"The Mountains and the River" Exhibit - every Saturday and Sunday - Historical Society of Woodstock July 18, 2009

EVERY SATURDAY and SUNDAY (6/13 -7/26)

As Henry Hudson and the crew of the Half Moon made their way up river in 1609, theirs were the first European eyes to behold the Catskill Mountains. As crewmember Robert Juet would record on September 15th, “At night we came to other mountains which lie to the rivers side.” Looking to the west, the crew of the Half Moon could not have failed to see the silhouette of Overlook Mountain rising above where Woodstock stands today. What they could not have seen, however, as their ship passed the outlet of what is now the Esopus Creek, was the physical connection between the river they explored and the summit of the very same mountain they viewed in the distance. Nor could they have comprehended the web of natural and spiritual resources that connected – and would connect – the river inland, extending its power and influence far beyond the physical shore they anchored near.

Beginning on Saturday, June 13th, and running through July 26, the Historical Society of Woodstock will explore Woodstock’s unique connection with the Hudson River through photographs, text, and works by local artists. In doing so, the exhibit will examine Woodstock’s early economic foundation such as timber, bluestone, hides for tanning, and local glassworks and the role the river played as an outlet for locally produced goods. Additionally, the river would also open up the Catskills to tourists seeking to escape the heat and unhealthy air of the city in the 19th century. As visitors came, mountain houses flourished and the exhibit offers reminder of their splendor and the important role they played in Woodstock’s evolution. The exhibit will also offer a unique look at how, throughout the years, local artists have depicted the same mountains Hudson and his crew first glimpsed four hundred years ago.

Based on an essay by Town Historian Richard Heppner, the Historical Society’s exhibit titled “The Mountains and the River,” will be open to the public every Saturday and Sunday from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM at the Historical Society building located on lower Comeau. As always, the Raccoon Gift shop will offer visitors an opportunity to purchase books by local authors and other reflections on Woodstock. The exhibit is curated by Deborah Heppner and Jean White, with support form HSW archivist, JoAnn Margolis. Admission is free.

Official Website: http://www.woodstockhistory.org