Welcome
2021 Second Saturday History Hikes
The Bethlehem Historical Association and the Bethlehem Parks & Recreation Department present the
2021 Second Saturday History Series
with Town Historian Susan Leath
Click here for the complete list of hikes and paddles and to register!
Registration is required.
This Saturday the 10th, we are walking in historic Normansville. Meet up at the Normanskill Farm Park parking lot at 9:30 a.m. Please note as of now, 8:30 a.m. on Thursday, the walk is completely full. However, there are often last minute cancellations, so go ahead and sign up for the wait list. Keep an eye out for the Parks and Recreations Department's activities bulletin for May (South Bethlehem) and June (Bethlehem Cemetery) walks.
Directions to Normanskill Farm Park
The parking lot is located on Mill Road in Albany. Google maps now has "Normanskill Farm Hiking Trail" on it.
From Delmar, head east towards Albany on Delaware Avenue. Go past the Tastee Freeze, over the bridge, and then turn right onto Mill Road.
The parking lots is down and around under the bridge on the left.
While the weather is looking perfect for a hike, any changes or cancellations will be posted here by 8:30 a.m. Saturday.
It is about 8:15 AM on Saturday, and looking like a nice day for a history hike. See you in the parking lot, if you are registered!
NEW FOR 2021!
Bethlehem and the National Register of Historic Places
Each month in 2021 we will be highlighting one of Bethlehem’s individually listed National Register properties. We’ll follow up in 2022 with Bethlehem’s two historic districts.
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Parks Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archaeological resources.
March's property is the Albert Slingerland Farmhouse
For details, click here
The museum is closed at this time.
Due to the pandemic risk our plans for re-opening are uncertain at this time.
The museum is located in the Cedar Hill Schoolhouse, 1003 River Road, Selkirk. Visitors are welcome to view the exhibits during open hours or by appointment.
Beyond the museum BHA's Out and About program arranges an opportunity for members to visits to sites of historic significance in the capital region. In conjunction with Bethlehem Parks and Recreation Department, the town historian leads walking tours of neighborhoods, visits to local cemeteries, and paddles along the shoreline of the Hudson.
Each year we present a lecture series at the Delmar Reformed Church. Our Young Historians program brings hands on activities to all fourth grades in Town.
Throughout the year we enjoy a variety of social events and fundraisers such as teas, ice cream socials, Beer and Pretzels, and the annual dinner-meeting and BHA participates in numerous community programs.
We hope you will join!
The Town of Bethlehem
Historical Association
P.O. Box 263
1003 River Road
Selkirk, NY 12158
518-767-9432
BethHist1965@gmail.com
Bethlehem's Comprehensive Plan
Have you noticed signs with this logo sprouting up around town?
Bethlehem is updating its comprehensive plan. There is a reason why it is called the comprehensive plan. It affects almost every facet of the town for the next fifteen years or more.
As members of the historical association, we need to pay attention to how the plan addresses the town's historic buildings and sites. Establishment of an historic preservation commission in the updated plan would ensure that such buildings are recognized, properly documented, and given serious consideration if threatened.
Stay Informed!
Today's Reality, Tomorrow's History
Drive-It-Yourself Tour
Tired of sitting home? Want to go some place but don't know where?
Try a Drive-It-Yourself Tour of historic places in the Town of Bethlehem. The tour was developed in 2010 -- but after a decade, even if you have driven in before,
it's time to revisit.
Tour directions can be found in Outings
Looking for Something to Do?
Now might be the perfect time to do some historical research. While everything is closed up, the National Archives has an online site that contains a wealth of information and activities for the whole family. Check out the link below and begin a new journey into the past! National Archives
NEW COOKBOOK!
There is a new cookbook on sale at I Love Books.
They are $10 each.
Copies can also be purchased by contacting
Wendy Brandow (518) 767-0716 or Linda Schacht (518) 767-2924
We appreciate the support of all those who contributed recipes and
helped to get this book together.
Books by Town
Historian
Susan Leath
Available at local bookstores
