Acknowledgements
This project, originally entitled “The Eagle’s Nesters, Beyond the Myths” was generously funded by a grant from the National Writing Project as part of the National Endowment for the Humanities’ American Rescue Plan: Humanities Grantmaking Program. We are grateful to both organizations for the care and encouragement each provided. It has been a privilege to work to “Build a More Perfect Union” with their support.
From its inception the activities of the project were to be based on a solid foundation of documented, historical knowledge, Lorna Smedman, historian and resident of Eagle’s Nest Road, was unfailing in her dogged pursuit of that information and in her insistence on an evidence-based approach. We also benefitted from work undertaken in the 1980s by the late Peter Sinclair and rescued by Pastor and historian, Rob Sweeney. Erin Von Holdt, genealogist and archivist, joined the team later in the process, and has bridged the roles of historian and webmaster. Eileen McAdam of Sound and Story worked with us on oral histories. Together this was a doing team, a learning team, a generous team.
From the history that was developed—and showcased as it was being developed on both a blog (hurleymtn.com) and a Facebook group page—we created (1) a curated, robust website (2) an educational component and (3) a play.
Peter Vaselopulos, himself a Civil War historian and media specialist, led the design of our website using Omeka, a platform preferred by archivists that still remains engaging to the public. Without Peter’s guidance, talent and support there would be no website. His patience and intelligence was evident as we planned, revised and figured out next steps. Moreover, his willingness to educate us on how to organize, expand and maintain the site in the future gives me hope that this work need not fade from view.
My life as an educator led me to ask about the usefulness of the material on the website for both formal and informal education. Lesson plans, identified by their authors, have been made available under “Resources” on the Website. Special thanks to Ruth Nathan, Laura Pearce and Gillian Martens. Christine Furnia was instrumental in bringing this work to local teachers through the Mid-Hudson Valley Teachers’ Network.
The play, entitled “Falcon Ridge” because it was an amalgam and sometimes a fictionalized version of local history, was written and directed by the local, but internationally known David Gonzalez. David also produced it—finding actors, support staff, videographer. He worked closely with the amazing musician, Guy Davis, to create a “music-forward” production. On a weekend of terrible weather “Falcon Ridge” played to over 300 attendees. Both performances ended with enthusiastic, standing ovations. The Q and A which followed pointed audiences to the website for a more extended and documented history.
I could not possibly have done the administrative lifting without the help of Ashley Hurlburt-Biagini, web host web, and Estie Jacobs, accountant, record-keeper extraordinaire and cheerleader. Pam HerricK of the Ulster County Historical Society worked closely with us as our fiscal agent.
I view this project as an ongoing affair. We are still learning and look forward to sharing as we learn. Many people not named above played important roles in helping us gather and interpret information. I thank them collectively and look forward to continuing exchanges.
With deep appreciation and many thanks,
Wendy Saul, Project Director
Advisory Board Members:
Josephine Bloodgood - Director of Curatorial and Preservation Affairs at Historic Huguenot Street; New Paltz, New York
Esi Lewis - Center for Black History and Culture at the Ann Olicer House, Center, New Paltz, NY
Kitt Potter- Director of Arts and Culture, City of Kingston
Gail Whistance- Hurley Historical Society and Hurley Heritage Museum, Hurley NY
Odell Winfield- A.J. Meyers Williams-Meyers Africa Roots Library