Upcoming Events

Free Guided Tour of the Five Locks Walk
Oct
12

Free Guided Tour of the Five Locks Walk

Meet at 2:00pm at the D&H Canal Museum & Mid-Hudson Visitor Center (1315 Route 213, 12440) in the center of High Falls, in Ulster County, NY for a conversation about the exciting and important history of the Delaware & Hudson Canal. D&H Canal Historical Society Historian & Curator Bill Merchant will guide you along the National Historic Landmark Five Locks Walk, five extant D&H Canal Locks from the 1850 enlargement of the Canal, restored in 2000. Learn the stories of the immigrants who built and operated this important American transportation waterway that supplied Pennsylvania anthracite coal to NYC, fueling its rise as an international center of commerce and the nation’s Industrial Revolution. Bring your friends and your questions! (No advance registration necessary.)

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Screening of "The Bridge Across Time"
Oct
17

Screening of "The Bridge Across Time"

Screening: A 20-minute preview of THE BRIDGE ACROSS TIME will be introduced by the filmmakers, Neville Bean and Robert Vandeweghe.

Discussion & Q&A: After the screening, Historian Bill Merchant, Curator of the D&H Canal Historical Society, will be in conversation with Roebling scholar Professor Paul King, R.A., AIA, SARA, ASCE, Professor of architecture and engineering at New York City College of Technology. They will explore the impact that the D&H Canal, and the waves of immigration it brought, had on the Rondout Waterfront. They will explain the crucial role John Roebling, famed for his design of the Brooklyn Bridge, played in the Wurts Street Bridge engineering and design and its significance in suspension bridge history.

THE BRIDGE ACROSS TIME is an upcoming documentary film which demystifies the art and science of suspension bridge construction with a then-and-now exploration of the original building of the Wurts Street Bridge and the challenging renovation undertaken a century later. The film chronicles the entire project, giving the viewer an astounding bird’s-eye view of the work, explained with engaging expert commentary. Voices from local historians, engineers, workers, politicians and community members help tell a broader story of the Hudson Valley and the Rondout waterfront; its pivotal role in America’s founding, its natural beauty, and its vibrant immigrant history. The documentary celebrates the transformative power of human ingenuity and the creative spirit.

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Siren Theatre presents "The Haunted Telegraph"
Oct
24

Siren Theatre presents "The Haunted Telegraph"

Haunted High Falls: Tales from the Canal -The Haunted Telegraph, all new for 2025!

Siren Theatre and the D&H Canal Historical Society once again welcome you to Haunted High Falls: Tales from the Canal — this year presenting an entirely new play The Haunted Telegraph. In this newly written show, the audience will experience a spooky, theatrical tour through time. The Haunted Telegraph is based off a true story, discovered by C. G. Hine in a local newspaper clipping and published in his 1909 book, The Old Mine Road. The story sends us back to 1866, a time when telegraph machines were used to communicate across long distances, women were finding a footing in independent careers, and murders were much more difficult to solve…

Come watch the characters lives unfold right before your eyes and take a short walk through a series of connected scenes… you will unravel the mystery of the canal and learn the terrible secrets of those who worked and lived by it. Inspired by true tales of hauntings and horrors from High Falls and its surrounding towns, this is an experience you won’t soon forget.

Tickets are $28

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Siren Theatre presents "The Haunted Telegraph"
Oct
25

Siren Theatre presents "The Haunted Telegraph"

Haunted High Falls: Tales from the Canal -The Haunted Telegraph, all new for 2025!

Siren Theatre and the D&H Canal Historical Society once again welcome you to Haunted High Falls: Tales from the Canal — this year presenting an entirely new play The Haunted Telegraph. In this newly written show, the audience will experience a spooky, theatrical tour through time. The Haunted Telegraph is based off a true story, discovered by C. G. Hine in a local newspaper clipping and published in his 1909 book, The Old Mine Road. The story sends us back to 1866, a time when telegraph machines were used to communicate across long distances, women were finding a footing in independent careers, and murders were much more difficult to solve…

Come watch the characters lives unfold right before your eyes and take a short walk through a series of connected scenes… you will unravel the mystery of the canal and learn the terrible secrets of those who worked and lived by it. Inspired by true tales of hauntings and horrors from High Falls and its surrounding towns, this is an experience you won’t soon forget.

Tickets are $28

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Siren Theatre presents "The Haunted Telegraph"
Oct
31

Siren Theatre presents "The Haunted Telegraph"

Haunted High Falls: Tales from the Canal -The Haunted Telegraph, all new for 2025!

Siren Theatre and the D&H Canal Historical Society once again welcome you to Haunted High Falls: Tales from the Canal — this year presenting an entirely new play The Haunted Telegraph. In this newly written show, the audience will experience a spooky, theatrical tour through time. The Haunted Telegraph is based off a true story, discovered by C. G. Hine in a local newspaper clipping and published in his 1909 book, The Old Mine Road. The story sends us back to 1866, a time when telegraph machines were used to communicate across long distances, women were finding a footing in independent careers, and murders were much more difficult to solve…

Come watch the characters lives unfold right before your eyes and take a short walk through a series of connected scenes… you will unravel the mystery of the canal and learn the terrible secrets of those who worked and lived by it. Inspired by true tales of hauntings and horrors from High Falls and its surrounding towns, this is an experience you won’t soon forget.

Tickets are $28

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Siren Theatre presents "The Haunted Telegraph"
Nov
1

Siren Theatre presents "The Haunted Telegraph"

Haunted High Falls: Tales from the Canal -The Haunted Telegraph, all new for 2025!

Siren Theatre and the D&H Canal Historical Society once again welcome you to Haunted High Falls: Tales from the Canal — this year presenting an entirely new play The Haunted Telegraph. In this newly written show, the audience will experience a spooky, theatrical tour through time. The Haunted Telegraph is based off a true story, discovered by C. G. Hine in a local newspaper clipping and published in his 1909 book, The Old Mine Road. The story sends us back to 1866, a time when telegraph machines were used to communicate across long distances, women were finding a footing in independent careers, and murders were much more difficult to solve…

Come watch the characters lives unfold right before your eyes and take a short walk through a series of connected scenes… you will unravel the mystery of the canal and learn the terrible secrets of those who worked and lived by it. Inspired by true tales of hauntings and horrors from High Falls and its surrounding towns, this is an experience you won’t soon forget.

Tickets are $28

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Richard Levitt on “Putin's Godfathers”.
Nov
14

Richard Levitt on “Putin's Godfathers”.

   NYU Professor Richard Levitt on Putin's Godfathers. He has been associated with the NYU Center for Global Affairs since 2009.  His other experience includes politico-military affairs with the US Department of State, post-Communist political and social development at the EastWest Institute and the Centre for European Security Studies, and emerging and developed market finance with a number of global investment banks.  He was recognized for excellence in teaching by NYU's School of Professional Studies in 2015.

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Dr. Joshua Ginsburg on “ From Climate Change to Pandemics: the Collapse and Rebirth of the American Scientific Endeavor”
Dec
5

Dr. Joshua Ginsburg on “ From Climate Change to Pandemics: the Collapse and Rebirth of the American Scientific Endeavor”

  Dr. Joshua Ginsburg on From Climate Change to Pandemics: the Collapse and Rebirth of the American Scientific Endeavor.  Dr.Ginsburg is President of the Cary Institute in Millbrook, one of the world’s greatest ecological and environmental research centers. Ginsberg is Chair of the Board of Directors of The Ocean Foundation, on the board of the Open Space Institute, served for 15 years as a founding board member of the Pure Earth/Blacksmith Institute board, and recently stepped down from the boards of TRAFFIC, the Salisbury Forum, and the Foundation for Community Health. Since joining Cary Institute in 2014, Ginsberg has galvanized strategic initiatives to grow the Institute’s research program and impact. He’s added dynamic new scientists and staff to the Cary team and launched infrastructure updates to support 21st-century science. Ginsberg is committed to helping Cary live its mission through campus greening initiatives. Building new partnerships with the broader scientific community and connecting our science to society are central to Cary Institute’s goals.

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A Conversation with D&H Historian Bill Merchant aboard "Solaris"
Oct
5

A Conversation with D&H Historian Bill Merchant aboard "Solaris"

Historian Bill Merchant is once again featured on the Hudson River Maritime Museum’s solar powered boat, Solaris. On the first Sundays of the months of June through October, he guides participants in a conversation about the many remains of the Rondout’s history that can be seen along the waterfront, as Solaris sails from the Maritime Museum to the Eddyville Dam and back. The trip starts at 4:00pm. Book your seat now, these popular tours sell out quickly. Go to https://www.hrmm.org/solaris-cruises.html to reserve your place.

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Free Guided Tour of the Five Locks Walk
Sep
28

Free Guided Tour of the Five Locks Walk

Meet at 2:00pm at the D&H Canal Museum & Mid-Hudson Visitor Center (1315 Route 213, 12440) in the center of High Falls, in Ulster County, NY for a conversation about the exciting and important history of the Delaware & Hudson Canal. D&H Canal Historical Society Historian & Curator Bill Merchant will guide you along the National Historic Landmark Five Locks Walk, five extant D&H Canal Locks from the 1850 enlargement of the Canal, restored in 2000. Learn the stories of the immigrants who built and operated this important American transportation waterway that supplied Pennsylvania anthracite coal to NYC, fueling its rise as an international center of commerce and the nation’s Industrial Revolution. Bring your friends and your questions! (No advance registration necessary.)

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2025 Benefit Gala
Sep
27

2025 Benefit Gala

Enjoy fine dining and lend your support for the D&H Canal Historical Society while learning about history at the 2025 Benefit Gala, themed J. P. Morgan, John Roebling, and the D&H Canal Company in the Gilded Age.

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Professor Robert Person of the US Military Academy on "Russia and the West".
Sep
26

Professor Robert Person of the US Military Academy on "Russia and the West".

"I must apologize profusely: I was recently selected for a temporary duty assignment in Eastern Europe and will be out of the country at the end of this month.  It is my fault that I did not catch the conflict earlier."

 Professor Robert Person of the US Military Academy on Russia and the West. Dr. Person is Director of Curriculum, for the International Affairs Program at USMA. He has published numerous articles on international affairs, with a specialty on Russia. He is the recipient of the Army Civilian Service Achievement Medal and is a consultant to the Department of Defense and other US Government agencies.

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John Roebling and the D&H Canal and Gravity Railroad
Sep
21

John Roebling and the D&H Canal and Gravity Railroad

Famed immigrant engineer John Augustus Roebling made his mark on civil engineering in 19th century America. In this well illustrated presentation, Historian Bill Merchant discusses the many innovations Roebling employed for the D&H Canal Company. One of the DHTHC 200th anniversary celebrations.

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Free Guided Tour of The Five Locks Walk
Sep
14

Free Guided Tour of The Five Locks Walk

Meet at 2:00pm at the D&H Canal Museum & Mid-Hudson Visitor Center (1315 Route 213, 12440) in the center of High Falls, in Ulster County, NY for a conversation about the exciting and important history of the Delaware & Hudson Canal. D&H Canal Historical Society Historian & Curator Bill Merchant will guide you along the National Historic Landmark Five Locks Walk, five extant D&H Canal Locks from the 1850 enlargement of the Canal, restored in 2000. Learn the stories of the immigrants who built and operated this important American transportation waterway that supplied Pennsylvania anthracite coal to NYC, fueling its rise as an international center of commerce and the nation’s Industrial Revolution. Bring your friends and your questions! (No advance registration necessary.)

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Taylor Bruck on “Henry Abbey, the Bard of Kingston”.
Sep
12

Taylor Bruck on “Henry Abbey, the Bard of Kingston”.

Ulster County Clerk and Kingston Historian Taylor Bruck presents on on Henry Abbey, the Bard of Kingston .

Born in 1842 in Rondout, Henry Abbey was a prolific poet and among the first published authors from Ulster County. Known for his charming and accessible poetry, Abbey was celebrated in his time as one of the best minor poets in the country, even attracting visits from literary luminaries like Oscar Wilde and Mark Twain. Though his works never gained recognition as truly great, Abbey’s ability to capture the spirit of his era remains invaluable. His poems often addressed significant events, such as the Battle of Gettysburg, offering unique historical insights through an artist's lens. Join us to delve into the life and legacy of this 19th-century poet and explore how art helps shape our understanding of history.

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A Conversation with D&H Historian Bill Merchant aboard "Solaris"
Sep
7

A Conversation with D&H Historian Bill Merchant aboard "Solaris"

Historian Bill Merchant is once again featured on the Hudson River Maritime Museum’s solar powered boat, Solaris. On the first Sundays of the months of June through October, he guides participants in a conversation about the many remains of the Rondout’s history that can be seen along the waterfront, as Solaris sails from the Maritime Museum to the Eddyville Dam and back. The trip starts at 4:00pm. Book your seat now, these popular tours sell out quickly. Go to https://www.hrmm.org/solaris-cruises.html to reserve your place.

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Immigrants on the D&H Canal
Sep
5

Immigrants on the D&H Canal

The Delaware & Hudson Canal was an important industrial enterprise in 19th century America, marketing Pennsylvania anthracite coal through its Canal and, later, its extensive railroad network. It relied on the labor of marginalized peoples- immigrants, women, children and people of color- to construct and operate its Canal. Historian Bill Merchant has conducted extensive research on the plight of the many marginalized peoples who comprised the vast majority of this workforce. This presentation relates how the labor of immigrants contributed to its immense success, using stories from primary sources along with many period images.

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A Conversation with D&H Historian Bill Merchant aboard "Solaris"
Aug
3

A Conversation with D&H Historian Bill Merchant aboard "Solaris"

Historian Bill Merchant is once again featured on the Hudson River Maritime Museum’s solar powered boat, Solaris. On the first Sundays of the months of June through October, he guides participants in a conversation about the many remains of the Rondout’s history that can be seen along the waterfront, as Solaris sails from the Maritime Museum to the Eddyville Dam and back. The trip starts at 4:00pm. Book your seat now, these popular tours sell out quickly. Go to https://www.hrmm.org/solaris-cruises.html to reserve your place.

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Bill Merchant on “The D&H Canal and Gravity RR on its 200th anniversary”
Jul
25

Bill Merchant on “The D&H Canal and Gravity RR on its 200th anniversary”

2025 marks the 200th Anniversary of the initiation of the Delaware and Hudson Canal. The Delaware and Hudson Transportation Heritage Council (DHTHC) is sponsoring a series of events, through 2029, in celebration. D&HCHS Historian and DHTHC President Bill Merchant will give an illustrated lecture on its important history and will discuss the many features that enthusiasts can visit today. This is part of a weekend’s worth of celebrations of the D&H Canal and Gravity Railroad.

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"The D&H Canal and Gravity RR in Postcards"
Jul
12

"The D&H Canal and Gravity RR in Postcards"

2025 marks the 200th Anniversary of the initiation of the Delaware and Hudson Canal. The Delaware and Hudson Transportation Heritage Council (DHTHC) is sponsoring a series of events, through 2029, in celebration. D&HCHS Historian and DHTHC President Bill Merchant will give a lecture on its important history, illustrated entirely with post card images. This is part of a weekend’s worth of celebrations of the D&H Canal and Gravity Railroad.

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Professor Robert Rebelein "How We Pay For Healthcare"
Jul
11

Professor Robert Rebelein "How We Pay For Healthcare"

Robert Rebelein is an Associate Professor of Economics. He received his PhD from the University of Minnesota in 1997. His teaching and research interests focus on macroeconomic issues in the United States, including the national debt, individual income tax issues, and selected health care topics. He will discuss “How We Pay For Healthcare: Medicare, Medicaid, the Affordable Care Act, & Private Insurance”

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A  Conversation  with   D&H  Historian Bill  Merchant  aboard "Solaris"
Jul
6

A Conversation with D&H Historian Bill Merchant aboard "Solaris"

Historian Bill Merchant is once again featured on the Hudson River Maritime Museum’s solar powered boat, Solaris. On the first Sundays of the months of June through October, he guides participants in a conversation about the many remains of the Rondout’s history that can be seen along the waterfront, as Solaris sails from the Maritime Museum to the Eddyville Dam and back. The trip starts at 4:00pm. Book your seat now, these popular tours sell out quickly. Go to https://www.hrmm.org/solaris-cruises.html to reserve your place.

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Canawler Days
Jun
15

Canawler Days

Join us for an exciting weekend of learning and making memories to celebrate the 200th Anniversary of the D&H Canal and Gravity Railroad.

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Canawler Days
Jun
14

Canawler Days

Join us for an exciting weekend of learning and making memories to celebrate the 200th Anniversary of the D&H Canal and Gravity Railroad.

Learn more
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Chris Silva on “My Life in the Performing Arts”.
Jun
13

Chris Silva on “My Life in the Performing Arts”.

Chris Silva will speak on My Life in the Performing Arts. Chris has been associated with some of the finest theaters in the nation and the most outstanding actors, playwrights, producers and directors. From 1994 until his retirement last year, he ran New York State's oldest continuously operating theater, the Bardavon in Poughkeepsie, as well as the Ulster Performing Arts Center. During his tenure twenty-two million dollars in capital improvements were made to the two theaters, and artists as diverse as Itzhak Perlman, Al Pacion, Patti LaBelle and Bob Dylan performed in them.

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A Conversation with D&H Historian Bill Merchant aboard "Solaris"
Jun
1

A Conversation with D&H Historian Bill Merchant aboard "Solaris"

Historian Bill Merchant is once again featured on the Hudson River Maritime Museum’s solar powered boat, Solaris. On the first Sundays of the months of June through October, he guides participants in a conversation about the many remains of the Rondout’s history that can be seen along the waterfront, as Solaris sails from the Maritime Museum to the Eddyville Dam and back. The trip starts at 4:00pm. Book your seat now, these popular tours sell out quickly. Go to https://www.hrmm.org/solaris-cruises.html to reserve your place.

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Sally Cross and Peter Bienstock will discuss” Philanthropy: Raising Money for Nonprofits”.
May
23

Sally Cross and Peter Bienstock will discuss” Philanthropy: Raising Money for Nonprofits”.

Sally Cross and Peter Bienstock will discuss Philanthropy: Raising Money for Nonprofits. Sally J. Cross is a development professional with more than thirty-five years’ experience. She recently retired after nine years at the Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley, where she served most recently as President & CEO. She has also taught planned giving, major gifts, and capital campaigns in Bay Path University's graduate Nonprofit Fundraising program. She is presently a consultant in development for nonprofit institutions. Peter Bienstock is President of the D&H Canal Historical Society. He has chaired or co-chaired capital and other fundraising campaigns for Harvard University, the Arts Council of Princeton (NJ) and Storm King Art Center which have raised over $100 million.

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Unlocking History: Innovative Approaches to Preservation and Public Engagement
Apr
25

Unlocking History: Innovative Approaches to Preservation and Public Engagement

Join Devin Lander, NY State Historian, and an expert panel for a discussion of Innovations in New York History. He will moderate a symposium of leading regional history for a broad discussion of challenges and opportunities for historians and historic sites in New York. The panel includes Prof. of Thomas Wermuth of Marist College, D&H Canal Historical Society Historian/Curator Bill Merchant,  Ulster County Historian Eddie Moran, and Sean Sawyer, President of the Olana Partnership. This event is co-hosted by the Hudson River Valley Institute of Marist College.

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Canal Clean Sweep!
Apr
19

Canal Clean Sweep!

Join us Saturday April 19 at 10am for NY Parks & Trails Canal Clean Sweep. Sponsored by the NYS Canal Corporation, Canal Clean Sweep is an annual statewide event that occurs along New York’s historic canalways and greenways on Earth Day weekend. This spring, from April 18-20, 2025, thousands of volunteers will clean up more more than a hundred locations along historic canals in New York State. Join us at 10am at the Mid-Hudson Visitor Center and help us get the Five Locks Walk ready for the spring. We will have coffee and donuts- you bring gloves and gear to clean up the Walk! To register click here!

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Ron Knapp on "Perrine’s Covered Bridge: Celebrating 200 Years Across the Wallkill River (Perrine's was first erected in 1821 and covered in 1822)"
Apr
11

Ron Knapp on "Perrine’s Covered Bridge: Celebrating 200 Years Across the Wallkill River (Perrine's was first erected in 1821 and covered in 1822)"

"Perrine’s Covered Bridge: Celebrating 200 Years Across the Wallkill River: Then & Now" is an illustrated talk that draws on archival and field research. While the talk focuses on Perrine's Bridge, it will also mention two other bridges build across the Wallkill River in the 1820s in the then larger Town of New Paltz--New Paltz Main Street Bridge 1820/1821; Perrine's Bridge 1821/1822; and Phillies Bridge 1826/1827--and then brings the stories forward into the 21st century. The talk will highlight why two dates are shown here.

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Tamar Adler on "An Everlasting Meal: Something Old, Something New"
Mar
28

Tamar Adler on "An Everlasting Meal: Something Old, Something New"

Tamar Adler is the James Beard and IACP Award-winning author of An Everlasting Meal; Something Old, Something New; and An Everlasting Meal Cookbook. She is a Contributing Editor at Vogue, has been a New York Times Magazine columnist, writes The Kitchen Shrink culinary advice column on Substack, and hosts the Luminary podcast Food Actually. She has cooked at the legendary Chez Panisse in Berkeley, and Blue Hills at Stone Barns. Ms. Adler lives in Hudson, NY.

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Paul O’Neill on “General George Sharpe :  Ulster County’s War hero”
Mar
14

Paul O’Neill on “General George Sharpe : Ulster County’s War hero”

  George H. Sharpe - Spy Master, confidant to Generals and Presidents, the man who brought down Tammany Hall. His intelligence during the summer of 1863 led ultimately to the Battle of Gettysburg and helped seal the fate of the Confederate South. But Kingstonian George Sharpe wore many hats during his lifetime, from Colonel of Ulster County’s 120th NY Volunteer Infantry Regiment - the Washington Guard - to inventor of modern military intelligence to the U.S. Marshall that tackled the Boss Tweed Ring. Come learn about Ulster County’s true Civil War hero - George Henry Sharpe.

 

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"Haunted High Falls", Siren Theatre's immersive theatrical experience
Oct
27

"Haunted High Falls", Siren Theatre's immersive theatrical experience

Back from the dead and hungry for your attention, Siren Theatre and the D&H Canal Historical Society welcome you to the second year of Haunted High Falls: Tales from the Canal, a hair-raising, immersive theatre experience. Come explore the 1797 DePuy Tavern and sections of the former D&H Canal. Wake the dead and discover the terrible secret of those who lived, toiled and perished there. Inspired by true tales of hauntings and horror from High Falls and surrounding towns, this is a night you will never forget. 

$26 (a limited number of discounted tickets available upon request) BYOF (please bring your own flashlight!)

Make your reservation today here- https://www.canalmuseum.org/hauntedhf-2024

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“Haunted High Falls”, Siren Theater's immersive theatrical experience
Oct
26

“Haunted High Falls”, Siren Theater's immersive theatrical experience

Back from the dead and hungry for your attention, Siren Theatre and the D&H Canal Historical Society welcome you to the second year of Haunted High Falls: Tales from the Canal, a hair-raising, immersive theatre experience. Come explore the 1797 DePuy Tavern and sections of the former D&H Canal. Wake the dead and discover the terrible secret of those who lived, toiled and perished there. Inspired by true tales of hauntings and horror from High Falls and surrounding towns, this is a night you will never forget. 

$26 (a limited number of discounted tickets available upon request) BYOF (please bring your own flashlight!)

Make your reservation today here- https://www.canalmuseum.org/hauntedhf-2024

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