In celebration of the Henry Hudson Quadricentennial in 2009, the New Netherland Institute has originated a four-part project, coordinated by James F. Sefcik, staff member of the Institute, that consists of a traveling exhibit, a book on the Dutch-American heritage, a documentary DVD focusing on the New Netherland Project, and the Institute's co-sponsorship of an exhibit at the Museum of the City of New York. In this effort, the Institute is supported by an Honorary Committee. On June 4, 2007, the project was inaugurated at a reception, hosted by the Consul General of the Netherlands. See recent press.
- Light on New Netherland, a traveling exhibit consisting of 28 two-dimensional panels, which introduces adults and children to important, but not well-known aspects of American history and culture. It is accompanied by a 17-minute version of the video, Uncovering America's Forgotten Colony: the New Netherland Project (below); the publication, Dutch Renaissance ; and a brochure. Read a review of the exhibit. See a representative selection (pictures, Dieter Gehring)
This exhibit opened on 8 December 2008 with a reception in the presence of the Consul General of the Netherlands at the New York State Museum, Albany, NY, where it remained until 8 February 2009. From February 14 to April 30, the exhibit was at the Museum of Connecticut History, Hartford, CT, and from May 14 to June 14, at the GAGA Arts Center, West Haverstraw, NY.
The traveling exhibit will be available through 2010 and into 2011.
Other scheduled venues:
- June 21 - August 1, 2009: Society for the Preservation of Long Island Antiquities, SPLIA Gallery, 1 Shore Road, Cold Spring Harbor, NY.
August 3 - September 8, 2009 (exact dates t.b.a.): Federal Hall, 26 Wall Street, NYC
The following four exhibition venues in Dutchess County are under the auspices of Dutchess County Tourism:
September 15 - 22, 2009: Franklin Delano Roosevelt Library and Museum, Hyde Park, NY September 24 - 29, 2009: Pawling Town Recreation Center, Pawling, NY
- October 1 - 8, 2009 : Morton Library Hall, Rhinecliff, NY
- October 10 - 15, 2009: Beacon Institute for Rivers and Estuaries, Beacon, NY
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- December 14, 2009 – March 20, 2010: the Historical Society of Delaware, Wilmington, DE Spring 2011: Calvin College, Grand Rapids, MI
MORE ON LIGHT ON NEW NETHERLAND, including detailed description and content, other venues under consideration, rental fee, and contact information to have this exhibit travel to your area.
- ORDER NOW: Uncovering America's Forgotten Colony: the New Netherland Project
A documentary DVD about the New Netherland Project, where more than 18 volumes of the official archives of New Netherland have been transcribed, translated, and published to date, and its connection with modern times. See a review!
The thirty-minute video provides some historical background about New Netherland, explains the importance of using documentary evidence, makes clear why the New Netherland documents are unique and important, relates the journey the documents took from 1674 to the present, gives examples of the fascinating information found in these early records, and dispels some of the Dutch and misinterpretations of the Dutch in sources such as literature, history books, and social history.
Containing interviews with Dr. Charles Gehring and Dr. Janny Venema, respectively the Director and Associate Director of the New Netherland Project, the video is produced by Mogul One Production, LLC, for showing on PBS and commercial stations statewide and beyond. A shorter version accompanies the traveling exhibit.
ORDER NOW!
A collection of twelve essays in praise of New Netherland, designed to appeal to a general audience and scholars alike. This text, with an introduction by its editor, Dr. Martha D. Shattuck, and an opening chapter by Russell Shorto, author of The Island at the Center of the World: the Epic Story of Dutch Manhattan & the Forgotten Colony that Shaped America, has been published by Mount Ida Press, Albany, NY, in April 2009. See the Table of Contents.
- Amsterdam/New Amsterdam: The Worlds of Henry Hudson, an exhibit developed by the Museum of the City of New York (MCNY) in co-sponsorship with the New Netherland Institute. This co-sponsorship includes the assistance of Dr. Charles Gehring, Director of the New Netherland Project, and support with funding and content. The exhibit opened on April 4, 2009 with a reception on April 7. See further information.
This ambitious 4-part project is budgeted at $400,000. Fundraising efforts, led by Jippe Hiemstra, trustee of the New Netherland Institute, have yielded major contributions from the NNI Board of Trustees, individuals, local foundations including the Bender Family Foundation, the William G. Broughton Family Foundation, the Netherland-America Foundation, the Wright Family Foundation, the Holland Society of New York, Dutch-American companies such as Philips and Rabobank, Dutch foundations, and the Dutch government. Several of these Dutch-American companies and American and Dutch foundations have agreed to be part of an Honorary Committee.
Additional funding is sought from a variety of sources.
All contributions are welcome and may be made online or sent to the New Netherland Institute, P.O. Box 2536, Empire State Plaza Station, Albany, NY, 12220-0536.
For any additional information, please contact James F. Sefcik, 2009 Project Coordinator, New Netherland Institute, at jsefcik@mail.nysed.gov / jfssrny@yahoo.com. Call 518-783-4251 or 504-508-1476 (Cell).
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