Herkimer County Historical Society

06/08/2026

Mstislav Rostropovich (1927–2007)

He was one of the most celebrated cellists and conductors of the 20th century. Born in Baku, Azerbaijan, to a family of musicians, he studied at the Moscow Conservatory and quickly rose to prominence, winning major Soviet music competitions and earning the Stalin Prize at age 23.

Renowned for his extraordinary technique and musical insight, Rostropovich transformed the cello repertoire by inspiring, commissioning, and premiering more than 100 new works—more than any other cellist in history. Many of the greatest composers of the era, including Dmitri Shostakovich, Sergei Prokofiev, Benjamin Britten, Henri Dutilleux, Witold Lutosławski, Krzysztof Penderecki, and Luciano Berio, wrote major works specifically for him. His close artistic partnership with Britten produced several landmark cello compositions.

Beyond music, Rostropovich became an internationally respected advocate for human rights and artistic freedom. He publicly defended dissidents such as Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn, actions that brought him into conflict with Soviet authorities. In 1974 he and his wife, renowned soprano Galina Vishnevskaya, left the Soviet Union and settled in the United States. Four years later, his Soviet citizenship was revoked because of his outspoken support for freedom of expression.

From 1977 to 1994, Rostropovich served as Music Director of the National Symphony Orchestra in Washington, D.C., while continuing an active international performing career. His impromptu performance at the Berlin Wall in 1989 became a symbol of freedom and the end of the Cold War. His Soviet citizenship was restored in 1990.

Although he maintained homes in Paris, Moscow, Saint Petersburg, London, and Lausanne, Rostropovich also owned a residence in Jordanville, New York, where he spent time and developed ties to the region.

Rostropovich received countless international honors for both his musical achievements and humanitarian efforts. Widely regarded as one of the greatest cellists of all time, his influence continues to shape generations of musicians. He died in Moscow on April 27, 2007, at the age of 80.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mstislav_Rostropovich

06/07/2026

Good morning Everyone.

Happy Sunday!!

06/06/2026

**D-Day: The Beginning of the End of World War II in Europe**

D-Day, June 6, 1944, was one of the most significant military operations in history. It marked the start of the Allied invasion of N**i-occupied France during World War II and began the campaign to liberate Western Europe from German control.

Known as Operation Overlord, the invasion was planned for months by Allied leaders. In the early hours of June 6, thousands of paratroopers landed behind enemy lines in Normandy to secure key roads, bridges, and communication routes. At dawn, more than 156,000 Allied soldiers from the United States, Great Britain, Canada, and several other nations crossed the English Channel and stormed five beaches along the Normandy coast: Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno, and Sword.

The soldiers faced formidable obstacles. German forces had heavily fortified the coastline with bunkers, artillery, mines, and machine-gun positions. Rough seas, poor weather, and confusion during the landings added to the challenge. The fighting was especially intense at Omaha Beach, where American troops suffered heavy casualties while advancing across open sand under relentless enemy fire.

Despite these difficulties, Allied troops succeeded in establishing beachheads along the coast. By the end of the day, they had secured critical positions and begun moving inland. The success of D-Day allowed millions of additional troops, vehicles, and supplies to flow into France in the weeks and months that followed.

The Normandy invasion became a turning point in World War II. It opened a major Western Front against N**i Germany, forcing German forces to fight on multiple fronts. The Allied advance across France eventually led to the liberation of Paris and continued into Germany. Less than a year later, Germany surrendered, bringing the war in Europe to an end.

D-Day remains a powerful symbol of courage, sacrifice, and international cooperation. Thousands of Allied servicemen lost their lives on June 6, 1944, and many more were wounded. Their bravery helped secure freedom for millions and changed the course of history.

06/06/2026

06/06/2026

We look forward to seeing you today at 2pm!

The book talk will be in the Suiter House (brick building on the corner) instead of the Eckler House.

06/05/2026

We still have tickets available!! One more week to go!

06/05/2026

IT'S NATIONAL DOOOOONNNNUUUUTTTTT DAAAAYYYYY!!!

What's your go-to favorite?

Mine's Boston Creme!

06/04/2026

We have a new book in the Gift Shop!

"Ungrateful Bastard" Written by Susan Ashline

The book tells the story of Gordon "Woody" Mower, the murder of his parents, and his failed attempt to escape from prison.

This is also available on our online gift shop by clinking on this link:
https://herkimercountyhistory.org/product/ungrateful-bastard-the-shocking-journey-of-a-killer-and-escape-artist/