BHA Speaker Series: The Albany Susquehanna Railroad

The Albany and Susquehanna Railroad and the War for its Control

This presentation will be recorded and made available on the Library's YouTube channel.

Please note:

• Registration is optional, but is advised due to limited seating.
   
  • Registered patrons will have a seat.
     
  • Waitlisted patrons are invited to use standing room.
     
  • Walk-ins will be admitted if space allows
     
• Doors open at 6:30pm. Presentation begins at 7pm.
   

Description of the Program: In 1852, a railroad was proposed to run from Albany to Binghamton to help bring farm products to Albany and New York City, and to bring cheaper coal to Albany. The line was completed in January 1869. “Robber Baron” James Fisk of the Erie RR tried to get control of the line to connect it to his Erie RR, by controlling the board of directors of the Albany and Susquehanna road.  In August 1869, a “war” between conflicting boards of directors broke out, which soon spread to violence on the railroad line itself. This is the story of the railroad (better known as the D&H), which is part of the Helderberg Hudson Rail Trail that passes through Delmar, the struggle for its control, and the outcome.

Speaker Bio: Jill Knapp PhD received a BS degree in General Agriculture from Cornell and an MS and PhD in Argronomy from Purdue, where her research focused on wheat production. Jill was Horticulturist at Hancock Shaker Village and had been Director of Conservation Districts of Iowa. She was Agriculture Program Leader at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Orange County and adjunct Professor at Ramapo N.J. From 2005–2013, Jill was Executive Director of the Hudson Mohawk Land Conservatory. She authored the book "The Time For Redemption."

About This Series: The Town of Bethlehem Historical Association (BHA) has been incorporated as a not-for-profit membership organization since 1965. Along with upkeep of collections and exhibits at the Cedar Hill Schoolhouse Museum at 1003 River Rd. Selkirk, the BHA is pleased to continue its long tradition of presenting fall and spring series of talks by distinguished local speakers on a variety of topics designed to stimulate an appreciation of our historic heritage. This series of historical talks is presented through a partnership with the Town of Bethlehem Historical Association.

*** PLEASE REGISTER EACH INDIVIDUAL SEPARATELY ***
*** We cannot hold two seats for one registration ***