Center for Creative Retirement

Courses

• Albany Rural Cemetery & Tragedy
• Designs for the Afterlife
• Eleanor: First Lady of the World
• Flip Side of History
• Geology Rocks
• German Holidays and Celebrations
• Gourmet Lunch Prepared by Culinary Program
• Head to Toe in the 19th Century
• History of Albany Guardian Society with Tea
• History of Crown Point
• Irish Songs of Love, Loss & Longing
• Know Your Car
• Learn to Play Mah Jongg
• Metal Detecting Connects Us to Local History
• Molly Brant - Between Two Worlds
• More Stories from the Flip Side of History
• Norman Rockwell Presentation
• Pond Investigation
• Presenting Clara Barton
• Rensselaer Co. Celebration of Independence 1826 - 1976
• Saratoga in the Gilded Age
• Senior Exercise Class
• Shakers Design
• Stories from the Stones
• The Beauty, Design and Fragrance of Spring Flowers
• The Best of Oakwood
• The Erie Canal: A Story of Building the Impossible
• The Fabulous Cushing Boys and The Baltimore Plot
• The Saugerties Lighthouse
• Tombstones & Tales at Albany Rural Cemetery
• Tour Proctors Collaborative Scene Shop
• Tour and Class at The Empire State AeroSciences Museum
• Troy in the Civil War
• Ukrainian Eggs
• When Alexander Hamilton Called Albany Home
• Who was Benedict Arnold?
• Wild Tails of Albany Animals

Albany Rural Cemetery & Tragedy

2 CLASSES IN 1!

Albany Rural Cemetery and Tragedy

In this class, you will be taken on a virtual tour of the graves of Civil War personalities interred in Albany Rural Cemetery as speaker Mark Bodnar weaves a tapestry of military interest, genealogical research and local history. The lecture starts with a brief history of the cemetery and includes a series of vignettes on numerous people from the Albany area that were influential in the Civil War effort: statesmen, industrialists, clergy, physicians, and a few women who contributed to the war effort, as well as local publishers and authors and, of course, the stories of numerous soldiers. The presentation includes photos of the subjects, as well as their monuments in the cemetery. 

The Rathbones of Albany: The Tragic Story of John Wilkes Booth’s Last Victims

Clara Harris and Henry Reed Rathbone were from prominent families in Albany. Each had wealth, education and a bright future. However, a series of misfortunes added to the trials and tribulations of these two young people: the death of a parent; the Civil War; and witnessing the assassination of the President of the United States all combined to incur a devastating blow to their once happy lives. Who were Clara Harris and Henry Rathbone? What misfortunes were thrust upon them? Why were they invited guests of the Lincolns that night? Speaker Mark Bodnar will delve into the details of the Harris and Rathbone families to unfold this story of love and tragedy. This is a sad and gruesome, yet true, story of two local people who were witnesses to the first presidential assassination in our country. You’ll also learn about the Loudon Cottage, where ghostly apparitions have been reported.

This course will be held at 400 Jordan Road (In the Rensselaer Technology Park), Troy NY, Room 248

Mark Bodner, Instructor

Albany Rural Cemetery & Tragedy

Schedule	Section	Seats Left	Cost	Register
Friday, 3/27 9:30 am - 11:45 am	ZCCR-849 600	32 seats left	$25	Opens 1/21

Designs for the Afterlife

Designs for the Afterlife: Artists and Architects in Albany Rural Cemetery

This two-part classroom course explores the rich legacy of 19th century funerary art and architecture in Albany Rural Cemetery, focusing on works by some of America’s most distinguished artists and designers of the time. Part one focuses on the funerary art of Louis Comfort Tiffany, renowned for his stained-glass windows and decorative arts. While best known for his lamps and glasswork, Tiffany Studios also created more than 760 cemetery monuments. This session will explore the history of Tiffany and his studio, the distinctive characteristics of his gravestone designs, and how to potentially identify a Tiffany stone. We will take a virtual tour of some of the more than 30 Tiffany stones in the cemetery identified from Tiffany records, as well as stones which were likely done by Tiffany, but lack documentation.

Part two highlights the contributions of Erastus Dow Palmer, a celebrated 19th century sculptor, and Marcus T. Reynolds, prominent architect and designer, both of whom are buried in Albany Rural Cemetery and who have produced numerous stone works in this outdoor museum. We’ll explore their artistic legacies through a virtual tour of the cemetery, focusing on the monuments they designed and examining the aesthetic and stylistic features that define their work. 

This course will be held at 400 Jordan Road (In the Rensselaer Technology Park), Troy NY, Room 248

Dr. Lynn Radlick & Dr. Michael Radlick, Instructor

Designs for the Afterlife

Schedule	Section	Seats Left	Cost	Register
Friday, 5/15 10:00 am - 12:00 pm	ZCCR-850 600	32 seats left	$25	Opens 1/21

Eleanor: First Lady of the World

One hardly has to include Eleanor Roosevelt’s last name to know who President Truman was referring to when he called her “The First Lady of the World.” Her life story and achievements are both astounding and inspiring. Her marriage to Franklin D. Roosevelt, a distant cousin, promised a bright future but was rocked by his infidelity and later, the fact that he contracted polio at 37 and became paralyzed from the waist down, but both he and Eleanor persevered. In supporting his political aspirations during his illness, Eleanor found she had the aptitude and passion to become a skilled politician herself. Focusing on helping the poor, the disadvantaged, minorities and people of color, and young people, she and Franklin partnered in successfully steering the country through some of its most trying times - the Great Depression and World War II. Following the war, and Franklin’s death, Elanor became a worldwide advocate for peace and human rights.

This course will be held at HVCC North, 345 Hermes Rd., Malta, NY 

Phyllis Chapman, Instructor

Eleanor: First Lady of the World

Schedule	Section	Seats Left	Cost	Register
Tuesday, 4/14 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm	ZCCR-799 600	32 seats left	$30	Opens 1/21

Flip Side of History

Flip Side of History - Part I

This repeat presentation revisits some of the most incredible true stories ever told. Learn about the cyclist who tried to hit an unheard-of speed of 60 mph back in 1899; the woman who survived the disasters of the Titanic and its two sister ships; the world’s very first airplane stowaway; and more! For more than thirty years, author and retired teacher Steve Silverman – host of the delightfully odd Useless Information Podcast – has been on a mission to dig up the strange, silly, and downright unbelievable stories that history has swept under the rug. Come join Steve as he brings some of his all-time favorites to life in a talk that’s guaranteed to entertain.

This course will be held at HVCC North, 345 Hermes Rd., Malta, NY 

Steve Silverman, Instructor

Flip Side of History

Schedule	Section	Seats Left	Cost	Register
Wednesday, 4/29 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm	ZCCR-745 600	30 seats left	$15	Opens 1/21

Geology Rocks

This course is designed for community members with no prior geological knowledge and is a very basic introduction to key geological concepts designed provide a foundational understanding of geology, including the study of rocks, minerals, and geological processes. We’ll discuss geology as a science and the basics of Earth’s structure; rocks and minerals, including key properties and identification; geological processes; and the local geology of the Albany area.

Course will be held in  Daycare Center, Room B05

Abigail Cavazos, Instructor

Geology Rocks

Schedule	Section	Seats Left	Cost	Register
Tuesday, 3/3 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm	ZCCR-797 600	24 seats left	$22	Opens 1/21

German Holidays and Celebrations

Come and enjoy an authentic German meal of schnitzel, potato pancakes, applesauce, and red cabbage, as well as beverages and dessert, followed by a presentation on German holidays and celebrations such as Oktoberfest, May Day, Karneval and Spargelfest. Course fee includes $40 materials fee.

Course will meet at the German American Club, 32 Cherry St., Albany, NY

Melinda Burns, Instructor 

German Holidays and Celebrations

Schedule	Section	Seats Left	Cost	Register
Wednesday, 4/29 11:30 am - 1:30 pm	ZCCR-846 600	49 seats left	$55	Opens 1/21

Gourmet Lunch Prepared by Culinary Program

Come enjoy a wonderful gourmet lunch of contemporary cuisine in the Van Curler Banquet Dining Room on SUNY Schenectady’s campus. This is a student-run learning experience; the kitchen manager, cooks, pastry chefs and servers are all hard-working SUNY Schenectady students preparing to enter hotel, culinary arts or tourism careers. Arrive ahead of time to shop at the meat shop, Boucherie, and the bakery, Pane e Dolci, before your lunch; both are open from 11:30 a.m. - 1:45 p.m. We will take attendance at 11:45 a.m. outside the Van Curler Dining Room. Students may not bring in food or drink from outside. Parking is available in the student parking lot. Course fee includes $29 materials fee.

Course will meet at the Van Curler Dining Room, 78 Washington Ave, Schenectady, NY.  Parking is available in the student parking lot.

Lea Darling, Coordinator

Gourmet Lunch Prepared by Culinary Program

Schedule	Section	Seats Left	Cost	Register
Wednesday, 4/22 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm	ZCCR-763 600	97 seats left	$44	Opens 1/21

Head to Toe in the 19th Century

Mark Twain observed that, “Clothes make the man. Naked people have little or no influence on society.” This lighthearted look at the wide variety of style, silhouettes and fads that kept the fashion-conscious on their toes for 100 years illustrates that we do define ourselves through dress- and always have. During the 19th century, European royalty and gentry folk were the celebrity trendsetters of the day. While the ladies indulged in a dazzling array of shapeshifting silhouettes during the period, the gentlemen embraced an increasingly somber and restrained style. That’s the surface tale, but the most fascinating fashion facts may lie beneath the surface. Men’s corsets? Bustles for shoplifters? Beetle embroidery? How did they keep it all clean? Prepare to be entertained.

This course will be held at 400 Jordan Road (In the Rensselaer Technology Park), Troy NY, Room 248

Phyllis Chapman, Instructor

Head to Toe in the 19th Century

Schedule	Section	Seats Left	Cost	Register
Thursday, 4/23 9:30 am - 11:30 am	ZCCR-660 600	32 seats left	$30	Opens 1/21

History of Albany Guardian Society with Tea

The Albany Guardian Society (AGS) is one of the oldest continuously operating charitable organizations in the Capital Region. Founded in 1852 with a focus on supporting women and children, AGS has since evolved to dedicate its mission to enhancing the lives of older adults and their caregivers. This class will explore the fascinating and modest beginnings of AGS, which began in response to the social challenges brought on by Albany’s booming beer production industry, and even cover an unusual form of early housing payment — pigs! Get ready for an informative and entertaining journey through history, while enjoying afternoon tea.

Course will meet at 12 Corporate Woods Blvd., Albany NY

Mary Moller, Instructor

History of Albany Guardian Society with Tea

Schedule	Section	Seats Left	Cost	Register
Thursday, 4/2 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm	ZCCR-843 600	50 seats left	$15	Opens 1/21

History of Crown Point

History of Crown Point: 

18th Century Military Tactics and Warfare in New York’s Champlain Valley

This presentation examines the way the military campaigns during the Seven Years’ War and the American Revolution employed and adapted 18th century military strategies in New York State in the 1700s. During the 18th century in New York, European powers, indigenous nations, and colonial settlers engaged in almost constant warfare, particularly in the borderlands between their respective settlements. As European powers adapted traditional methods of warfare to the North American context and leaned more heavily on their indigenous allies, new patterns and approaches to warfare emerged. This presentation focuses on overall patterns and developments in military history, illustrated with examples from specific campaigns and engagements in New York’s Champlain and Upper Hudson Valleys, while offering a general overview of the colonial wars of the period.

British Settlement, Community and Civilian Life at the Fort at Crown Point in the 18th Century 

During the peak of military activity at Crown Point, more than 10,000 people resided on the peninsula as the British military built His Majesty’s Fort at Crown Point, which was one of the largest fortifications in North America at the time. Today, the ruins of their efforts still dominate the landscape at Crown Point State Historic Site. But outside the walls of the fort, the remains of home sites and even a small village survive as well. This presentation offers  a closer look at the civilian settlement around the British Fort at Crown Point, and highlights the various ways that the British military encouraged and sometimes relied on civilians and the fort community between 1759 and 1775, when the British Fort at Crown Point was built and occupied. Using specific examples and general patterns of settlement, this program explores how and why various individuals and groups found their way to Crown Point in the 18th century, how they lived, and their roles within British colonial society. 

This course will be held at 400 Jordan Road (In the Rensselaer Technology Park), Troy NY, Room 248

Sam Huntington, Instructor

History of Crown Point

Schedule	Section	Seats Left	Cost	Register
Friday, 4/17 10:00 am - 12:00 pm	ZCCR-782 600	32 seats left	$19	Opens 1/21

Irish Songs of Love, Loss & Longing

Ireland is known as the “Isle of Love,” despite centuries of hardship and occupation by other countries, and this two-hour class is intended to tell its love story. Ireland’s people have a love first for God, then family, then country, and many poets and songwriters have captured this love story in poems and songs. The Capital Region’s Irish Balladeer Irish Don Kelly will explain the background of many of the most beloved and well-known Irish love songs in this post-St. Patrick’s Day class, which will leave you with the desire to visit this enchanted land to experience the love for yourself. 

This course will be held at 400 Jordan Road (In the Rensselaer Technology Park), Troy NY, Room 248

Don Kelly, Instructor

Irish Songs of Love, Loss & Longing

Schedule	Section	Seats Left	Cost	Register
Friday, 4/10 9:30 am - 11:30 am	ZCCR-665 600	32 seats left	$18	Opens 1/21

Know Your Car

Join us for a two-hour “Know Your Car” seminar designed specifically for retired adults, where you’ll gain confidence and practical knowledge about your vehicle in a friendly, low-pressure environment. This informative session covers essential topics such as understanding dashboard warning lights, checking fluids, proper tire maintenance, and basic troubleshooting tips to help keep you safe and independent on the road. Our experienced instructor will also answer common questions and can address new vehicle technologies, including hybrid/electric cars and advanced driver assist systems. Whether you drive every day or just occasionally, this seminar is a great opportunity to refresh your skills and stay road-ready.

Course on 3/27 will be held in Williams Hall, Room 119

Course on 4/28 will be held at HVCC North, TEC-SMART room 125, 345 Hermes Rd, Malta, NY

Christopher McNally, Instructor  

Know Your Car

Schedule	Section	Seats Left	Cost	Register
Friday, 3/27 10:00 am - 12:00 pm	ZCCR-825 600	20 seats left	$15	Opens 1/21
Tuesday, 4/28 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm	ZCCR-825 601	20 seats left	$15	Opens 1/21

Learn to Play Mah Jongg

Whether you are a complete beginner or just need a refresher, join us in learning to play Mahjong. This fun mental exercise includes basic instruction and the opportunity to play with people of varying skill levels. 

Course will be held in Daycare Center, Room B06

Julie Ann Price, Instructor

Learn to Play Mah Jongg

Schedule	Section	Seats Left	Cost	Register
Fridays, 2/20 - 5/1 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm	ZSPI-119 600	12 seats left	$79	Opens 1/21

Metal Detecting Connects Us to Local History

Join us for an engaging and informative talk that delves into the fascinating world of metal detecting, a hobby that connects us directly to the past. Over the last eight years, local detectorist Brandon Dingeman has traversed Saratoga County and beyond, bringing to light incredible stories through relics hidden just beneath our feet. In this session, you will learn the fundamentals of responsible metal detecting, including the “golden rules” for ethical detecting, essential equipment, and site strategy. We’ll explore the critical role of historical research and the use of digital tools to find sites of interest and record crucial situational context of items found.

This course will be held at HVCC North, 345 Hermes Rd., Malta, NY 

Brandon Dingeman, Instructor

Lea Darling, Coordinator

Metal Detecting Connects Us to Local History

Schedule	Section	Seats Left	Cost	Register
Monday, 3/2 3:30 pm - 5:00 pm	ZCCR-854 600	30 seats left	$15	Opens 1/21

Molly Brant - Between Two Worlds

Molly Brant was born in 1736 in Canajoharie, New York. She was called “Gonwatsijayenni”, meaning “someone lends her a flower.” Her parents were Mohawk, one of the Six Nations. At 18, she met Sir William Johnson, the most influential man in the Mohawk Valley; they fell in love, and, though they never married, had eight children together. Sir William, his family, and Molly’s brother were Loyalists during the Revolutionary War and she remained devoted to the English cause, placing her on the losing side of the conflict. While remembered in Canada as a hero, honored with monuments, plaques, and postage stamps, she is nearly forgotten in America, and no portrait of her was ever commissioned. This presentation brings Molly Brant back to life through descriptions of her beauty, strength of character, devotion to family, and compassion for her people, who suffered after siding with the English. In the homes she shared with Sir William, she set tables with fine crystal and porcelain and dressed in lace-trimmed silk gowns, but for everyday life, she returned to her Mohawk clothing; many illustrations will showcase this. Historical photographs of women from similar backgrounds will also help recreate Molly’s image. The presentation also highlights the Native American perspective of the war and how Molly Brant saved many women and children from certain death.

Course will be held in Williams Hall, Room 113 

Marilyn Sassi, Instructor

Molly Brant - Between Two Worlds

Schedule	Section	Seats Left	Cost	Register
Friday, 4/24 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm	ZCCR-845 600	32 seats left	$22	Opens 1/21

More Stories from the Flip Side of History

More Stories from the Flip Side of History - Part VI

Dive into a brand-new selection of stories! If you’re someone who loves hearing about everyday people achieving extraordinary things or you’re drawn to quirky, fascinating tales that never made the headlines, this class is for you. For more than thirty years, author Steve Silverman, host of the Useless Information Podcast, has uncovered and shared some of the most unusual, odd, and bizarre stories lost to history. Join Steve as he presents a fresh batch of his favorite forgotten stories – guaranteed to entertain!

This course will be held at 400 Jordan Road (In the Rensselaer Technology Park), Troy NY, Room 248

Steve Silverman, Instructor

More Stories from the Flip Side of History

Schedule	Section	Seats Left	Cost	Register
Friday, 3/27 9:30 am - 11:00 am	ZCCR-755 600	32 seats left	$15	Opens 1/21

Norman Rockwell Presentation

If you remember the Saturday Evening Post, then you don’t want to miss this class. Come and learn about Norman Rockwell‘s life and art during this presentation, which will explore the background and history of the artist, his family, his schooling, his teachers, mentors and illustrators, his painting approaches, his most iconic works, his personal life, and the way his work ties into American culture, as well as the history of the Norman Rockwell Museum. We’ll also learn about the people who appeared on his famous Saturday Evening Post covers and explain how and why he chose his models. 

This course will be held at 400 Jordan Road (In the Rensselaer Technology Park), Troy NY, Room 248

Dan Carubia, Instructor

Norman Rockwell Presentation

Schedule	Section	Seats Left	Cost	Register
Friday, 5/8 9:30 am - 11:30 am	ZCCR-684 600	32 seats left	$15	Opens 1/21

Pond Investigation

Join Josh Pulito at the Dyken Pond Environmental Education Center for a hands-on look at aquatic life. Participants will learn about the life cycles and roles in the food chain of native macroinvertebrates, reptiles and amphibians by catching and releasing these creatures using drip nets. Roll up your sleeves and prepare to get up close and personal with pond life. See for yourself just how much biodiversity can be found in a small pond. Course fee includes a $10 materials fee.

Marie D'Entrone, Coordinator

Do Not Follow Your Car GPS- Some GPS units are directing people to the east side of the lake, which is 25 minutes from the Center. Please follow the directions below.

Directions: From East on Route 2. Watch for Tamarac School on the left and Tamarac Plaza on the right. Go 1.5 miles. Watch for Dyken Pond sign on the right. Turn right onto Route 79 (Blue Factory Rd). Go two miles. Turn left at Dyken Pond sign onto Route 80 (Madonna Lake Rd). Bear right at fork (Jay Hakes Rd. is to the left). Bear right at Dyken Pond sign onto Dyken Pond Rd. (go straight instead of following the turn). Continue 2.5 miles. Dyken Pond Road is a dirt road, go to the end.

From Points West, follow Route 7 east from Troy. Continue approximately 4 miles. Turn right at traffic light onto Route 278. Continue until the end. At traffic light, turn left onto Route 2, you will see Tamarac School and Plaza. Follow directions above.

From Points East: From Route 22, follow Route 2 west. You will pass the blinking light in the town of Grafton. Approximately 0.5 mile from there, look for the white Methodist Church on the left. Turn left at the church onto County Route 85 and continue for 3.1 miles. Turn left onto Route 80 (Madonna Lake Rd). After 0.8 miles, turn left at the sign.

Pond Investigation

Schedule	Section	Seats Left	Cost	Register
Monday, 4/20 10:00 am - 11:30 am	ZCCR-713 600	14 seats left	$25	Opens 1/21

Presenting Clara Barton

Clara Barton has been known by many as a famous Civil War nurse, but lesser known are her personal triumphs and tireless work on behalf of others before and after the war. Born in Massachusetts, she was a bright but timid child. She began her teaching career at an early age, eventually helping found the public school system in New Jersey. At the outset of the Civil War, her distress at the Union Army’s lack of preparation for the wounded prompted her to action. She solicited supplies and medicine in a public campaign, and courageously brought them to the men herself during the heat of battle on the field. After the war, she lent her skills to locating missing men. Her career of service led to her becoming a moving force for the United States to sign the Geneva Convention and she was instrumental in founding the American Red Cross.

This course will be held at 400 Jordan Road (In the Rensselaer Technology Park), Troy NY, Room 248

Phyllis Chapman, Instructor

Presenting Clara Barton

Schedule	Section	Seats Left	Cost	Register
Thursday, 4/2 9:30 am - 11:30 am	ZCCR-242 600	32 seats left	$30	Opens 1/21

Rensselaer Co. Celebration of Independence 1826 - 1976

Join Rensselaer County and Troy City Historian and Director of the Hart Cluett Museum Kathy Sheehan for an illustrated discussion on how Rensselaer County celebrated our country’s independence in 1826, 1876-1926 and 1976, and how we plan to celebrate our semiquincentennial, America’s 250th anniversary, in 2026!

This course will be held at 400 Jordan Road (In the Rensselaer Technology Park), Troy NY, Room 248

Kathryn Sheehan, Instructor

Rensselaer Co. Celebration of Independence 1826 - 1976

Schedule	Section	Seats Left	Cost	Register
Friday, 5/1 9:30 am - 11:30 am	ZCCR-852 600	32 seats left	$25	Opens 1/21

Saratoga in the Gilded Age

During the Gilded Age, Saratoga Springs, the “Queen of America’s Spas,” was a major thread in the social fabric of America. What was life like then for visitors and residents of the town? Award-winning author and Victorian historian Dr. Hollis Palmer will provide us with a glimpse into a season at the spa and explore the rapid social changes that characterized the Gilded Age. We’ll learn why the term  “Gilded Age” is appropriate for Saratoga, while “Victorian Era” applies to Newport, and how social changes would eventually cause a dark shadow to develop over Saratoga.

This course will be held at HVCC North, 345 Hermes Rd., Malta, NY 

Hollis Palmar, Instructor

Saratoga in the Gilded Age

Schedule	Section	Seats Left	Cost	Register
Tuesday, 4/21 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm	ZCCR-844 600	30 seats left	$25	Opens 1/21

Senior Exercise Class

Over the course of an hour, students in this class for seniors will work on 18 exercises grouped in three modalities in ascending order of difficulty. Students will be provided with a sheet listing the exercises to use at homeas part of a daily routine and will need to bring their own mat and one- or two-pound hand weights to class.

Course will be held in Brahan Hall, Room 114

Ihor Evanick, Instructor

Senior Exercise Class

Schedule	Section	Seats Left	Cost	Register
Tuesdays, 3/24 - 5/5 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm	ZREC-133 600	10 seats left	$25	Opens 1/21

Shakers Design

The Shakers began with one young woman named Ann Lee. Born in 1736 in Manchester, England, she grew up in poverty, but in 1784, she and eight followers founded the first Shaker Community in America. It was located where the Albany Airport is today, then called Watervliet. The Shakers spread across the country from New England into Maine, Ohio, Kentucky and Florida, with 19 communities by the 1850s. In this class, we will explore their furniture designs, which were so admired, they began selling to the outside world. Even the smallest, utilitarian objects made for everyday use were true works of art, and from the circular saw to the washing machine, Shaker designs live on today in contemporary furniture and kitchen units. This program will illustrate their designs and way of life. 

Course will be held in Williams Hall, Room 113 

Marilyn Sassi, Instructor

Shakers Design

Schedule	Section	Seats Left	Cost	Register
Friday, 4/17 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm	ZCCR-164 600	32 seats left	$22	Opens 1/21

Stories from the Stones

Stories in Stone: Gravestone Symbolism in the Albany Rural Cemetery

Have you ever wandered through a cemetery and wondered about the meanings of the designs carved on old gravestones? Many religious and secular symbols adorn 19th and 20th century tombstones, indicating attitudes towards death and the hereafter, membership in a fraternal or social organization, an individual’s occupation, or even ethnic identity. This approximately 90-minute walking tour will visit notable gravesites at Albany Rural Cemetery and explore the intriguing, but sometimes obscure meanings behind the symbols and funerary art found on the gravestones, monuments and mausoleums. We will also share stories about some of the notable individuals buried here. This walking tour will cover about one mile, and will include unpaved areas, where the ground may be uneven. Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a water bottle if needed. Please note there are no bathroom facilities in the cemetery. Course fee includes $10 materials fee.

Course will meet at Albany Rural Cemetery, Cypress Pond. Check the cemetery website, www.albanyruralcemetery.org, to access a map of the cemetery. There are two entrances to the cemetery: the main gate off Broadway in Menands and the south gate entrance off Rte. 378 (Menand Rd. at Van Rensselaer Blvd). The easiest and most direct route to Cypress Pond is from the south gate entrance. There will be signs with directions to Cypress Pond as well. 

Erin Sheehan and Elizabeth Berberian, Instructors

Stories from the Stones

Schedule	Section	Seats Left	Cost	Register
Wednesday, 4/22 10:00 am - 12:00 pm	ZCCR-764 600	30 seats left	$25	Opens 1/21

The Beauty, Design and Fragrance of Spring Flowers

Come learn from instructor Michele how to create layer upon layer of gorgeous spring arrangements. With more than 30 years of design experience, her goal is to create a masterpiece with color, texture, shape and style and teach you how to bring your own ambience to every occasion with energy, passion, and creativity. Come join us and you may be one of the lucky students who carries one of her creations home! Course fee includes a $20 materials fee.

This course will be held at 400 Jordan Road (In the Rensselaer Technology Park), Troy NY, Room 248

Michele Peters, Instructor

The Beauty, Design and Fragrance of Spring Flowers

Schedule	Section	Seats Left	Cost	Register
Thursday, 4/30 9:30 am - 12:00 pm	ZCCR-374 600	32 seats left	$35	Opens 1/21

The Best of Oakwood

Opened in 1850, Oakwood Cemetery in Troy was one of the first rural cemeteries in the country, with serpentine roads, beautifully sculpted monuments, and lovely landscaping, including thousands of spring daffodils. Our tour will begin in the magnificent Gardner Earl Memorial Chapel, a National Historic Landmark filled with Victorian splendor at every turn, from the marble floors and onyx columns to the dazzling, stained glass windows by Tiffany and Armstrong. We’ll enjoy signs of spring as we walk through the cemetery, stopping along the way to hear an interesting variety of stories about some of Oakwood’s “residents.” There will be accounts of heroics, tragic deaths, gravestone symbolism and more. We will visit the grave of Uncle Sam and pause to see the panoramic overlook of the Hudson River valley, passing a waterfall and the double ponds before returning to the main road for the conclusion of our tour. This slow-paced walk is a 1.5-mile loop on mainly level, paved roads with one dirt road and one or two slight inclines. A restroom at the chapel will be available before and after the walk. Dress appropriately for the weather and wear good walking shoes. You might want to bring bottled water as well. Course fee includes $20 materials fee.

Course will meet at Oakwood Cemetery, Troy, NY. Oakwood Cemetery is located off Route 7 East (Hoosick Street) in Troy. Take Oakwood Avenue (Route 40) north from Hoosick Street for about 1/2 mile. You will see the entrance gates on your left. You can park near the chapel or in the circle by the flagpole. NOTE: For GPS or Google Maps, use 186 Oakwood Avenue Troy. Do NOT use 50 - 101st Street.

Heidi Norton Klinowski, Instructor

The Best of Oakwood

Schedule	Section	Seats Left	Cost	Register
Monday, 4/27 1:00 pm - 3:30 pm	ZCCR-600 600	24 seats left	$35	Opens 1/21

The Erie Canal: A Story of Building the Impossible

Celebrating the 200th anniversary of the completion of the Erie Canal, this illustrated story describes the canal’s initial conception, challenging engineering and construction, instant success (even before it was completed!), cargo and passenger operations, local and national impact, enlargement, replacement, demise, and resurrection. Learn about its connection to the Statue of Liberty, why it was called “The Eighth Wonder of the World” and “The Mother of Cities,” and the little-known meaning behind “The Erie Canal Song” (“I’ve got an old mule and her name is Sal…”).

This course will be held at 400 Jordan Road (In the Rensselaer Technology Park), Troy NY, Room 248

Sandy Schuman, Instructor

The Erie Canal: A Story of Building the Impossible

Schedule	Section	Seats Left	Cost	Register
Thursday, 5/7 9:30 am - 11:30 am	ZCCR-612 600	32 seats left	$27	Opens 1/21

The Fabulous Cushing Boys and The Baltimore Plot

This encore presentation of The Fabulous Cushing Boys tells the stories of four brothers, originally from Wisconsin, with ties to central New York (and one with connections to Rensselaer and Albany). During the Civil War, it was not unusual for entire families to serve in the military on either side. All four Cushing boys served in the Union Army. Milton was in limited combat, but then saw duty in an administrative role; Howard saw artillery duty, but became more (in)famous dealing with southwestern Native nations postwar; Alonzo was a hero at Gettysburg; and Will led a virtual suicide mission to destroy the main ship in the Confederate ironclad fleet. Each brother and his story (pre-, during, and postwar) is interesting and compelling in its own right.   

This course will be held at 400 Jordan Road (In the Rensselaer Technology Park), Troy NY, Room 248

Jim Cochran, Instructor

The Fabulous Cushing Boys and The Baltimore Plot

Schedule	Section	Seats Left	Cost	Register
Thursday, 4/16 9:30 am - 11:30 am	ZCCR-591 600	32 seats left	$15	Opens 1/21

The Saugerties Lighthouse

Join us at the Saugerties Lighthouse, an 1869 landmark on the Hudson River that now stands proudly as a living museum and a renowned bed and breakfast. Step back in time more than a hundred years to experience the charm and rustic simplicity of life in the middle of the river. The Saugerties Lighthouse Conservancy maintains the lighthouse and adjacent lands for the enjoyment of the public. The restored red-brick lighthouse offers overnight bed and breakfast accommodations, public tours, and special events. Furnished as it may have looked in the early 20th century, the lighthouse contains a small museum, gift shop, parlor, kitchen,  keepers’ quarters, and two guest bedrooms. The operational light tower offers a panoramic view of the 

Hudson River Valley and Catskill Mountains. Because of its location on the river, tours must be scheduled with tide schedules in mind. The lighthouse can be reached via a half-mile nature trail of dirt and rock paths with wooden bridges and boardwalks and sandy trails. It is at the end of Lighthouse Drive in the village of Saugerties, New York. Suitable, comfortable shoes are recommended as it is a short walk to the lighthouse. Course fee includes $10 materials fee

Course will meet at the 168 Lighthouse Road, Saugerties, NY

Saugerties Lighthouse Staff, Coordinator

The Saugerties Lighthouse

Schedule	Section	Seats Left	Cost	Register
Thursday, 5/7 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm	ZCCR-337 600	19 seats left	$25	Opens 1/21

Tombstones & Tales at Albany Rural Cemetery

Explore the rich history and remarkable stories of the Albany Rural Cemetery on this guided walking tour, which will cover a completely different part of the cemetery than last year’s tour, with new and interesting tales of the deceased. Over the course of approximately two hours, we will visit notable funerary monuments and learn stories about some of the cemetery’s most fascinating permanent residents. The tour will cover about one mile, primarily along relatively flat roadways and grassy areas. The ground off the roadways and around the monuments may be uneven. There will be stops at various gravesites as we move between locations. Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring insect repellant and sunscreen. Please note, there are no bathroom facilities in the cemetery.

We will meet at Cypress Pond.  Check the cemetery website to access a map of the cemetery — www.albanyruralcemetery.org. There are two entrances to the cemetery: the main gate off Broadway in Menands and the south gate entrance off Rte. 378 (Menand Rd. at Van Rensselaer Blvd (Rte 377). The easiest and more direct route to Cypress Pond is from this south gate entrance. Course includes $10 materials fee.

Course will meet at Albany Rural Cemetery, Cypress Pond

Dr. Lynn Radlick and Dr. Michael Radlick, Instructors

Tombstones & Tales at Albany Rural Cemetery

Schedule	Section	Seats Left	Cost	Register
Tuesday, 5/12 10:00 am - 12:00 pm	ZCCR-833 600	30 seats left	$25	Opens 1/21

Tour Proctors Collaborative Scene Shop

This is a unique opportunity to learn how Broadway or off-Broadway shows are first conceived. The first step for all show producers is to create a script for the storyline and then to hire a creative staff that envision a world or setting. The setting is not just the narrative of the production, but a narrative of the space needed, which translates the storyline and point of view of the work. The production staff then bids out the work to people who will actualize the design. A scene shop’s work begins in a bid process, figuring out how to make this vision a reality. The class will be introduced to Obadiah Savage, the scene shop director, who will lecture and demonstrate his work by using plans, drafts and other methods of communication used by designers to build a set and ensure the success of a work. He will also discuss common issues like rigging, electrical concerns, flame retardancy and other potential safety problems and consequences of an accident happening in front of a live audience. Then, the tour will move into their fabrication space to look at instances of problem solving, and into their warehouse to view the prop and scenery inventory. Attendees will have a chance to ask questions and will be encouraged to continue the dialogue with the staff even after the class ends.

Course will meet at Scene Shop, 611 Rotterdam Industrial Park, Building 6, Bay 1, Schenectady, NY 12306

Marilyn Sassi, Instructor 

Tour Proctors Collaborative Scene Shop

Schedule	Section	Seats Left	Cost	Register
Thursday, 5/14 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm	ZCCR-827 600	20 seats left	$29	Opens 1/21

Tour and Class at The Empire State AeroSciences Museum

Enjoy a fun and informative day at the Empire State Aerosciences Museum, a one-of-a-kind cultural facility located at Schenectady County Airport in Glenville. The day starts off with a class on the history of aviation, where you can learn about the evolution of aircraft from the Wright Brothers to today. As part of class, you’ll be able to see actual aircraft up close, including everything from a 1910 Curtiss Pusher to the spectacular F-14 Tomcat. Next, we’ll enjoy a tour of the museum, which includes a variety of unique historic exhibits. As part of the tour, you’ll visit the museum’s airpark, featuring more than twenty historic aircraft, and be able to hop inside some. The museum is truly a gem, and recently undertook a revitalization of the interior exhibits, not to mention erection of the replica Concorde supersonic transport in front, which certainly is an eye catcher. Course fee includes $10 materials fee.

Course meets at  the Empire State AeroSciences Museum, 250 Rudy Chase Drive, Glenville, NY

Chad E. Conti, Instructor

Tour and Class at The Empire State AeroSciences Museum

Schedule	Section	Seats Left	Cost	Register
Friday, 3/13 10:30 am - 12:30 pm	ZCCR-196 600	29 seats left	$25	Opens 1/21

Troy in the Civil War

A Lecture and Artifact Exhibition by Historian Michael Marchand

For fifty years, local historian Michael Marchand has been a devoted student of American history, with a special passion for the rich heritage of Troy and Rensselaer County. A lifelong resident whose ancestors have lived and fought in the region since the 1700s, Marchand has spent decades studying, collecting, and sharing the stories of the men and women who shaped our local and national past. Driven by Troy’s deep industrial and military legacy, Marchand began his journey in historical reenactments and has since built a remarkable collection of Civil War artifacts and regional memorabilia. In this special one-time lecture, he will present an interactive “show-and-tell” on Troy in the Civil War, highlighting the pivotal role of Rensselaer County and its citizens. Attendees will have the unique opportunity to see and handle original artifacts, explore local photographs, and learn about the 2nd, 125th and 169th regiments and the 21st New York cavalry, specializing in the 125th New York Regiment. Participants are encouraged to bring their own families’ pictures and history to add to Troy’s story.

Course will be held in Williams Hall, Room 113 

Michael Marchand, Instructor

Troy in the Civil War

Schedule	Section	Seats Left	Cost	Register
Friday, 3/27 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm	ZCCR-398 600	32 seats left	$15	Opens 1/21

Ukrainian Eggs

This class will teach you how to make traditional Ukrainian eggs. You will learn how to use a traditional wax tool called a kistka to “write” with wax on your eggs and create intricate designs using layers of wax and brightly-colored dyes, then melt off the wax and reveal the many beautiful colors hiding below. This may sound difficult, but it is not; even children who scratch squiggly lines on their eggs end up with bright and beautiful results. Course fee includes a $35 materials fee that covers instruction and supplies.

Course will meet at Albany Art Room, 350 New Scotland Ave., Albany 

Karen Schupack, Instructor

Ukrainian Eggs

Schedule	Section	Seats Left	Cost	Register
Monday, 3/9 10:00 am - 12:00 pm	ZCCR-024 600	11 seats left	$50	Opens 1/21
Monday, 3/30 10:00 am - 12:00 pm	ZCCR-024 601	11 seats left	$50	Opens 1/21

When Alexander Hamilton Called Albany Home

Alexander Hamilton (1757 - 1804) is remembered as a remarkable political figure and one of our nation’s founding fathers. As husband of Eliza Schuyler and son in law of Major-General Philip Schuyler, Hamilton was also intimately connected to the city of Albany. Join us for a special focus tour at Schuyler Mansion as we examine Hamilton’s relationship with the Schuyler family, his time in Albany and at the family home, and the shaping of his legacy after his untimely death. Course fee includes a $4 materials fee.

Course will meet at the Schuyler Mansion, 32 Catherine St., Albany, NY

Marie D’Entrone, Coordinator

When Alexander Hamilton Called Albany Home

Schedule	Section	Seats Left	Cost	Register
Wednesday, 3/25 10:00 am - 12:00 pm	ZCCR-847 600	23 seats left	$19	Opens 1/21

Who was Benedict Arnold?

Do you really know the backstory of America’s infamous traitor? Almost all of us have in one way or another heard various stories about what kind of general Benedict Arnold was in Washington’s army and how he chose to go over to the British, but did you know that there are many who feel that his country betrayed him before he betrayed America? This presentation will discuss his early family years, his foray into the military, and those individuals who had significant influence on the disastrous decision that sealed his fate. The narrative of the general’s life unfolds like a poignant tapestry, interwoven with the threads of his early family years that shaped his character and aspirations. His military journey, marked by a series of bold decisions and pivotal moments, reflects both his dedication to service and the weight of responsibility he felt towards his nation. Influential figures along the way played crucial roles in guiding his path, reinforcing his commitment to duty while simultaneously instilling a sense of loyalty that would later be tested. Ultimately, the profound feelings of betrayal he experienced serve as a stark reminder of the complexities inherent in loyalty and sacrifice, illustrating how even those who serve with honor can find themselves at odds with the very ideals they once upheld. This multifaceted exploration not only deepens our understanding of one man’s journey but also invites reflection on broader themes of allegiance, trust, and the sometimes-painful realities of serving one’s country.

This course will be held at 400 Jordan Road (In the Rensselaer Technology Park), Troy NY, Room 248

Bill Remia, Instructor

Who was Benedict Arnold?

Schedule	Section	Seats Left	Cost	Register
Friday, 4/24 9:30 am - 11:30 am	ZCCR-848 600	32 seats left	$15	Opens 1/21

Wild Tails of Albany Animals

Wild Tails of Albany Animals is a first-of-its-kind class, where instructor Maeve will share stories of Albany’s longtime love of furry and feathered friends, big and small, including Owney the Railway Mail Dog and our beloved Nipper! She will also uncover many creatures in the form of carvings and statues hidden in plain sight. 

This course will be held at 400 Jordan Road (In the Rensselaer Technology Park), Troy NY, Room 248

Maeve McEneny-Johnson, Instructor

Wild Tails of Albany Animals

Schedule	Section	Seats Left	Cost	Register
Thursday, 3/26 9:30 am - 11:30 am	ZCCR-851 600	32 seats left	$20	Opens 1/21