Historical talk on Hudson River steamboats

Cuddebackville — The Neversink Valley Area Museum will present the first of its 40th anniversary history lectures at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 11, with a presentation by Stephen Skye discussing “Steamboats on the Hudson: The Story of the Cornell Steamboat Company.” Skye will explore the important role the Cornell Steamboat Company played in developing the New York coal market for the D & H Canal Company. He will also discuss how the fortunes made by the company’s owners helped establish the northern Catskills’ tourist trade and the railroads that serviced the area. Skye is a resident of Mt. Hope and President of the Board of Trustees of the Neversink Valley Area Museum. He is currently writing a series of articles for the Museum Towpath newsletter, highlighting various industries and ethnic groups with connections to the D & H Canal. He received his M.A. in philosophy from the City University of New York. His special interest has been the 19th century industrial and cultural environment of the New York metropolitan area. Admission is free to members, children and students; suggested donation of $5 for all others. Memberships will be available for purchase at the time of admission. Lectures are held at the D & H Canal Park Visitor’s Center, 58 Hoag Road, (just off Route 209), Cuddebackville. Museum hours are noon to 4, Thursday to Sunday, through October 29 and by appointment. For more information about the museum, its mission to preserve local history or any events, call 754-8870 or log on to www.neversinkmuseum.org.