Free Public Programs Celebrating the Quadricentennial of Henry Hudson's Exploration of the Waterways of New York

Programs for Adults

Wednesday, September 23 at 6:30 p.m.

Mid-Manhattan Library – 455 Fifth Avenue (at 40th Street) – 917-ASK-NYPL (917-275-6975)

New York City: Algonquin at the Core, with Nadema Agard

This multimedia presentation by a Native American artist/scholar of Powhatan ancestry provides perspective on the original Lenape ancestors of New York City and the greater Metropolitan area as well as the extended Algonquian-speaking family, ranging from Eastern Canada to as far south as Virginia and as far west as Oklahoma.

Monday, October 5 at 6:30 p.m.

Mid-Manhattan Library – 455 Fifth Avenue (at 40th Street) – 917-ASK-NYPL (917-275-6975)

Author @ the Library present The Hudson River Highlands, with Frances F. Dunwell

The Hudson River has been central to New York's power and to the history of the United States, playing a crucial role in the shaping of Manhattan, the rise of the Empire State, and the trajectory of world trade and global politics. This illustrated presentation portrays the river and the people whose relationship with it inspired changes in American history and culture.

Saturday, October 10 at 2 p.m.

Allerton Library – 2740 Barnes Avenue (between Allerton & Arnow avenues), The Bronx – 718-881-4240

Henry Hudson: 400 Years Later, with Lloyd Ultan

Presented by Prof. Lloyd Ultan, Bronx Borough Historian, The Bronx County Historical Society, this lecture focuses on Henry Hudson's journey to North America, his stop in the Bronx, and his overall importance to exploration and history.

Monday, November 16 at 6:30 p.m.

Mid-Manhattan Library – 455 Fifth Avenue (at 40th Street) – 917-ASK-NYPL (917-275-6975)

New York City as "Jerusalem on the Hudson": The Spiritual Legacy of the Hudson River School of Painters, with Ronald J. Brown

Dr. Brown chronicles the spiritual impact of Thomas Cole (1801–1848), the father of the Hudson River School of painting, on the emergence of New York City as the Empire City.

Wednesday, November 18 at 6:30 p.m.

Woodlawn Heights Library – 4355 Katonah Avenue (at East 239th Street), The Bronx – 718-519-9627

Henry Hudson: 400 Years Later, with Lloyd Ultan

Presented by Prof. Lloyd Ultan, Bronx Borough Historian, The Bronx County Historical Society, this lecture focuses on Henry Hudson's journey to North America, his stop in the Bronx, and his overall importance to exploration and history.

Saturday, December 5 at 2 p.m.

City Island Library – 320 City Island Avenue (between Bay & Fordham streets), The Bronx – 718-885-1703

Henry Hudson: 400 Years Later, with Lloyd Ultan

Presented by Prof. Lloyd Ultan, Bronx Borough Historian, The Bronx County Historical Society, this lecture focuses on Henry Hudson's journey to North America, his stop in the Bronx, and his overall importance to exploration and history.

Saturday, January 16 at 2 p.m.

Spuyten Duyvil Library – 650 West 235th Street (at Independence Avenue), The Bronx – 718-796-1202

Rediscovering Hudson, Fulton, and Champlain: Where New Worlds Meet Old Ambitions, with Robert Spiegelman

Explorers Henry Hudson and Samuel de Champlain and inventor Robert Fulton braved and entered the "unknown" realms of forests, waterways, and native peoples, propelling and enacting their visions of a "New World." In this multimedia lecture-presentation, Dr. Spiegelman celebrates the 400th anniversary of the explorations of Champlain and Hudson and the 200th anniversary of Fulton's steamboat.

Saturday, January 23 at 1 p.m.

Yorkville Library – 222 East 79th Street (between Second & Third avenues) – 212-744-5824

Traditional and Historical Songs of New York State, with Dave Ruch

In this concert-and-lecture program, experience the songs of real New Yorkers from days gone by — songs from the people who settled and built our state: farmers, lumbermen, children, immigrants, Native Americans, canallers, hops pickers, lake sailors, and more. Musician Dave Ruch is equal parts historian, entertainer, educator, humorist, and folklorist.

Saturday, February 13 at 2 p.m.

Spuyten Duyvil Library – 650 West 235th Street (at Independence Avenue), The Bronx – 718-796-1202

Art in Food and Food in Art, with Peter G. Rose

This lusciously illustrated slide-talk explores the foodways brought to America by the Dutch more than three centuries ago, and how these foods evolved and were adapted under new circumstances. Using as examples some 40 paintings by Jan Steen, Adriaen von Ostade, Jan Davidsz. de Heem, Pieter Claesz, Harmen van Steenwijck, and other Old Masters, author and culinary historian Rose provides insight into 17th-century food practices, shedding new light on the colonial diet.

Programs presented in conjunction with the exhibition Mapping New York's Shoreline, 1609–2009, on view September 25, 2009–June 26, 2010, The New York Public Library, Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, Fifth Avenue and 42nd Street, New York, NY 10018.

Admission is first-come, first-served.

Programs for Young Adults (ages 12–18)

Code Breakers!

Develop your own secret code while learning how to crack other codes. Decipher messages and solve mysteries. For ages 12 to 18.

Bronx Library Center (Bronx) Tuesday, November 3 at 4 p.m.

Fur!

Explore the history of the fur trade and its impact on Native Americans when the Dutch traders first arrived. Check out genuine otter, beaver, and mink pelts; each tells a story of how trade changed the fabric of Native American culture.

Countee Cullen (Manhattan) Monday, October 19 at 4 p.m.

Grand Concourse (Bronx) Friday, October 2 at 3:30 p.m.

Mott Haven (Bronx) Friday, April 30 at 3:30 p.m.

How Can THAT Float?

Why does a steel boat float while a steel bar sinks? Learn about Cartesian diving and see how dense you really are! For ages 12 to 18.

Parkchester (Bronx)Monday, November 16 at 4 p.m.

Seward Park (Manhattan)Wednesday, October 7 at 4 p.m.

Live Bat Encounter

Screech, thump, and flap in from all over for your chance to meet bats! Join Rob Mies as he shows off four different types of bats. Learn all about these nocturnal critters.

Bronx Library Center (Bronx) Friday, October 23 at 6 p.m.

Manhattan: The Ice Age

What creatures lived here before pigeons, rats, and people? Explore the ecological history of Manhattan by examining genuine animal artifacts including mastodon ribs, tusks, teeth, and more.

Countee Cullen (Manhattan) Monday, October 5 at 4 p.m.

Grand Concourse (Bronx) Friday, October 9 at 3:30 p.m.

Mott Haven (Bronx) Friday, April 2 at 3:30 p.m.

The River Before Henry: Life Before NYC

Explore the history of the Hudson River Valley before Hudson arrived! Examine ancient artifacts created by the people who lived there 1,000–12,000 years ago. Handle the artifacts and discuss the history behind them: their creation, use, and impact on history.

Countee Cullen (Manhattan) Monday, September 28 at 4 p.m.

Grand Concourse (Bronx) Friday, September 18 at 3:30 p.m.

Mott Haven (Bronx) Friday, April 16 at 3:30 p.m.

Ship Shape @ Your Library

Get on board with clay master P. Olliver and build a replica of Henry Hudson’s ship, the Half Moon. Learn about boat construction and sailing, and create your own piece of history.

Bronx Library Center (Bronx) Thursday, October 8, October 15, October 22 at 4:30 p.m.

Countee Cullen (Manhattan) Monday, November 2, November 16, November 30 at 4 p.m.

Grand Concourse (Bronx) Monday, October 5, October 19, October 26 at 4 p.m.

Water Environments

How do we test water? What’s in what you’re drinking? Test some water samples and find out what’s really floating around in there! For ages 12 to 18.

Parkchester (Bronx) Monday, October 26 at 4 p.m.

Seward Park (Manhattan) Wednesday, October 21 at 4 p.m.

St. George Library Center (Staten Island) Wednesday, September 23 at 3 p.m.

Programs for Children (ages 4–11)

Birds of the Hudson River Valley

Explore the unique nature that exists in and around the Hudson River Valley. Look at images of the Hudson River School paintings to learn more about the specific birds that make the Valley their home, discover how a feather’s unique shape and design help a bird to fly, and create your own bird identification wheel featuring birds from the region. Presented by the Children’s Museum of Manhattan. For ages 5 to 11.

67th Street (Manhattan)*Monday, October 26 at 4 p.m.

115th Street (Manhattan) *Wednesday, October 14 at 4 p.m.

Fort Washington (Manhattan) *Friday, October 30 at 3:30 p.m.

George Bruce (Manhattan)*Monday, October 5 at 4 p.m.

Hamilton Grange (Manhattan) *Tues, October 13 at 4 p.m.

Harlem (Manhattan) *Thursday, October 15 at 4 p.m.

Kingsbridge (Bronx)*Thursday, October 22 at 4:30 p.m.

Seward Park (Manhattan) *Tuesday, October 20 at 4 p.m.

Yorkville (Manhattan) *Thursday, October 8 at 4 p.m.

Fish of the Hudson River Valley

Discover the many varieties of fish that populate the Hudson River Valley and their importance to the health and well-being of the river. Explore the anatomical features of fish found in the river by examining life-sized reproductions, and use the rubber models to make your own fish print to feature each species’ unique details. Presented by the Children’s Museum of Manhattan. For ages 5 to 11.

115th Street (Manhattan) *Wednesday, October 21 at 4 p.m.

125th Street (Manhattan) *Wednesday, October 14 at 4 p.m.

Castle Hill (Bronx) *Tuesday, October 13 at 4 p.m.

Hunt’s Point (Bronx) *Thursday, October 15 at 4 p.m.

Kips Bay (Manhattan) *Tuesday, October 27 at 3:30 p.m.

Melrose (Bronx) *Tuesday, October 20 at 4 p.m.

Seward Park (Manhattan) *Tuesday, October 6 at 4 p.m.

Wakefield (Bronx) *Monday, October 19 at 4 p.m.

Henry Hudson Valley: Bridges and Tunnels

Look at transportation maps of New York City and New Jersey to better understand the vital role bridges and tunnels play in the development of the area. Watch a demonstration to see how arches help create support for structures both floating above and buried deep below the Hudson River. Presented by the Children’s Museum of Manhattan. For ages 5 to 11.

96th Street (Manhattan) *Tuesday, January 12 at 4 p.m.

115th Street (Manhattan) *Wednesday, January 27 at 4 p.m.

Castle Hill (Bronx) *Tuesday, January 26 at 4 p.m.

Columbus (Manhattan) *Wednesday, January 13 at 4 p.m.

Epiphany (Manhattan) *Monday, January 11 at 4 p.m.

Fort Washington (Manhattan) *Thursday, January 7 at 4 p.m.

Harlem (Manhattan) *Thursday, January 14 at 4 p.m.

Washington Heights (Manhattan) *Wednesday, January 20 at 3 p.m.

Webster (Manhattan) *Thursday, January 28 at 4 p.m.

West Farms (Bronx) *Friday, January 22 at 4 p.m.

Henry Hudson Valley: Clouds

Explore images of the Hudson River School of Painting to understand how clouds were an important element to the atmosphere of the paintings. Look at plastic models of clouds to understand the connection between the shapes of clouds and the weather that is connected with them. Presented by the Children’s Museum of Manhattan. For ages 5 to 11.

96th Street (Manhattan) *Tuesday, February 9, 4 p.m.

115th Street (Manhattan) *Wednesday, February 17 at 4 p.m.

Epiphany (Manhattan) *Monday, February 8 at 4 p.m.

Harlem (Manhattan) *Thursday, February 18 at 4 p.m.

Kips Bay (Manhattan) *Friday, February 26 at 4 p.m.

Washington Heights (Manhattan) *Wednesday, February 10 at 4 p.m.

Webster (Manhattan) *Thursday, February 11 at 4 p.m.

Henry Hudson Valley: Engine Boats

Read and problem-solve using navigational maps to explore the Henry Hudson River Valley to better understand the importance and history of sailing in the region. Examine navigational tools and nautical flags to understand how ships communicated with each other before radios were used on ships. Presented by the Children’s Museum of Manhattan. For ages 5 to 11.

96th Street (Manhattan) *Friday, December 11 at 4 p.m.

115th Street (Manhattan) *Wednesday, December 9, 4 p.m.

Columbus (Manhattan) *Wednesday, December 16, 4 p.m.

Fort Washington (Manhattan) *Thursday, December 10 at 4 p.m.

Harlem (Manhattan) *Tuesday, December 15 at 4 p.m.

Mott Haven (Bronx) *Thursday, December 10 at 4 p.m.

Spuyten Duyvil (Bronx) *Monday, December 7 at 4 p.m.

Washington Heights (Manhattan) *Wednesday, December 16, 3 p.m.

Webster (Manhattan) *Thursday, December 17 at 4 p.m.

How the Beaver Got Sharp Teethand Other Native American Tales

Stories presented by LuAnn Adams. For ages 4 and older.

125th Street (Manhattan) Wednesday, November 18 at 4 p.m.

Children’s Center at 42nd Street (Manhattan) Saturday, November 21 at 3 p.m.

Dongan Hills (Staten Island) Friday, November 13 at 4 p.m.

Kips Bay (Manhattan) Tuesday, November 17 at 3:30 p.m.

Pelham Bay (Bronx) Monday, November 16 at 3:30 p.m.

Tottenville (Staten Island) Thursday, November 12 at 4 p.m.

Yorkville (Manhattan) Thursday, November 19 at 4 p.m.

Navigation

Explore the Hudson River Valley using navigational maps to better understand the importance and history of sailing in the region. Examine navigational tools and nautical flags to understand how ships communicated with each other before ship radios came into use, and create your own nautical flag featuring the first letter of your name. Presented by the Children’s Museum of Manhattan. For ages 5 to 11.

115th Street (Manhattan) *Friday, November 13 at 4 p.m.

Castle Hill (Bronx) *Tuesday, November 10 at 3:30 p.m.

Clason’s Point (Bronx) *Thursday, November 5 at 3:30 p.m.

Epiphany (Manhattan) *Monday, November 23 at 4 p.m.

Hamilton Grange (Manhattan) *Wednesday, November 18 at 4 p.m.

Hunt’s Point (Bronx) *Monday, November 16 at 4 p.m.

Kingsbridge (Bronx) *Thursday, November 19 at 4:30 p.m.

Muhlenberg (Manhattan) *Wednesday, November 4 at 4 p.m.

Seward Park (Manhattan) *Tuesday, November 17 at 4 p.m.

Spuyten Duyvil (Bronx) *Thursday, November 12 at 4 p.m.

Webster (Manhattan) *Friday, November 6 at 4 p.m.

Sailing

Explore the design of schooners and learn how sailing works by looking at images from the 1800s. Make your own model sailboat and learn the basics of “coming about” and “jibbing.” Presented by the Children’s Museum of Manhattan. For ages 5 to 11.

67th Street (Manhattan) *Wednesday, November 18 at 4 p.m.

Bloomingdale (Manhattan) *Monday, November 16 at 4 p.m.

Epiphany (Manhattan) *Wednesday, November 4 at 4 p.m.

Fort Washington (Manhattan) *Thursday, November 19 at 4 p.m.

Harlem (Manhattan) *Tuesday, November 24 at 4 p.m.

Roosevelt Island (Manhattan) *Tuesday, November 10 at 4 p.m.

Wakefield (Bronx) *Monday, November 23 at 4 p.m.

West Farms (Bronx) *Tuesday, November 17 at 3:30 p.m.

Yorkville (Manhattan) *Thursday, November 5 at 4 p.m.

* Preregistration required

Programs presented in conjunction with the exhibition Mapping New York's Shoreline, 1609–2009, on view September 25, 2009–June 26, 2010, The New York Public Library, Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, Fifth Avenue and 42nd Street, New York, NY 10018.