Hurley Heritage Society

02/02/2023

HHS FEBRUARY 23rd Online Lecture 7pm
Native American Stone Structures of the Catskill Mountains
Presented by author Glenn Kreisberg
ONLINE (Zoom) - ADVANCE REGISTRATION REQUIRED (FREE) (information below to register)

"Scattered throughout the wooded uplands of the Catskill Mountains are a large number of standing lithic structures that have mostly been ignored by conventional archaeologists. Often dismissed as colonial era stone walls and field clearing piles, these formations are increasingly emerging as part of a Native American tradition of ritual building practices that reflected a sophisticated world view and sociocultural belief system. This program focuses on presenting locational data of potential Native American sacred sites within the Catskills and surrounding regions, in order to discern patterns in their construction techniques, environmental positioning, and event-specific structural alignments related to sky observation. Utilizing GIS software, hundreds of sites and structures in the region have been geolocated, providing a basis for understanding these sites in their original context. This research is only the first step in a larger effort to rediscover the cultural heritage and knowledge Native Americans in our region have long practiced and represented as a living synthesis projected upon their physical landscape."

Glenn Kreisberg is an author, outdoor guide, and radio engineer, who researches archeoastronomy and landscape archaeology in the Hudson Valley and Catskill Mountains of New York. His books include Spirits in Stone, Mysteries of the Ancient Past and Lost Knowledge of the Ancients. He served two terms as vice president of the New England Antiquities Research Association (NEARA) and studied archeoastronomy at SUNY and archaeoacoustics on Malta. He is co-founder of the non-profit Overlook Mountain Center (www.overlookmountain.org) in Woodstock, NY, where he lives with his wife and two children.

TO REGISTE in advance for this meeting click:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwpdeCrqDgrHtxiH9DooJIGeK3WeuFJ1Z86

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

01/30/2023

The Hurley Heritage Society welcomes back local favorite and nationally renowned Professor Louie and the Crowmatix! TO PURCHASE TICKETS ONLINE VISIT >>>
Upbeat music with driving grooves from their 2022 release, Strike Up The Band.
New original songs reflecting a unique vision of relationships and thoughts about the times we live.
Also enjoy favorites from Music from Hurley Mountain and earlier releases, as well as some classics from The Band and other top artists.
Friday March 31st, 7pm seating, 7:30 start.
Tickets are only $25 in advance, $30 at the door.
Hurley Dutch Reformed Church, 11 Main Street, Hurley, NY
https://www.hurleyheritagesociety.org/plc-2023/

01/26/2023

TONIGHT! 7pm online
HURLEY HERITAGE LECTURE Thurs. Jan 26 at 7pm online.
(Preregistration required - free and open to public)
Titled The Old Eagle-Nester: Lost Legends, Origin Stories, and Historical Evidence, the lecture poses the question of "How did a mixed-race basket peddler from Eagle’s Nest in Hurley end up in a Greene County lumber camp in Doris West Brooks’ collection of stories, "The Old Eagle-Nester: The Lost Legends of the Catskills”? “The old woman of the swamp” is a composite of several marginalized Hudson Valley communities. This lecture will provide some historical context for these tales of witchcraft, ghosts, fortune-telling, and that strangely addictive tea.
To register (for free) for this lecture, visit the https://tinyurl.com/79spbf5a
The lecture will be presented by Lorna Smedman, a resident of Hurley and graduate of the Jack Kerouac School of Disembodied Poetics at Naropa Institute, and PhD in American Literature from the CUNY Graduate School.
The Hurley Heritage Society maintains and operates the Hurley Museum, protects and preserves materials, documents and artifacts pertaining to the Hurley area, and raises awareness and educates the public of the town's special heritage through events, lectures, programs, tours, and community initiatives.

01/22/2023

Where the current Hurley Library now sits was once the Van Sickle Inn and Tavern. In the 1700s the hotel was the location for patriotic meetings, the early courts were held there, and the Council of Safety resided there in 1777, while Hurley was the NYS capital. The president of the village delivered a speech from the hotel porch to Gen. George Washington during his visit in 1782. The Van Sickle family owned the property from the hotel on Main Street all the way back to the Col. Gerardus Hardenberg house.
They ran a large dairy farm on the property where the Meyer School now stands.
On March 18, 1909, the town awoke early in the morning to find the beautiful hotel on fire. Very little could be done and the building was a total loss. Eventually a small general store replaced it, and then a Key Bank was built that eventually became today's Hurley Library. (Photo courtesy of George K. Van Sickle - copy courtesy of Deanna Decker)

01/20/2023

HURLEY HERITAGE LECTURE Thurs. Jan 26 at 7pm online.
The Hurley Heritage Society presents its next online public lecture on January 26th at 7pm.

Titled The Old Eagle-Nester: Lost Legends, Origin Stories, and Historical Evidence, the lecture poses the question of "How did a mixed-race basket peddler from Eagle’s Nest in Hurley end up in a Greene County lumber camp in Doris West Brooks’ collection of stories, "The Old Eagle-Nester: The Lost Legends of the Catskills”? “The old woman of the swamp” is a composite of several marginalized Hudson Valley communities. This lecture will provide some historical context for these tales of witchcraft, ghosts, fortune-telling, and that strangely addictive tea.

To register (for free) for this lecture, visit the https://tinyurl.com/79spbf5a

The lecture will be presented by Lorna Smedman, a resident of Hurley and graduate of the Jack Kerouac School of Disembodied Poetics at Naropa Institute, and PhD in American Literature from the CUNY Graduate School.

The Hurley Heritage Society maintains and operates the Hurley Museum, protects and preserves materials, documents and artifacts pertaining to the Hurley area, and raises awareness and educates the public of the town's special heritage through events, lectures, programs, tours, and community initiatives.

01/15/2023

Hurley History Snapshot - 1965-1965 — Hurley Up

The 1964-65 class of Sparkies celebrates the. election of new officers.
Do you see anyone you know? comment below!

The 1964-65 class of Sparkies celebrates the. election of new officers. The Sparkies program provided various programs for schoolchildren, including fire prevention, movies, activities, and community service. Do you see anyone you know? comment below! (Photo courtesy of the Hurley Fire Dept

01/15/2023

HURLEY SNAPSHOT IN TIME
During the winter, there was no work in the quarries so many men turned to ice harvesting for income. These men (in pic) are collecting ice from Temple's Pond in Ashton. The ice was stored in icehouses until summer, when it was used to keep food cold since there were no refrigerators or freezers. Harvesting ice was also a big industry on the Hudson River. The pond was purchased by a Kingston club and renamed Kenozia Pond. (photo Courtesty of Eleanor Elting Arold - copy courtesy of Deana .Decker)

01/05/2023

The Esopus Wars: A History of the Battle Between the Dutch and Local American Indians in the 1660s

The Esopus Wars
The “Indian wars,” that ignominious history of Colonial and American devastation of the native peoples of North America, effectively ended in 1890 in South Dakota at the Battle of Wounded Knee, although skirmishes continued into the late 1920s. The wars started almost as soon as Europeans began their hegemony in the early decades of the 17th century, most notably with the Jamestown Massacre of 1622 in Virginia, and New England’s Pequot War of the 1630s. These wars are now deeply ingrained in the American psyche, having inspired some of the best literature, art, and film ever to come out of this country; and they helped form the singular American identity in the minds of much of the world. Yet one of the earliest and most dramatic of the Indian wars has been mostly ignored: the Esopus Wars that took place in Ulster County in the 1660s.

Clash of cultures: The Esopus Wars in Ulster County pitted Native Americans against the Dutch 350 years ago

12/31/2022

Happy New Year! and to a healthy, happy and peaceful 2023!

12/30/2022

How Did Eagle’s Nest Get Its Name? — Hurley Up

How Did Eagle’s Nest Get Its Name? — Hurley Up

Once upon a time, eagles used to nest in the tops of the towering pine trees that grew along the ridge of Hurley Mountain and so the area came to be called the Eagle’s Nest. That’s the usual explanation behind the evocative name. These pines might have been old growth specimens that somehow esca...

12/12/2022

History of Hurley — Hurley Up

Hurley History
In the spring of 1662, Petrus Stuyvesant, Director General of New Netherland, established the village of Niew Dorp on the site of an earlier Native American settlement. On June 7, 1663, during the Esopus Wars the Esopus attacked and destroyed that village, and took captives who were later released.[4] The English acquired the Dutch colony on September 6, 1664. On September 17, 1669, the village, abandoned since the Esopus attack, was resettled and renamed Hurley.

In the spring of 1662,  Petrus Stuyvesant , Director General of  New Netherland , established the village of  Niew Dorp  on the site of an earlier Native American settlement. On June 7, 1663, during the  Esopus Wars  the  Esopus &nbs

12/01/2022

TONIGHT!
Join a conversation with author and local historian, Bruce Whistance, about the value of memoir in building a more nuanced view of our moment in time for the historical record.
Thursday December 1st at 7pm - ZOOM online
This conference will take place on Zoom. PLEASE REGISTER TO RECEIVE LINK:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcrdeCvqjsoEtwqveb4pwzW_DF4jdLQoSkO?fbclid=IwAR0z23gJqALVv_EPeKI8EKqZoEjQY0qvjMXB2ML3BRgffdg8Ua8DnagTb7Y

11/30/2022

Tree Lighting at Hurley Library Sun Dec 4, 2-4pm — Hurley Up

Tree Lighting at Hurley Library Sun Dec 4, 2-4pm — Hurley Up

11/29/2022

Please consider donating this Giving Tuesday in support of the Hurley Heritage Society and Museum.
Help us maintain and operate the Hurley Museum, and keep it free to public. Support our efforts to protect and preserve materials, documents and artifacts pertaining to Hurley, and raise awareness of the special heritage of Hurley through events including public lectures, seasonal walking tours of Old Hurley and Hurley Heritage Day.
To donate visit: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=XLN2FCUZSKFRL
Thank you in advance for your support!

11/26/2022

The Holiday Sale Continues at the Hurley Heritage Museum Sunday November 26th from from 11am-3pm.
Awesome prices for great holiday items, including decorations, keepsakes, gifts, and something for yourselves! We have Hurley swag too! The Hurley Heritage Society Holiday Sale is not to be missed!!!

11/26/2022

Holiday Sale at the Hurley Heritage Museum
Saturday November 26th from 10am-3pm and Sunday the 27th from 11am-3pm.
Awesome prices for great holiday items, including decorations, keepsakes, gifts, and something for yourselves! The Hurley Heritage Society Holiday Sale is not to be missed!!!

11/24/2022

The Hurley Heritage Society wishes everyone a Happy Thanksgiving!

11/23/2022

Join a conversation with author and local historian, Bruce Whistance, about the value of memoir in building a more nuanced view of our moment in time for the historical record.

Thursday December 1st at 7pm - ZOOM online

This conference will take place on Zoom. PLEASE REGISTER TO RECEIVE LINK:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcrdeCvqjsoEtwqveb4pwzW_DF4jdLQoSkO

11/21/2022

Hurley History Snapshot:
The Suspension Bridge Hotel was built in the early 1800s along the Esopus Creek near the suspension bridge leading to Hurley Mountain Road. Around 1900, the name was changed to Hurley Hotel (locals called it the Hurley Hilton), adding a tavern and a one-chair barbershop. In later years, it became a biker bar until a NYS trooper barracks building was built nearby. In the 1970s it was renamed the Hurley Mountain Inn. The Hurley Mountain Inn was used for great scene in the film Tootsie.

(source: Images of American - Hurley, by Deana F Decker)

11/11/2022

HHS is looking to borrow or a donation of outdoor Reindeers(like/similar to pic) for holiday decoration at the museum. Please contact patfindho[email protected] if you have.

11/08/2022

Holiday Sale at the Hurley Heritage Museum
November 26th from 10am-3pm and 27th from 11am-3pm.

A wide range of holiday items, including decorations, keepsakes, gifts, and something for yourselves! The Hurley Heritage Society Holiday Sale is not to be missed!
The Museum also welcomes donations of new and used holiday decorations, collectibles, jewelry and household items. All proceeds help fund the museum and events throughout the yea. If you have items you would like to donate they can be left on the museum back porch. Questions, contact [email protected]

11/05/2022

Don't forget to 'fall back' an hour tonight!

11/04/2022

Thank you to the local Boy Scout chapter for carving this years great pumpkins!

11/02/2022

THANK YOU DONORS AND VOLUNTEERS OF THE HHS AUCTION!
So many people and businesses generously donated to a very successful HHS Auction. We raised almost $6,000, beating last year! A HUGE THANKS to the following auction donors - everyone at the Hurley Heritage Society is most appreciative of your generosity!!!

Cathedral window handmade quilt
Joan Castka

Vintage lusterware tea set
Amy & Mike Rice

Joseph Pentick graphite drawing the Dumond “spy” house
Pentick Family

Haircut and makeover by Jessica Watson
Jessica Watson

Scrappy yallum watercolor
Joan Castka

Green Cottage $100 gift certificate
Green Cottage

Sweet Sprig artisan gift box
Leah LaFera of Sweet Sprig

Stonewall kitchen gift basket
Dale Bohan

Heart Hill leather bag
Adam Geuss

Cut glass fruit bowl
Rae Bottino

Charleston sc porcelain house collection
Hurley Heritage Museum

Fireplace and wood burning stove gift bucket
Pam Wardwell, Chris Beesmer, Williams Lumber

Field of Sunflowers, framed photograph by arlene ryan
Arlene Ryan

Four tickets to Legoland New York resort park
Legoland NY

20 piece hand blown Moderno punch bowl set
Amy & Mike Rice

Carved loon sculpture
Joan Castka

Homemade cookie platter
Amy & Mike Rice

Sundial garden pastel painting by Judy Howard
Judy Howard

Hurley reformed church framed print
Judy Howard

Bee kind to yourself spa basket
Flo Brandt, Pat Finholdt, Barbara Zell

Golf for four at Wiltwyck Country Club
Wiltwyck Country Cub

Faux scrimshaw globe paperweight
Ellen Lucksberg

Wine lover's basket with rack
JK's Wine & Liquors, Windmill Wine & Spirits, Town & Country Fine Wines & Spirts, Miron Wine & Liquor, Merchant Wine & Liquor, HHS Board Members

Petalo's $50 gift certificate
Petalo’s

Birds eye view of hurley aerial photo
Scott Husta

Hand painted hurley rooster
Emma Hines

Golf for four at wiltwyck country club
Wiltwyck Country Cub

Pair of heart shaped candle holders by hurley patentee lighting
Wayne Waligurski

Handcrafted birdhouse
Holley Carnwright

Pair of heart shaped candle holders by hurley patentee lighting
Wayne Waligurski

Complete set of 8 porcelain hurley stone houses by wendy bowen
Hurley Heritage Museum

Lottery ticket tree
Various HHS Board Members

Sunset over hurley flats aerial photo
Scott Husta

Aladdin polished nickel electrified oil lamp (1894-1905)
Pam Wardwell

Mahogany wine or tea table
David & Gretchen Giles

Delft tiles
Jimmy Decker

Cathedral window handmade quilt
Joan Castka

Michael gold photo session
Michael Gold

Fall wreath by barbara shufeldt
Barbara Shufeldt

Community playthings vintage childs rocking chair
Ellen Lucksberg

Gardeners cart
Herzog's, Ellen Richards, Walmart, Davenport Farms

Mangia! mangia! italian basket
Diane Blakely

Vintage hand painted fruit bowl with matching servers
Amy & Mike Rice

Virginia Peacock earrings
Virginia Peacock

Tea party basket
Kathy McMahon

Glass table lamp with marble base
Amy & Mike Rice

Victorian dresden hot chocolate pots
Amy & Mike Rice

10/31/2022

WINNERS of the 2022 Hurley Scarecrow Invasion! Congratulations to all for great creativity and community spirit!

10/30/2022

🗓 Ends Oct 30 | Hurley Heritage Society Autumn Auction 2022

LAST DAY OF HHS AUTUMN AUCTION!
Ends at 8pm tonight! Get your last bid in and win some fabulous auction items!

3rd Annual Online Auction by the Hurley Heritage Society is happening now. Viewing and bids may be made thru October 30th at 8pm! This year's auction is packed with many unique and special items including art, collectibles, furniture, local services, jewelry, and more! Have fun exploring! Auction it...

10/29/2022

TODAY! - HHS Autumn Auction - Public Viewing
Saturday Oct 29, 1-4pm at Museum. Last day of auction is SUNDAY, Oct 30th!
SHOWCASED ITEMS TODAY!
Don't loose out of getting one or more of these fabulous items! To view and bid visit: https://www.charityauctionstoday.com/auctions/hurley-heritage-society-autumn-auction-2022-34749

Joseph Pentick Graphite Drawing the DuMond “Spy” House

An original drawing in graphite with gray mat and pewter frame by Joseph Pentick. Pictured is one of the historic Hurley stone houses, the DuMond “ Spy” House (37 Main Street) built circa 1726 by Jacob Van Etten and used as a Guard House in 1777, housing the convicted British spy, Lt. Daniel Taylor. The drawing, dated 1979, is donated by the Pentick family.

Dimensions: Frame 15 x 21 inches. Image 12 x 18 inches.

Condition: Very good+.

Wine Lover's Basket with Rack
18 bottles and weighs in at 58 pounds! We all need some cheer these days. If you are lucky enough to win this massive yet beautifully presented basket of wines and liquors, consider bringing a friend to help you pick it up after the auction. It is packed with 18 bottles and weighs in at 58 pounds! Just look at the contents below. Also, please note that the basket includes 4 Fall themed wine glasses, an insulated wine bottle bag, a ceramic cheese board, cocktail napkins, a 6-bottle wine rack, and a $20 GIFT CERTIFICATE from JK’s Wine and Liquor’s, Kingston, NY.

Generous Contributors Include: Windmill Wine and Spirits 89 Partition Street, Saugerties, NY; Town & Country Fine Wines and Spirits 330 Route 212, Saugerties NY; Miron Wine and Spirits 15 Boices Lane, Kingston NY; JK’s Wine and Liquor 276 Plaza Road, Kingston, NY; Merchant Wine and Liquor 730 Ulster Ave, Kingston NY; HHS Board Members.

Sunset Over Hurley Flats Aerial Photo

The photo measures 24” x 16” and is framed with a 2 inch mat; the entire framed photo measures 31” x 23 ⅓”.

Donated by local photographer Scott Husta.

Golf for Four at Wiltwyck Country Club

Round up three friends and enjoy golf for four at beautiful Wiltwyck Golf Club, 404 Steward Lane, Kingston, NY. Wiltwyck is the premier family-oriented semi-private club in the mid-Hudson Valley. Wiltwyck’s championship golf course, designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr., is widely recognized as the best example of modern championship golf architecture within 60 miles of its home in Kingston, New York.