Bethlehem Historical Association

09/01/2026

From the Town Historian …

08/27/2026

Our railroad kick continues with this picture courtesy of the Bethlehem Public Library's digital collection. The D&H tracks look east towards Albany with Hudson Avenue houses on the left. Today's rail trail looks very different!

Enjoy more railroad history at our museum at the Cedar Hill School House, 1003 River Road, Selkirk. Open Sunday afternoons from 2 to 4 p.m.

Visit the library's local history page for more great stuff! (https://www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org/local-history/)

08/20/2026

Since we seem to be on something of a railroad kick, here is a new-to-us picture of the South Bethlehem station. It is not on display yet, but you can find other info about the West Shore Railroad and the New York Central at the museum.

Cedar Hill Schoolhouse museum, 1003 River Road, Selkirk. Open Sundays from 2 to 4 p.m. Free admission. Local history at its finest!

08/17/2026

Happy to report that James Selkirk’s story is becoming more widely known.

Join us for the next installment of Washington Memorial Heritage's Leadership Forum, all are welcome. August 20 (6:30 pm - 8:30 pm) James Selkirk’s Revolutionary War: The Memoir of a Continental Sergeant - Use the link below to RSVP.

RSVP: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/james-selkirks-revolutionary-war-the-memoir-of-a-continental-sergeant-tickets-1983388798287?aff=ebdsoporgprofile

08/13/2026

How about this red railroad lantern? Can you find it at the museum? The red globe signaled danger or caution.

Our museum at the Cedar Hill Schoolhouse, 1003 River Road, Selkirk is open Sundays from 2 to 4.

Stop by to learn more about the D&H railroad line, now the rail trail that begins in Albany, runs thru Delmar and Slingerlands and beyond.

08/06/2026

Check out this headlight for a locomotive (and other railroad related items) when you visit our museum at the Cedar Hill Schoolhouse on Sunday.

Open Sundays from 2-4 p.m., 1003 River Road, Selkirk.
Local history at its finest!

08/01/2026

Our very own James Selkirk.

As Fort Ticonderoga commemorates the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution, our 2026 Author Series programs focus on the events of the American Revolution. The next Fort Ticonderoga Author Series on Sunday, August 16th, features Robb K. Haberman, author of "James Selkirk's Revolutionary War: The Memoir of a Contiental Sergeant." Free for members. Register here: https://www.fortticonderoga.org/ft_events/virtual-author-series-featuring-robb-k-haberman/

07/30/2026

Does anyone still iron their clothes anymore? Check out our display that traces the evolution of the iron from heavy sad irons heated on stoves to modern (relatively speaking!) electric devices.

Our museum at the Cedar Hill Schoolhouse, 1003 River Road Selkirk, is open Sunday afternoons from 2 to 4 p.m. Or by appointment is Sundays don't work for you!

07/23/2026

We love this elegant cameo and string of pearls. Can you find it in one of our exhibits?

BHA's museum at the Cedar Hill Schoolhouse is open Sunday afternoons from 2 to 4 p.m. Free admission! 1003 River Road, Selkirk.

07/20/2026

Kind of cool to read the Declaration of Independence exactly 250 years since it was first read in Albany.