MORAL COMPASS: Great Places to Go Where the Going Does Good

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bike trips, cycling trips, Uncategorized

Bike New York Launches Virtual Spoketober Challenge

September 13, 2020 MoralCompass

Bike New York runs the annual TD Five Boro Bike Tour, which gets some 32,000 riders. The 2020 bike tour registrants will have the $15 entry fee for Spoketober waived. Spoketober, taking place Oct. 1-31, is where cyclists from all over the world, simply by riding everyday, compete for prizes and earn exclusive cycling apparel by fundraising in support of the nonprofit’s mission © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

New York, NY — Bike New York has announced the launch of Spoketober, a virtual event to be held from October 1–31. Cyclists from all over the world will be invited to participate by simply riding everyday. Participants will have the opportunity to compete for prizes and earn exclusive cycling apparel by fundraising in support of the nonprofit’s mission. Proceeds from this virtual event will support Bike New York’s bicycle education programs, including their roster of online classes offered in response to the pandemic.

“Having the skills and confidence to ride a bike is more important than ever as Covid-19 continues to impact our daily lives. This virtual event is a huge step forward for Bike New York as we explore new ways to connect our supporters, students, and other cyclists around the world through the joy, freedom, and power of taking that ride,” said Ken Podziba, President and CEO of Bike New York. “Biking is an excellent form of socially distant transportation and exercise with unparalleled mental health and environmental benefits. Even in these challenging times, we are continuing to bring people together through cycling with innovative events and programs that empower bicycling all over the world. When the road gets rough, we ride on together!”

Spoketober participants will monitor their progress and keep track of their month-long challenge through Kitler Rewards, an interactive leaderboard app that syncs with a variety of popular fitness tracking apps including Strava, Fitbit, Garmin Connect, Apple Health, and Google Fit. Challengers will earn 100 points for each day in October that they take a ride of five miles or more, which will count toward a variety of Spoketober-exclusive rewards and prizes throughout the month. Flash challenges will arise throughout the month, giving participants an opportunity to earn additional points while mixing up the routine of their daily rides.

Riders are encouraged to turn their Spoketober Challenge into fundraisers to benefit Bike New York’s free education programs. Fundraisers who reach $150 and $300 benchmarks will automatically earn Primal Wear gear. Bike New York will provide tools and resources to help fundraisers spread the word about their Spoketober rides and reach their goals.

Spoketober participants will also have the opportunity to compete for a host of prizes including two top-of-the-line performance road bikes courtesy of Trek, two custom limited edition New Belgium fat tire cruisers, and evaluations at NYU Langone Health’s Sports Performance Center, with additional rider rewards provided by Primal Wear, Clif Bar, and Nuun. Full prize details can be viewed here. All participants will have access to a number of perks from event sponsors, including a 10% discount on an evaluation at NYU Langone Health’s Sports Performance Center, 20% off Primal Wear’s online store, US participants will receive a 15% discount on an online order at Clif Bar, and 25% off Nuun’s online store.

General participant registration costs $15, while Bike New York Members and Volunteers can register for $10. Entry fees will be waived for 2020 TD Five Boro Bike Tour registrants. Proceeds from the virtual event will support Bike New York’s completely free, year-round curriculum of classes which reach more than 33,000 children and adults of all ages and abilities each year. In response to Covid-19, Bike New York has pivoted many of these programs online, and launched a brand new virtual bike resource hub to ensure optimal accessibility to bike learning tools.

More information can be found at Bike New York’s Spoketober Challenge page: https://www.bike.nyc/events/spoketober/

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Benefits of Travel & Tourism, Endangered Places, Environmental Activism, Importance of Tourism, Responsible Travel, Sustainable Tourism and Travel, Uncategorized

Travel Experts to Discuss Lessons from COVID-19 on Tourism in a Changing Climate

September 11, 2020 MoralCompass

Jokulsarlon Glacier, Iceland. The travel and tourism industry, which sustains environments, cultures and economies in communities around the world, faces twin crises of climate change and COVID-19. The Center for Responsible Travel (CREST) is hosting a free 2020 World Tourism Day Webinar on Tuesday, September 29 © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.

Join the Center for Responsible Travel (CREST) for a 2020 World Tourism Day Webinar entitled Lessons from COVID-19 for Tourism in a Changing Climate, Tuesday, September 29, 11:00 am–12:30 pm EST

Registration for this free event is now open, and space is limited.

CREST’s annual meta-analysis, The Case for Responsible Travel: Trends & Statistics, will share key studies on COVID-19 and climate change and the lessons that may be applied from the former to meet the challenges of the latter. CREST’s World Tourism Day Webinar will share the report’s key findings and will bring together experts to discuss consumer, business, and destination trends in the context of recovery.

Distinguished speakers will explore the unprecedented opportunity to mitigate two existential threats, climate change and COVID-19, with one coordinated approach, truly making the world a safer, more equitable, and more resilient place for all.

Panelists will include:

Dr. Daniel Scott, Executive Director, Interdisciplinary Centre on Climate Change (IC3), University of Waterloo
Erin Francis-Cummings, President and CEO, Destination Analysts
Ewald Biemans, Owner and CEO, Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort, Aruba
Moderator: Denaye Hinds, Owner and Managing Director, JustaTAAD, LLC

The latest report, The Case for Responsible Travel: Trends & Statistics 2020, a special edition on lessons from COVID-19 for tourism in a changing climate, comes at an unprecedented time due to the COVID-19 pandemic. COVID-19 has highlighted the immense need and value of tourism, while fundamentally changing the way destinations, businesses, and travelers will plan, manage, and experience tourism. At the same time, climate change remains an existential threat that has real consequences for destinations and communities everywhere.

The report includes a special focus on the two major crises facing our world today: climate change and COVID-19. Sharing cutting-edge research and examples, the report describes how travelers, tourism businesses, and destinations are implementing workable, sustainable solutions to support our planet and its people. The report also provides an overview of what consumers, businesses, and destinations are experiencing during COVID-19 and offers sustainable solutions that can help the tourism industry on a road to responsible recovery.

“Crisis often breeds innovation, and destination communities and businesses must now take the time to reconsider the path forward,” said Gregory Miller, Executive Director of CREST. “As we look to the future of tourism, the same rigor and dedication that is needed to adapt to the pandemic must also be applied to neutralize the threat of climate change.”

Trends & Statistics 2020 updates CREST’s previous industry studies, released every year since 2013. This year’s report was prepared in collaboration with more than 30 leading organizations, researchers, and institutions, including the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP), the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF).

The full report is available at responsibletravel.org.

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Exhibits, Museums & Exhibits, Uncategorized

New-York Historical Society Reopens September 11 With Special World Trade Center Exhibit

September 11, 2020 MoralCompass

The Women March exhibit at the New-York Historical Society, tracing the history of women’s rights during this Centennial Celebration of Women’s Suffrage, has been extended to Jan. 24, 2021 © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

The New-York Historical Society reopens on Friday, September 11, 2020, with a full slate of exhibitions throughout the building and safety protocols in place for visitors and staff. The three-day opening weekend celebrates New York’s resilience with a special digital installation titled World Trade Center Four Decades: Photographs by Camilo José Vergara, a free virtual public program about 9/11, and joining institutions across the city by lighting up its façade as part of “Tribute in Lights.” The Museum has extended a number of special exhibitions, including Bill Graham and the Rock & Roll Revolution; Women March; Colonists, Citizens, Constitutions: Creating the American Republic; and The People Count: The Census in the Making of America.

On display September 11-13, World Trade Center Four Decades: Photographs by Camilo José Vergara showcases more than 40 digital photographs depicting the World Trade Center from the south, east, and west, chronicling its changes over half a century―from the early days of the Twin Towers’ construction in the 1970s, to their dominance of the skyline in the 1980s and 1990s, to the emptiness of the city’s horizon in the aftermath of the tragic events of September 11, 2001, to the slow rebuilding process that followed. On September 11 at 6 pm, a free, online program, History Responds: Pondering the Present, Revisiting the Past, recounts the advent of New-York Historical’s History Responds collecting initiative in the wake of the tragic events of September 11, 2001. The conversation features Valerie Paley, senior vice president and chief historian at New-York Historical and director of the Center for Women’s History; and Kenneth T. Jackson, Barzun Professor Emeritus of History at Columbia University and president emeritus of New-York Historical.

Also on view outdoors in the Museum’s rear courtyard is the free exhibition Hope Wanted: New York City Under Quarantine, which documents the experiences of New Yorkers across the five boroughs during the height of the pandemic. And opening October 23 as part of the Asia Society Triennial: We Do Not Dream Alone—a multi-venue festival of art, ideas, and innovation—New-York Historical and Asia Society Museum present their first ever collaborative exhibition, Dreaming Together, featuring side-by-side pairings from New-York Historical’s American art collection and Asia Society’s contemporary Asian art holdings.

“We are so pleased to once again welcome visitors to the indoor spaces of New-York Historical’s home on Central Park West,” said Dr. Louise Mirrer, president and CEO. “We have made our building safe through rigorous processes and protocols, and our staff has undergone extensive training to ensure that these safety measures are strictly enforced and respected by all. As the city’s oldest museum, New-York Historical has for 216 years served a vital role in chronicling the city and nation’s history, from New York’s emergence from the ruins of British occupation at the end of the Revolutionary War to the major metropolis the city is today. We are proud to welcome visitors again to engage in and enjoy learning about history, as the city itself comes back to life.”

New-York Historical’s new hours are Fridays, 10 am – 8 pm; and Saturdays and Sundays, 11 am – 5 pm. (Fridays 6 – 8 pm are pay-as-you-wish.) Special Member access will be offered every Friday 10 – 11am, and on September Thursdays 11am – 5pm. Seniors and immune-compromised visitors are also welcome on those dates. The DiMenna Children’s History Museum and Audubon’s Birds of America Focus Gallery will remain temporarily closed to visitors. Enhanced sanitizing and cleaning protocols, increased air filtration, and other safety measures have been implemented, and temperature screenings and face coverings are required for entry. Physical distancing will also be enforced: Attendance has been reduced to 25% of typical capacity, and timed-entry tickets can be booked online at nyhistory.org. Additional details about safety protocols can be found at nyhistory.org/safety.

Since New-York Historical closed to the public on March 13 to help contain the spread of COVID-19, it has been actively collecting during these unprecedented times through its History Responds initiative, documenting the pandemic and the Black Lives Matter protests in New York City. For more details on its ongoing collecting efforts and how to donate items, visit nyhistory.org/history-responds.

Exhibitions on View

In addition to permanent exhibitions like the Gallery of Tiffany Lamps, Objects Tell Stories, and Meet the Presidents and the Oval Office, the following extended, special exhibitions will be on display when the Museum reopens:

· Bill Graham and the Rock & Roll Revolution, through January 3, 2021

· Women March, through January 24, 2021

· The People Count: The Census in the Making of America, through November 8, 2020

· Colonists, Citizens, Constitutions: Creating the American Republic, through February 7, 2021

· In Profile: A Look at Silhouettes, through November 29, 2020

Outdoor Exhibition: Hope Wanted: New York City Under Quarantine
Curated by writer Kevin Powell and photographer Kay Hickman, Hope Wanted comprises more than 50 photographs by Hickman and 12 audio interviews with the photographs’ subjects conducted by Powell, gathered during the team’s intensive two-day odyssey across the city on April 8–9, 2020. The free exhibition, on display through November 29 in New-York Historical’s rear courtyard (entrance located by 5 West 76th Street between Central Park West and Columbus Avenue), provides an open-air environment for visitors to view the works on display and contemplate the impact of COVID-19 on New York City. The empathetic photographs of New Yorkers and their neighborhoods across all five boroughs and the compelling interviews capture both the tragedy of the pandemic as well as the remarkable resilience of the city and its people.

The New-York Historical Society, one of America’s preeminent cultural institutions, is dedicated to fostering research and presenting history and art exhibitions and public programs that reveal the dynamism of history and its influence on the world of today. Founded in 1804, New-York Historical has a mission to explore the richly layered history of New York City and State and the country, and to serve as a national forum for the discussion of issues surrounding the making and meaning of history. New-York Historical is also home to the Patricia D. Klingenstein Library, one of the oldest, most distinguished libraries in the nation—and one of only 20 in the United States qualified to be a member of the Independent Research Libraries Association—which contains more than three million books, pamphlets, maps, newspapers, manuscripts, prints, photographs, and architectural drawings.

The New-York Historical Society is located at 170 Central Park West at Richard Gilder Way (77th Street), New York, NY 10024. Information: (212) 873-3400. Website: nyhistory.org. Follow the Museum on social media at @nyhistory on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and Tumblr.

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fall festivals, festivals & events, New York State tourism, Uncategorized

New York’s Corn Mazes, Pick-Your-Own, Hayrides, Haunted Houses, Farmers Markets Open for Visits this Fall

September 4, 2020 MoralCompass

New York State will be offering fall festivals that support the state’s agribusiness and agritourism, such as with this “Taste of New York” stand on the NY Thruway, with COVID-19 precautions in place. (c) Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

This fall, you can enjoy your favorite corn mazes, pick-your-own-fruit and vegetable activities, hayrides and haunted houses, plus farmers’ markets and craft beverage trails in New York State.

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced new state guidance for agritourism businesses as New York State enters the fall season. The businesses, which include corn mazes, pick-your-own fruit and vegetable operations, hayrides and haunted houses, are considered low-risk outdoor arts and entertainment and are permitted to operate under New York’s NY Forward guidance. New Yorkers can also visit the State’s farmers’ markets and craft beverage trails, which have remained open under State guidance, supporting agriculture and tourism in the state.

“New York State’s amazing outdoor attractions and recreational opportunities are a boon for families and communities during the fall season each year, and we want New Yorkers to be able to enjoy this time with their family responsibly and safely,” Governor Cuomo said. “The new guidance announced today will ensure that these businesses can open to the public, allowing families to enjoy their favorite fall activities while providing a boost for our farming communities and local economies.”

“As one of the nation’s top agricultural states, New York traditionally comes together in the fall to celebrate the harvest—from apples to grapes to pumpkins,” State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball said. “This year, while things may not look exactly the same on your favorite farm, I am happy to say we can still celebrate agriculture’s bounty and the many family-friendly activities that go with it. With this new guidance, we hope New Yorkers will be able to enjoy some of the best of New York agriculture in a safe and socially distanced manner.”

The businesses that can reopen are subject to Low Risk Outdoor Arts and Entertainment and Public Transportation guidance. Guidance includes, but is not limited to:

Corn Mazes – permitted consistent with Low Risk Outdoor Arts and Entertainment guidance and the following conditions:

Reduced capacity
Face coverings required
Social distance maintained between individuals/parties

Hayrides – permitted consistent with Public Transportation guidance and the following conditions:

Mandatory face coverings
Social distance required between individuals/parties
Frequently touched surfaces, such as handrails, cleaned and sanitized between rides

Pick-Your-Own Fruit/Vegetables Operations – permitted consistent with Low Risk Outdoor Arts and Entertainment guidance and the following conditions:

Reduced capacity
Face coverings required
Social distance maintained between individuals/parties.

Haunted Houses – permitted consistent with Low Risk Indoor Arts and Entertainment guidance and the following conditions:

Reduced capacity
Face coverings required
Social distance maintained between individuals/parties

Petting zoos are not permitted.

The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets has issued a full slate of guidelines for the agricultural industry, including guidance for farmers’ markets and for its food and beverage producers. All guidance can be found at https://agriculture.ny.gov/coronavirus.

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attractions, Historic Places, New York State tourism, Uncategorized

Newly Unveiled Illuminated Fountain on Cayuga-Seneca Canal Celebrates Seneca Falls’ Contribution to Suffrage Movement

September 4, 2020 MoralCompass

The 1844 Seneca Knitting Mill building in Seneca Falls is now the home of the National Women’s Hall of Fame. New York State has just unveiled an illuminated fountain on the Cayuga-Seneca Canal in Seneca Falls, a touchstone place for the Women’s Rights Movement in the United States, as part of the state’s programming commemorating the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment. © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced the installation of an illuminated fountain on the Cayuga-Seneca Canal in Seneca Falls as part of the state’s programming commemorating the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment. Placed just offshore from where the first Women’s Rights Convention was held in 1848, the fountain is a joint initiative by the New York Power Authority, Canal Corporation and Seneca Falls Development Corporation offering New Yorkers a way to celebrate New York’s role in the suffrage story and our state’s history of bold women visionaries.

As part of the New York State Canal system, the Cayuga-Seneca Canal was integral in not only transporting goods from the Atlantic to Western New York, but in connecting people and fostering the spread of progressive ideals – from women’s rights to abolition.

“It was here in Seneca Falls that New Yorkers came together to demand equal rights for women under the Constitution, drafting their Declaration of Sentiments that solidified the focus of the suffrage movement,” Governor Cuomo said. “This new symbol serves as a tribute to all women who have persevered in the fight for equality; and a reminder to all of us that we still have work to do to fully achieve equality for all.”

On display daily from September 2nd through September 8th, the illuminated fountain will spray water 80 feet into the air over the Cayuga-Seneca Canal and each evening beginning at 8:26 pm, the fountain lights will cycle through the colors of purple, white, and gold to signify the centennial of the 19th Amendment.

“Today we commemorate New York women who challenged their place in society and paved the way for future generations to be active and more equal participants in our democracy,” Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul, Chair of the New York State Women’s Suffrage Commission said. “The brave suffragists who stood up, spoke out and demanded change made it possible for women to vote and run for office. The actions of these women and countless others are why I am proud to stand here today, representing the great State of New York. As the birthplace of the women’s rights movement, we must uphold their legacy and continue our fight for equal rights and opportunities for all women.”

The fountain features a pump from the largest pump manufacturer in the world—ITT Gould Pumps, founded just months before the first Women’s Convention, and still headquartered in Seneca Falls.

Events and activities highlighting how the state’s canals shaped our nation’s history continue through New York’sReimagine the Canals initiative, a plan to transform the iconic waterway, encourage new visitors to explore recreational and cultural attractions, and improve resilience and economic stability for communities along the entire Canal system.

New York Power Authority President and CEO Gil Quiniones said, “Many of the 19th Century’s most influential social reform movements flourished along the banks of New York’s canals, especially in Central and Western New York. As the stewards of the historic Canal system, we celebrate its role in historical movements, like women’s suffrage, that make us proud to call New York home. We are committed to not only upholding the legacy of our early trailblazers for the rights of women but building on that movement and fostering a more inclusive and just state for everyone.”

Quiniones also highlighted the New York Power Authority’s Women in Power initiative, an employee-led group focused on gender equality, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace—fostering a supportive network for women through mentorship, education, and events, such as an upcoming forum on the progress of women in public service.

Director of the New York State Canal Corporation Brian U. Stratton said,”Today we celebrate the long-standing fight for equality and the beliefs that flourished and flowed along the Cayuga-Seneca Canal to the far reaches of the entire Canal system. At a time when communities across New York State and the nation are again seeking new ways to promote equality and spur change, we are proud to reflect on the storied history of this great waterway, and its role in the long fight for progress.”

Board Chair of the Seneca Falls Development Corporation Joell Murney-Karsten said,”The Seneca Falls community is proud of our rich, empowering history that draws visitors from across the world to come experience this storied place. Today’s dedication celebrates our role in American history, but also inspires us to look forward, to explore new ways to tell our story, and invite new residents and businesses to join us in this beautiful Town along the Canal.”

In addition to viewing the fountain, visitors to Seneca Falls may also kayak for free along the Cayuga-Seneca Canal through Labor Day as part of the NY Canal Staycation campaign. They may also visit the nearby National Women’s Hall of Fame at the Seneca Knitting Mill.

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Historic Places, Historic Preservation, New York State tourism, Uncategorized

On Centennial of 19th amendment, NYS Announces Preservation Project of Historic Susan B. Anthony Childhood Home

August 18, 2020 MoralCompass

“Wave” Sculpture puts you in the march toward the first Women’s Rights Convention, at Women’s Rights National Historical Park in Seneca Falls. New York State is marking the centennial of the 19^th amendment by allocating money to preserve and restore Susan B. Anthony’s childhood home in Battenville © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

On the 100th Anniversary of the 19th Amendment, which gave women the right to vote, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced an effort to stabilize and preserve the childhood home of prominent 19th century women’s rights activist Susan B. Anthony, in Washington County. The work at the 1832 two-story brick home on Route 29 in Battenville where Anthony lived from ages 13 to 19, which includes repairs to the roof, masonry and drainage, as well as mold remediation and water damage, is expected to be complete by September.

“New York has been the birthplace to many of the progressive movements that have left an indelible mark on our society while pushing the nation forward and particularly for women’s suffrage, which began at Seneca Falls and included legendary New Yorkers such as Susan B. Anthony, Elizabeth Cady Stanton and so many more,”Governor Cuomo said. “As we commemorate the 100th anniversary of women gaining the right to vote, we must also recognize there is more work to be done. New York will continue to lead the nation in creating greater equality for all and we are proud to preserve and enhance this important part of American history for future generations.”

“On the anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment, this development will stabilize Susan B. Anthony’s childhood home in Washington County, allowing for the reuse of the property,” said Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul. “While the Susan B. Anthony House and Museum in Rochester showcases the history of one of the world’s greatest revolutionaries, this project will further preserve Anthony’s legacy in New York State. As the birthplace of the women’s rights movement, New York was the first major state to grant the right to vote in the country, leading the way for the 19th Amendment. As we celebrate the centennial of women’s suffrage, we still have more work to do to achieve true equality and justice. Now more than ever, we must embrace this time to continue to fight for real change.”

This year is also the 200th anniversary of Susan B. Anthony’s birth, in 1820. The child of a Quaker family that promoted abolition and temperance, she lived in Washington County, in Battenville and later in Center Falls, from 1826 to 1845 between the ages of 6 and 25 before her family moved to Rochester.

Governor Cuomo also announced that the state Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, which is managing the $695,000 stabilization project, has reached a purchase agreement on an adjoining four-acre site that contains a former historic tavern dating to the period when the Anthony family lived next door. Supported by the state Environmental Protection Fund, the $130,500 purchase will allow for future creation of adequate parking for the Anthony home and serve as a staging area for continued phased redevelopment of the building for an as-yet undetermined future use.

State Parks Commissioner Erik Kulleseid said, “Part of our mission is the preservation of our state’s historic legacy. The home where Susan B. Anthony spent her formative years has a story to tell and we want to get the home in the proper condition, so it one day is able to tell it.”

The stabilization project is supported by a $250,000 grant obtained by state Assembly Member Carrie Woerner and the remainder from New York Works; support was also obtained by State Senator Betty Little.

The Battenville home was built in 1832-33 by Anthony’s father who had moved the family from Adams, Mass., to manage a cotton mill on the nearby Battenkill River. At the age of 13, Susan joined the Easton Society of Friends. The Anthonys lost their home in 1839 due to financial setbacks caused by a national financial recession in 1837. The former family residence was in a state of disrepair by the time State Parks purchased it at foreclosure for $1 in 2006.

Anthony, who died in 1906 at age 86, worked for decades to advance women’s rights, but did not live to see the passage of the 19th Amendment in 1920. She is buried in Rochester.

“To have played a small role in preserving this unique part of the history of Susan B. Anthony’s life truly is a privilege,” Greenwich Supervisor Donald Ward said. “The Town of Greenwich is supportive of NYS efforts to revitalize the Anthony home. The home is a symbol of those Suffragettes that battled for the Womens Right to Vote. In the future we are hoping the SBA house will become a historical site bringing visitors to Greenwich and honoring our hometown heroine. It is my hope that in doing so we are helping assure that the magnitude of her accomplishments, her courage and her unwillingness to yield in the face of enormous obstacles will never be forgotten. As we commemorate the centennial of women’s suffrage this year, we celebrate the life of this remarkable woman who recognized that the ideals enshrined in the U.S. Constitution are, in fact, a call to action to be better individuals and to be a better nation.”

Assembly Member Carrie Woerner said, “Susan B. Anthony’s contributions to our nation through the Women’s Suffrage movement are crucial pieces of history, and on the 100th Anniversary of the 19th Amendment I am pleased to see her homestead in Washington County brought back to life for countless generations to visit and learn from. The dedication and relentless passion of local community leaders have been essential in the restoration of this historic property and I am glad to continue to lend my support to this project.”

Salem Supervisor Evera Sue Clary said, “We are honored to support the woman whose formative years were spent here on the banks of the Battenkill. Susan B. Anthony reminds us of the power of women, the power of the vote, and the importance of taking risks in order to force necessary change in our society. May she continue to inspire our local youth and beyond to create good trouble she is remembered for. ”

“I have passed that schoolhouse thousands of times. It at one time way back bordered my family property,” Jackson Supervisor Jay Skellie said. “Some of my relatives attended it and my grandmother taught there for a short time. To think that events that happened there to Susan B Anthony set her course in life which would change history for women in the U.S. is mind blowing.”

Ann Kril, Co-President of the League of Women Voters of Saratoga County, said, “It is fitting that NYS announces the work to preserve the childhood home of suffragist Susan B. Anthony on this 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment, which is also the 100th anniversary of the transformation of the National Woman Suffrage Association into the League of Women Voters.”

New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees more than 250 individual parks, historic sites, recreational trails and boat launches, which were visited by a record 77 million people in 2019. A recent university study found that spending by State Parks and its visitors supports $5 billion in output and sales, 54,000 private-sector jobs and more than $2.8 billion in additional state GDP. For more information on any of these recreation areas, call 518-474-0456 or visit parks.ny.gov, connect on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter. The free New York State Parks Explorer mobile app is available for iOS and Android devices. To download, visit: Google Play Store, NY State Parks Explorer App or Apple Store, NY State Parks Explorer App.

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attractions, Museums & Exhibits, Uncategorized

New-York Historical Society to Open Free Outdoor Exhibition, ‘Hope Wanted: NYC Under Quarantine’ Aug. 14

July 30, 2020 MoralCompass

*The New-York Historical Society plans to reopen starting August 14 with a special free outdoor exhibition, ‘Hope Wanted: New York City Under Quarantine.’*

New York, NY – The New-York Historical Society, the city’s oldest museum, plans to reopen in stages starting August 14, 2020, pending approval from local and state officials. The Museum will first open a special free outdoor exhibition, Hope Wanted: New York City Under Quarantine, which documents the experiences of New Yorkers across the five boroughs during the height of the pandemic. Then on September 11, 2020, the Museum is planning to reopen indoors, with safety protocols in place for visitors and staff.

“We are eager to welcome visitors back to the New-York Historical Society,” said Dr. Louise Mirrer, president and CEO of the New-York Historical Society. “While so much has changed over the past several months, our mission of ‘Making History Matter’ remains vital, now more than ever before.”

Hope Wanted: New York City Under Quarantine

Curated by writer and humanitarian Kevin Powell and photographer Kay Hickman, Hope Wanted: New York City Under Quarantine features more than 50 photographs taken by Hickman along with 12 audio interviews with the photographs’ subjects conducted by Powell during the team’s intensive two-day odyssey across the city on April 8–9, 2020; the audio will be accessible to visitors through their cell phones. Hickman’s empathetic photographs of people and their neighborhoods in all five boroughs and Powell’s searching interviews of New Yorkers impacted by the crisis capture both tragedy and remarkable resilience at a moment in time during the pandemic. The exhibition text and audio will be offered in both English and Spanish.

Hope Wanted will take place outdoors in New-York Historical’s rear courtyard (located at West 76th Street between Central Park West and Columbus Avenue), providing an open-air environment for visitors to view the exhibition and contemplate the impact of COVID-19 on New York City. Admission is free; access will be limited and face coverings will be required for entry, with social distancing enforced through timed-entry tickets and on-site safety measures.

The exhibition also includes a quiet seating area, surrounded by plantings and conducive to reflection, where visitors can record their own experiences of the pandemic in an open-sided story booth. These oral histories will be archived by New-York Historical.

Kevin Powell is a poet, journalist, public speaker, civil and human rights activist, and the author of 14 books, including his new title, When We Free the World (Apple Books), about the present and future of America, which is exclusively excerpted in the New York Times (“A Letter From Father to Child”). Kay Hickman is a documentary photographer and visual artist. Her passion is highlighting the human experience as it relates to identity, human rights, and health issues. Her work has been featured in the New York Times, Time, Vogue, Ms., Vibe, Utne, and MFON Women Photographers of the African Diaspora. Dr. Marilyn Kushner, curator and head, Department of Prints, Photographs, and Architectural Collections, is New-York Historical’s curatorial coordinator for the exhibition.

Major support for this exhibition is provided by the Ford Foundation. Exhibitions at New-York Historical are made possible by Dr. Agnes Hsu-Tang and Oscar Tang, the Saunders Trust for American History, the Seymour Neuman Endowed Fund, and the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature. WNET is the media sponsor.

Museum Reopening

Details of the Museum’s indoor reopening protocols and visitor safety measures will be announced soon. Since the New-York Historical Society closed to the public on March 13 to help contain the spread of COVID-19, it has been actively collecting during these unprecedented times through its History Responds initiative, documenting the pandemic and the Black Lives Matter protests in New York City. For more details on what New-York Historical is currently collecting and how to donate objects, visit nyhistory.org/history-responds.

The New-York Historical Society, one of America’s preeminent cultural institutions, is dedicated to fostering research and presenting history and art exhibitions and public programs that reveal the dynamism of history and its influence on the world of today. Founded in 1804, New-York Historical has a mission to explore the richly layered history of New York City and State and the country, and to serve as a national forum for the discussion of issues surrounding the making and meaning of history. New-York Historical is also home to the Patricia D. Klingenstein Library, one of the oldest, most distinguished libraries in the nation—and one of only 20 in the United States qualified to be a member of the Independent Research Libraries Association—which contains more than three million books, pamphlets, maps, newspapers, manuscripts, prints, photographs, and architectural drawings.

The New-York Historical Society is located at 170 Central Park West at Richard Gilder Way (77th Street), New York, NY 10024. Information: (212) 873-3400. Website: nyhistory.org. Follow the Museum on social media at @nyhistory on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and Tumblr.

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attractions, Historic Preservation, Museums & Exhibits, Uncategorized

Long Island’s American Airpower Museum Reopens August 1 with Flyovers of WWII Bombers, Fighters

July 29, 2020 MoralCompass

*A fly-by of World War II era planes from the American Air Power Museum,* Long Island’s only flying military aviation museum, at the popular Jones Beach Air Show. The museum reopens August 1 with a special event featuring flyovers of WWII era bombers and fighters © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Farmingdale, NY– The American Airpower Museum, Long Island’s only flying military aviation museum, is mounting a Grand Reopening special event on Saturday, August 1, 2020. Like all other New York State museums, the American Airpower Museum (AAM) was forced to close due to the Coronavirus outbreak, resulting in the cancellation of half of the Museum’s 2020 flight season. AAM’s iconic WWII bombers and fighters return to action with an exciting family-friendly flight demonstration.

Join AAM on August 1, at 11:00 a.m., when World War II and other vintage aircraft depart from AAM’s ramp to take to the skies over Long Island’s north and south shores. Aircraft will create camera-ready opportunities as they perform low-level passes over Republic Airport where AAM is based. These flights will feature AAM’s Grumman TBM Avenger, two North American T6 Texans, the AT28D5 Vietnam era combat fighter, the WACO Biplane and as an added attraction, L-39 cold war era Russian jets.

2020 was slated to be a banner year for AAM. Museum aircraft were scheduled to participate in historic events marking the 75^th anniversary of the end of WWII and honoring U.S. Veterans who made the Allied victory possible. As they have done for the last 17 years, AAM’s WWII airplanes were going to appear in the Annual Jones Beach Airshow. And it must be noted that on May 24^th 2020, the American Airpower Museum celebrated its 20^th anniversary in isolation.

At the end of the 2019 season, AAM took their aircraft “off line” for the winter to begin scheduled maintenance and inspections, making sure the Warbirds would be ready for a full 2020 flight season. Sometime in early January, the coronavirus outbreak hit our shores. Public health and safety concerns led AAM’s Board of Directors to preemptively close the Museum on March 16^th for two weeks. “The health and safety of our staff, volunteers and the public was foremost,” said Jeff Clyman, AAM president. “That’s why we acted early and sent everyone home, causing a total cessation of work on our aircraft,” he added. Then on March 22^nd, New York State ordered all non-essential businesses statewide to close. Two weeks became three months.

Clyman said it has always been AAM’s mission to honor the legacy of those who gave all to preserve our freedoms. “We’re pleased to announce we recently resumed maintenance and inspection of our aircraft so that much anticipated flight operations can begin with our grand reopening event. We also promise a flying salute to our Veterans and front line workers very soon,” he said.

Admission for adults is $13, seniors and veterans $10 and children $8. Due to the need for social distancing, admission will be limited to first come/first served. A maximum attendance of 150 persons will be allowed on the outdoor ramp area, with limited access to the Museum. All visitors will be required to wear face masks and will have their temperatures digitally taken at the entrance. As a special promotion, the first 20 people admitted will be included in a raffle for WACO Biplane flights later in the summer (limit one per family). So bring lunch, hang out and enjoy the AAM experience.

If you are unable to come to the event on Saturday, August 1^st, your can still help AAM offset major financial losses incurred during the Covid-19 shutdown, by using a secure PayPal link at: www.americanairpowermuseum.com/donate/ to make a tax-deductible contribution – any amount is appreciated — or for more information on corporate donations, call Jacky Clyman, AAM executive vice president, at (917) 690-1965 or [email protected].

The American Airpower Museum is an aviation museum located on the landmarked former site of Republic Aviationat Republic Airport, Farmingdale, NY. The Museum maintains a collection of aviation artifacts and an array of aircraft spanning the many years of the aircraft factory’s history. The Museum is a 501 (c) (3) Nonprofit Educational Foundation.

The American Airpower Museum, Hangar 3, 1230 New Highway, Farmingdale, NY 11735, 631-293-6398, [email protected], www.americanairpowermuseum.com.

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attractions, Uncategorized

Historic Mount Washington ‘Road to the Sky’ Continues to Welcome Tourists

July 26, 2020 MoralCompass

*Mount Washington, New Hampshire’s ‘Road to the Sky’*

PINKHAM NOTCH, NH — Since 1861, Mount Washington’s “Road to the Sky” has been central to tourism in New Hampshire. Originally opened for horse and carriage traffic, early tourists marveled at the amazing views from the Northeast’s highest peak, and the clean, fresh air that made the mountains such a desirable destination for early city dwellers. While the Mt. Washington Auto Road now caters to motorized vehicles, the Road maintains its original 7.6-mile course up the mountain, and offers travelers the same experience in 2020 as it has throughout its long history.

This year’s opening day in June, however, came amidst unprecedented, worldwide health and travel concerns. All businesses—retail, lodging, hospitality and attractions—are making extraordinary efforts to adapt their business models to keep their employees and customers safe. The Mt. Washington Auto Road, and its sister company, Great Glen Trails Outdoor Center, are no exception. In fact, every aspect of our businesses have been analyzed and adapted to provide customers with the safest possible experience, without sacrificing any of the excitement and fun. Great Glen Trails Outdoor Center is currently open for biking and guided kayak tours. The Mt. Washington Auto Road opens on Thursday, June 11 for “drive yourself” customers. (Guided tours on the Auto Road were on hold until protocols and procedures to keep employees and customers safe were developed).

2020 proves to be a “year of change” in countless ways, most notably the retirement of longtime General Manager Howie Wemyss. Howie has worked for the company for almost 40 years, and was at the helm for the last 37. This year, Tobey Reichert, a lifelong resident of Gorham, and part of the sixth generation of the family that has owned the Mt. Washington Auto Road since 1906 has taken the helm.

“I love the idea of being able to manage the family business,” he states. “I grew up with Mount Washington in my backyard, so to speak, living in Gorham, and I enjoy looking at it and coming to work every day. It’s something you never want to take for granted,” said Reichert, who is married and a father of a 6-year-old son. “I’m looking forward to us getting open and being able to see people smiling.”

The family-owned Mount Washington Summit Road Company was formed in 1859, and completed the road to the summit of Mount Washington in 1861. The Mt. Washington Carriage Road, now called the Mt. Washington Auto Road, has the long-held distinction of being North America’s oldest man-made attraction. Great Glen Trails Outdoor Center, opened in 1994, is one of New Hampshire’s premier Nordic ski areas, with 45 kilometers of trails for skiing, snowshoeing and fatbiking. During the summer months, the Outdoor Center focuses on human-powered outdoor activities including kayaking, biking, hiking and trail running.

Mt. Washington Auto Road & Great Glen Trails, 1 Mt. Washington Auto Road, Gorham, NH 03851, 603-466-3988, [email protected], https://mt-washington.com/.

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