Embedded North Greenbush’s Haunted House Video
One of the goals of Cub Scouts is to,
…help parents teach their sons how to make good decisions throughout their lives and give them confidence as they become the adult leaders of tomorrow.
In fulfilling this goal, Cub Scout Bears (3rd Grade boys) must complete an achievement trail that teaches each boy to “do his best” and “be helpful to others.” Included in this achievement trail is a series of activities that introduces the boys to the concept that “The Past Is Exciting and Important.”
Our Town’s Past Is Exciting and Important
Last week, Jim Greenfield, a former Eagle Scout and Town Historian, led our boys on a tour of historic homes in North Greenbush, NY. Surprisingly, we found out that sometimes otherwise nondescript houses that we often overlook in our own community actually have a a very interesting history.
First settled by “Hollander” farmers, Dutch was the common language of the European settlers who in the mid 1600’s purchased land from the Mohicans. These Dutch families relied on slaves to do much of the farm and house work.
On our tour, we were shown the lot where these slaves are believed to be buried. Sadly, there is no marker and no indication of where their remains may be found. Perhaps, someday, our boys will undertake a project to recover this lost history.
Repurposing Historic Homes
In the meantime, we also had an opportunity to see how concerned citizens are recovering and repurposing some of the town’s oldest buildings.
Mr. Greenfield told us about our town’s Dutch history as we visited the well-maintained exterior of a former Dutch schoolhouse that now houses an accounting firm.
Even more interesting - although arguably not as exciting as our local haunted house (see video) - we were able to explore current renovation of the Defreet Homestead, a former working Dutch farm.
Mr. Greenfield introduced us to Michael Wacholder, the Director of the RPI Technology Park, who took us inside one of his most demanding building projects ever, restoring the Dutch barn that will house programs for 21st century science and technology students.
Thanks to a generous gift from donors Sheldon and Patricia Roberts, and the hard work of caring community leaders, a vital part of North Greenbush’s Dutch history is being preserved so that future generations can appreciate our heritage.
Teaching Adult Leaders
On this tour, the boys were treated to a fascinating lesson about our town’s history. Of even greater value, they discovered that working to preserve our community’s history is one way that leaders help make a difference in our world.
Click for more pictures from our North Greenbush Tour.
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