D & H Canal Historical Society and Museum in High Falls (https://www.canalmuseum.org). There will be a family-friendly, docent-led D & H Canal 5-Lock Walk along the canal’s towpath. Interested hikers should meet up in front of the Canal Museum on Mohonk Road in High Falls on Sundays 9/11, 9/18, and 9/25 from 2-3 p.m.
Catskill Mountain Railroad. After suffering the devastating effects of Hurricane Irene, the Catskill Mountain Railroad has restored its Esopus Scenic Train service. Due to a major washout east of Phoenicia, the Scenic Train ride now travels along a modified five-mile round trip between Mt. Tremper and Boiceville. Kingston City Shuttle service will continue to operate on its normal schedule through the end of the season. The train rides are scheduled for Saturdays and Sundays from 11:30 a.m. – 2:45 p.m., but see the Schedules and Fares page at https://catskillmtrailroad.com for complete details.
Esopus Bicentennial Celebration (https://www.esopus.com/feature.html). This exhibit at the Esopus Town Hall features historical paintings, photographs and other memorabilia centering on the town’s illustrative past. The show will remain on view until 10/31.
Friends of Historic Kingston (https://www.fohk.org). Pick up a clue sheet with photos of 18 objects found within the 1658 Stockade National Historic District, and walk the neighborhood like a detective, hunting down the objects that match the photos during the Stockade District Discovery Quest. Clue sheets are available at the beautifully restored Persen House, situated at the corner of John and Crown Streets, on Saturday 9/24 from 10-2 p.m.; and at the Friends of Historic Kingston Gallery on Saturday 9/24 from 10-4 p.m. and Sunday 9/25 1- 4 p.m.
Rondout National Historic District Walking Tour. Hear how the waterfront district of Kingston mushroomed from farmland into a thriving maritime village and major Hudson River port during the heyday of the Delaware & Hudson Canal (1828-1898). This approximately 2-hour tour with include some uphill walking, and the admission for adults is $5, children under 16 pay $2. Meet outside the Kingston Heritage Area Visitor Center at 20 Broadway on Saturday 9/24 at 11 a.m. While you’re in Kingston, take a look at the Anton Otto Fischer exhibition at the Friends of Historic Kingston Gallery, at the corner of Wall and Main, on Sunday 9/18, Saturday 9/24 and Sunday 9/25, from 1 to 4 p.m. Nearby, you can also take the 1812 Historic House Tour of the stunning collection of American antiques and decorative arts of Fred J. Johnston (see related piece on page 4 in this week’s Almanac), displayed in eight elegant room settings in the Federal-style house he rescued from demolition and preserved. Adult admission is $5, children under 16 are $2, on Sunday 9/18, Saturday 9/24 and Sunday 9/25 from 1 to 4 p.m.
Gomez Mill House in Marlboro (https://www.gomez.org). In the program “History and Connections of the Life of Luis Gomez,” Shelomo Alfassa will use a combination of historic narrative, maps and images to demonstrate the interconnections of history which led to the unique experience, life and times of Luis Gomez on Sunday, 9/18 at 1 p.m. As part of Smithsonian Museum Day on 9/24, the Gomez Mill House will offer free admission to Museum Day ticket-holders, plus a guest. Log on to https://www.smithsonianmag.com/museumday/ to sign up for a free Museum Day ticket.
