Bethlehem Historical Association
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Welcome
We are resuming our schedule of programs!
The first presentation of the 2021-2022 season is scheduled for
Thursday, September 16, 2 PM at the Delmar Reformed Church
John S. Pipkin, Professor Emeritus, University at Albany will present
Washington Park: The Moral High Ground
Click here for more details on the speaker and his program.
The Museum Is Open
The Cedar Hill Schoolhouse Museum, home of the
Bethlehem Historical Association,
is open Sunday afternoons from 2 to 4 PM.
Come explore how transportation formed Bethlehem history with Rivers, Roads & Rails. Step into an early classroom and see how our formal education system developed. Go Around the Mulberry Bush with early 20th c. housewives as they go about their weekly chores. Get acquainted with the Wilke family who farmed on Beaver Dam Road. Learn about events that took place right here in Bethlehem during the fight for the right of women to vote. Enjoy a new scavenger hunt to lead you through the various exhibits.
Due to the increase of Covid cases caused by the Delta variant,
masks are required regardless of vaccination status.
The museum is located at 1003 River Road in Selkirk.
You can also arrange to visit by appointment by calling Dawn Pratt, 518-767-2285.
SATURDAY FAMILY TIME
The Bethlehem Historical Association offers small groups of families and friends a safe option for an interesting cultural enrichment outing. You may reserve the Cedar Hill Schoolhouse Museum for your group’s exclusive use. A group might be as few as two persons or as many as ten or twelve persons, depending on the ages of the children and the number of adults.
There are exhibits to explore and activities for children to do alone or with adults. The activities are best suited for children above 2nd grade.
There are two sessions available each Saturday. They start at either 10 AM or 1 PM. The sessions can last up to 90 minutes. You decide how long to stay.
Two fully vaccinated guides will be available to assist you.
Masks are currently required for all involved.
There is no charge, but donations are gratefully accepted.
To make a reservation or to request more information, just e-mail us: [email protected]
The Town of Bethlehem
Historical Association
P.O. Box 263
1003 River Road
Selkirk, NY 12158
518-767-9432
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.
Next up is a walk at Elmwood Cemetery on Saturday September 11 at 9:30 AM. Elmwood, also known as Bethlehem Rural Cemetery, was established in 1860 on land transferred from the First Reformed Church. Noted families include Becker, Lasher, Myers, Selkirk, and Schoonmaker. One family story sure to be highlighted is that of Garrett Niver who lost his life at the Battle of Little Big Horn. The cemetery is located on Route 9W, just south of the Jericho Drive-In.
NOTE: The weather is looking very nice for tomorrow morning. I will post here by 8:30 AM if a cancelation becomes necessary. Otherwise, meet me at the water fountain! (posted by S.L. 9/10)
It is a beautiful morning for a cemetery walk - see you at 9:30 by the fountain. (posted by Susan, 7:45 am on Saturday)
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.
August's property is the Bethlehem Grange
For details, click here
Bethlehem's Comprehensive Plan
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!
Drive-It-Yourself Tour
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
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
