September 27, 2015 – Powers Building History
Craig Smith will review the history of the Powers Building. He will describe the construction and modification of the Building at the corner of Main and State Streets in downtown Rochester. From humble beginnings in Batavia, NY, Daniel William Powers grew the Powers Banking House from a single room in the Eagle Tavern Building to one of the largest financial institutes in Western New York. Along the way he built the building that still bears his name, the famous Powers Art Gallery, & the Powers Hotel. He will show pictures of the building and many items that were rescued from the building. Join us to learn more about one of the most famous buildings in downtown Rochester, “The Grand Old Lady of Main Street”.
June 14, 2015 – Early Aviation in Rochester
Bill Sauers, President of the Greece Historical Society, will present a short history of early aviation, explore many fascinating facts of early aviation and early aviators in the Rochester area, including the Town of Brighton – and what part Rochester aviation played in World War I. Also included will be a brief history of the Rochester International Airport.
April 26, 2015 – Researching History Online Using New York State Newspapers
Craig Smith will show how to search Historic New York State newspapers online. Mr. Smith will describe the origin and construction of the world’s largest online source of historic New York State regional newspapers – FultonHistory.com. This database, created by Tom Tryniski in Fulton, New York, includes over 200 years of newspapers published in New York State, as well as some neighboring states. This illustrated talk will include how to access the site, examples of the site’s contents and numerous tips on how to use the website’s search function to find and view people and events that were mentioned in hundreds of papers. The site also can be used as a cross reference to Ancestry.com to enhance searches on both sources.
January 25, 2015 – 16th Annual Meeting of Historic Brighton – Myron Holley: Canal Builder/Abolitionist/Unsung Hero
In his newest book, Richard Reisem, renowned author of 15 books relating to New York history, tells Myron Holley’s (1779-1841) remarkable and surprising story in the context of the momentous historical events and movements that shaped his life, including the War of 1812, the building of the Erie Canal, and the struggle to abolish slavery. Reisem crafts a comprehensive portrait of the profound influence that this visionary man, Myron Holley, exerted, changing the course of history in New York State and the nation. Holley served as the Superintendent of Construction of the Erie Canal, founded the first horticultural society in Western New York, founded the First Unitarian Church in Rochester and the anti-slavery Liberty Party. Brighton Town Hall, Main Auditorium, 2:00 p.m.
