Local History

Historic Valatie home built from remnants of an 1845 Hudson River shipwreck.

In “Fanshaw,” James Duane Featherstonhaugh finishes the novel his father never lived to complete, telling the story of an ancestor whose life touched science, politics and New York history.

Benjamin Lattimore, a free Black Revolutionary War vet, helped found Albany’s first African American school and church. But his story was nearly forgotten.

Jaiden A. Ildefonso, 19, admitted in December that he killed Simon Brault in return for a sentence that allows him to serve the minimum sentence for second-degree murder.

Albany Mayor Erastus Corning 2nd was the only one punished when his car was stolen from in front of City Hall in 1976. 

In a 2017 report, the EPA said it could be safe to eat one fish a week from the Hudson in "55 years or more." That's in 2072 — or longer. 

From historic homes to a tannery, a metal casting foundry and a bottling factory, these unique sites are among 25 contenders across the state.

Retired Navy Lt. Cmdr. Philip LaBatte of Loudonville, a Vietnam War veteran who served in the Battle of Khe Sanh during the Tet Offensive, was recognized for years of service to U.S.

As lyricist Howard Ashman battled AIDS in secret, Disney moved production of “Beauty and the Beast” to a Residence Inn in Fishkill. There, he wrote a masterpiece.

The Albany Firefighters Museum needs more space and is eyeing a move to the old Trailways bus station at 358 Broadway. Organizers are applying for grants from state’s $200 million downtown...

The veteran actor, who lives in Kinderhook, plays a Holocaust survivor in “The Optimist.” He reflected on community, optimism and kindness in an interview.

Historian Eric Schnitzer pays homage to the many Black soldiers who fought and died at Saratoga.

A baseball scholar has found evidence that integrated games were once seemingly routine in the Kingston area, before the sport’s color line hardened. 

Travel from Greece to Rome, without even leaving the state. Many New York locales got their names from Dutch or Native American influence, early leaders and stories shared. Peek through history here.

The life and legacy of Harriet Josephine Terry, a Cornwall-born educator and founding member of the first Black sorority, was nearly lost.

A huge painting depicting a heroic moment in Continental Army Maj. Gen. Benedict Arnold’s life is being preserved to go on display in 2027 for the 250th anniversary of the Battles of Saratoga. 

A timeline of the car accident that ultimately killed William S. Hackett.

Historic Business Preservation Registry honors New York businesses open at least 50 years.

The push is on to save relics from the Battle of Valcour Island, 250 years after American forces clashed with the British on Lake Champlain.

Will the Union Pacific railroad bring its famous Big Boy No. 4014 locomotive to Schenectady as part of its cross-country celebration of America's 250th anniversary? 

It has been more than 100 years since the O’Connell-Corning Democratic machine seized control of Albany. 

Father Frank J. Alagna, founder of the Ulster Immigrant Defense Network, practiced what he preached. He leaves an extraordinary legacy of fighting for justice.

Each day, we look back at the 1926 editions of the Times Union for interesting news and tidbits.

Looking back at the events that led to the Declaration of Independence, and New York's role in them

From the 1950s to ’80s, small downstate ski hills introduced thousands to the sport. At 99, Don Edwards recalls the era he helped build.

A new film dramatizes Ann Lee’s path from 18th-century England to upstate New York, where she founded the Shakers and reshaped religious life.

In 1908, America was transfixed by the murder of a young woman, Hazel Drew, found floating in a country pond in upstate New York.

Revolutionary War reenactors participated in the linstock handoff in honor of next year’s 250th anniversary of the war.

The 19th-century Glens Falls landmark built by industrialist Augustus Sherman is now a thriving senior center.

Amanda Vaill toured the Schuyler Mansion in Albany, pored over state library documents and more for her newest book.

This Sears ad capitalizes on back-to-school season by offering a discounted price on The Chevron II. Now with 88 characters on the keyboard!

Fin — Your Fishmonger changes hands, stays in the family as the Guilderland shop is now being run by founder’s sister and brother-in-law.

Across New York state, preservation programs and rehab initiatives are transforming older homes into affordable housing, proving that saving what exists can be just as powerful as building new.

John Q. Barrett, who likely knows more than anyone about Albany Law graduate and Supreme Court Justice Robert H. Jackson, the U.S. lead prosecutor at Nuremberg, says new film is “missed...

From historic relics to prehistoric bones, these are the most interesting things unearthed in the Capital Region and beyond.

The murder of Hazel Drew in 1908 remains unsolved, but the cold case still inspires pop culture and quests for answers more than a century later. 

In the early 20th century, Camp Nitgedaiget was a haven for like-minded Jewish immigrants and workers. An exhibit at the Beacon Historical Society honors it.

In New Paltz, Historic Huguenot Street strives to represent the early European settlers and those who both came before them and were enslaved by them.

Hudson Valley teams and Jewish players helped invent modern basketball’s style, decades before the NBA.

Two centuries on, the Erie Canal’s legacy — engineering marvel, economic catalyst and instrument of displacement — still flows through New York’s history.

Carol Webel’s marriage to Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Eddie Waitkus captivated Albany in 1951. Webel died in August at 96.

Lee Pinckney III receives Lifetime Achievement Award; Charles Straney and nine homeowners recognized for exemplary preservation projects throughout Albany.

Arts, entertainment, film, festivals and more events happening this week in the greater Capital Region from Thursday, Oct. 2, through Wednesday, Oct. 8.

The tour guide remembers swimming inside the overturned boat, fearing she would die. Twenty others did. Boat safety has improved since then.