic Places, New York State’s history, and folklore and legends. Grants are available to 501(c)(3) organizations, nonprofit academic institutions, and municipalities. To apply for signage at no cost to you, or to learn more about the Foundation’s grant programs, visit WGPfoundation.org.  The project is also sponsored by a Humanities New York Action Grant with funds from the National Endowment for the Humanities.  Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this program do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities.

On this episode of A New York Minute In History, co-hosts Devin Lander and Don Wildman examine how two New Yorkers – Al Smith and Franklin Delano Roosevelt – influenced the Progressive Era of the early 20th century. The episode also explores how the administrations of Smith and Roosevelt shaped modern day politics and the role of government. Franklin D. Roosevelt (FDR) Franklin Delano Roosevelt (FDR) was born in Hyde Park, New York on January 30, 1882. He was the son of James Roosevelt and Sara Delano Roosevelt. He attended prestigious preparatory school Groton, received a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from Harvard University, and studied law at Columbia University. Roosevelt passed the bar examination in 1907. He left Columbia without having received a degree and practiced law in New York City until he entered politics. Roosevelt married Anna Eleanor Roosevelt in 1905 and the pair had six children, of whom five survived infancy. Roosevelt ran for the New York State Senate as a progressive Democrat. He was elected 1910 and reelected in 1912. In the State Senate, Roosevelt stood in opposition to “machine politics” and “political bossism.” He sponsored a resolution for New York’s congressional delegation to approve the U.S. Constitution’s seventeenth amendment for the direct election of senators. Roosevelt also championed conservation. Woodrow Wilson appointed Roosevelt Assistant Secretary of the Navy in 1913, a position that Roosevelt held until 1920.  His experience, success and popularity in naval affairs resulted in Roosevelt’s nomination for the role of vice president by the Democratic Party in 1920. He shared the ticket with James M. Cox. The pair lost the 1920 presidential election to Republican candidate Warren Harding. The loss prompted Roosevelt to take a hiatus from politics. Roosevelt contracted poliomyelitis (infantile paralysis) in 1921, while vacationing at Campobello Island, New Brunswick. Due to the illness, Roosevelt permanently lost the use of his legs. Roosevelt’s diagnoses and treatment for polio encouraged his work to combat the disease, including the establishment of a recovery center in Warm Springs, Georgia and the organization of the March of Dimes, which eventually funded the creation of an effective polio vaccine. Despite his illness, Roosevelt resumed his political career at the encouragement of political confidant Louis Howe and his wife, Eleanor. Roosevelt’s appearance and speech at the Democratic National Convention of 1924 won him acclaim. He spoke on behalf of Alfred E. Smith. Although Smith lost the Democratic presidential nomination to John W. Davis in 1924, Smith won the presidential nomination in 1928. In 1928, Smith arranged for Roosevelt to succeed him as New York’s governor. Smith did not win the presidency, but Roosevelt was elected Governor of New York. While Governor of New York, Roosevelt established himself as a progressive governor by increasing enhancing the power of state agencies, increasing regulatory supervision of business, providing by tax relief to farmers, advocating cheap electric power, and establishing relief programs for people out of work following the 1929 stock market crash, including the New York State Unemployment Relief Act and the creation of the Temporary Emergency Relief Administration (TERA). Roosevelt’s campaign for the presidency began on 1930.  Roosevelt’s policies in New York aimed at combating the Great Depression provided a stark contrast to President Herbert Hoover’s national efforts. Roosevelt’s activist approach, calls for government intervention in the economy, and the Republicans unpopularity in the United States propelled Roosevelt to earn the Democratic nomination and eventually become the 32nd President of the United States. Roosevelt entered the White House at the height of the great Depression. In response to a worsening economy and rapidly increasing unemployment, Roosevelt took immediate action and in

On this special edition of A New York Minute In History we discuss an exciting development regarding the New York History Journal. Starting this year, Cornell University Press will publish the century-old journal. Working in association with an editorial team at the New York State Museum, the Press will expand the scope of the journal to include public history and museum studies. Podcast co-host Devin Lander, the New York State Historian, is joined by Dr. Jennifer Lemak, Chief Curator of History at the New York State Museum, and Michael McGandy, Senior Editor and Director of Three Hills, an imprint of Cornell University Press, for a discussion about the Journal's fresh start. If you are interested in submitting an article for review to the New York History Journal, you can email nyhj@nysed.gov. Click here to find the submission guidelines, the Journal's Advisory Board members and more information. Music used in this episode of A New York Minute In History includes “When The Boys Come Home” composed by Oley Speaks.  Check in with A New York Minute In History on Twitter or email anyminuteinhistory@gmail.com. A New York Minute In History is a podcast about the history of New York and the unique tales of New Yorkers. It is hosted by Devin Lander, the New York State Historian, and Don Wildman. Jim Levulis is the producer. A New York Minute In History is a production of the New York State Museum, WAMC Northeast Public Radio and Archivist Media.  Support for this podcast comes from the William G. Pomeroy Foundation®, which helps people celebrate their community’s history by providing grants for historic markers and plaques. Since 2006, the Foundation has expanded from one to six different signage grant programs, and funded over 800 signs across New York State and beyond … all the way to Alaska! With all these options, there’s never been a better time to apply. The Foundation’s programs in the Empire State include commemorating national women’s suffrage, historic canals, sites on the National Register of Historic Places, New York State’s history, and folklore and legends. Grants are available to 501(c)(3) organizations, nonprofit academic institutions, and municipalities. To apply for signage at no cost to you, or to learn more about the Foundation’s grant programs, visit WGPfoundation.org.  The project is also sponsored by a Humanities New York Action Grant with funds from the National Endowment for the Humanities.  Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this program do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities.

On the fourth episode of A New York Minute In History, we detail Henry Hudson's exploration of what would become the Empire State and how his journey up the aptly named Hudson River led to the Dutch settlement of New Netherland. Join us as we explore how the Dutch colony differed from its counterparts in New England and Virginia via relative tolerance, a multi-ethnic population and free trade. Co-hosts Devin Lander and Don Wildman also detail the impact of Peter Stuyvesant - arguably New Netherland's most notable citizen - and that of Adriaen van der Donck, a figure largely forgotten by history. Finally, this episode explains how slavery existed in a society often celebrated for its revolutionary tolerance. Thanks to historian and author Russell Shorto, Dr. Charles Gehring of the New Netherland Institute, Mark Schaming of the New York State Museum, historian Jennifer Tosch and Dolph Hogewoning, Consul General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in New York, for all of their help with this episode.  Music used in Episode 4 of A New York Minute In History includes “When The Boys Come Home” composed by Oley Speaks.  Check in with A New York Minute In History on Twitter or email anyminuteinhistory@gmail.com. A New York Minute In History is a podcast about the history of New York and the unique tales of New Yorkers. It is hosted by Devin Lander, the New York State Historian, and Don Wildman. Jim Levulis is the producer. A New York Minute In History is a production of the New York State Museum, WAMC Northeast Public Radio and Archivist Media.  Support for this podcast comes from the William G. Pomeroy Foundation®, which helps people celebrate their community’s history by providing grants for historic markers and plaques. Since 2006, the Foundation has expanded from one to six different signage grant programs, and funded over 800 signs across New York State and beyond … all the way to Alaska! With all these options, there’s never been a better time to apply. The Foundation’s programs in the Empire State include commemorating national women’s suffrage, historic canals, sites on the National Register of Historic Places, New York State’s history, and folklore and legends. Grants are available to 501(c)(3) organizations, nonprofit academic institutions, and municipalities. To apply for signage at no cost to you, or to learn more about the Foundation’s grant programs, visit WGPfoundation.org.  The project is also sponsored by a Humanities New York Action Grant with funds from the National Endowment for the Humanities.  Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this program do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities.