minutes 2025
The October 7, 2025 meeting of the Knox Historical Society was called to order at 7:05 pm by President Dennis Barber. Members present included Donna Gwin, and Anna Wolfe.
The minutes of the August meeting had been emailed. Dennis made a motion to accept the minutes. Donna seconded it and the motion passed. There was not a September meeting.
Treasurers Report: Expenses since August include $126 for the KHS PO box, $188.91 to Eastern Mutual Insurance Co., $225 to Catskill Mtn Sign. This sign was installed in front of the Saddlemire Homestead, replacing the old deteriorated sign. In the checking account we have $540.45. In the savings account we have $411.42. In the CD we have $4,454.96. Total assets are $5,406.83. Dennis submitted a bill for $65.09 for the hardware purchased for the installation of the sign.
Old Business: Donna made a template for a Lifetime Membership certificate. We will award this certificate to Margaret Torok and Helen Frink Stine.
Repairs to the Saddlemire Homestead are almost complete. Tyler Sigond’s assistant will finish the remaining work. Lights need to be installed and additional painting needs to be completed. New furniture is needed for the front porch. Dennis will check with Mike Hammond to see if he could build 4 benches.
KHS will present a program on Henry Knox and His Noble Train of Artillery on Sun., Oct. 12 at 2 pm. in the main town hall room.
KHS had a display at the Altamont Fair in August on the Henry Knox Trail. Next year the theme will be Activities of Yesteryear. KHS could present information about roller skating at Knox Caves, Lord’s Acre Auction.
2026 will be the 50th anniversary of the Knox Historical Society. We would like to recognize the remaining members of the founders of the Knox Historical Society: Mike Hammond, Faye Hammond, Bob Stevens, Maureen Driscoll, Al Schager, Dick Dexter, Dave Shafer, Lou Saddlemire, Peter and Pat Berry.
New Business: Zenie Gladieux has a hand-crocheted tablecloth, table runner, and several antimacassars made by Mildred Wolford Bogardus. Dennis made a motion to accept the items, Donna seconded it, and the motion passed.
We are planning a Cemetery Walk in the big Knox Cemetery for Fall 2026. Dennis will contact Lou Saddlemire for suggestions of names we could research and then re-enact during the Cemetery Walk. The Berne Historical Society has had Cemetery Walks in the past and Donna will contact Sandra Stempel Kisselback and Kathy Stempel to see if the Berne Historical Society would like to work with us on this program.
The meeting was adjourned at 8 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Donna Gwin
The minutes of the August meeting had been emailed. Dennis made a motion to accept the minutes. Donna seconded it and the motion passed. There was not a September meeting.
Treasurers Report: Expenses since August include $126 for the KHS PO box, $188.91 to Eastern Mutual Insurance Co., $225 to Catskill Mtn Sign. This sign was installed in front of the Saddlemire Homestead, replacing the old deteriorated sign. In the checking account we have $540.45. In the savings account we have $411.42. In the CD we have $4,454.96. Total assets are $5,406.83. Dennis submitted a bill for $65.09 for the hardware purchased for the installation of the sign.
Old Business: Donna made a template for a Lifetime Membership certificate. We will award this certificate to Margaret Torok and Helen Frink Stine.
Repairs to the Saddlemire Homestead are almost complete. Tyler Sigond’s assistant will finish the remaining work. Lights need to be installed and additional painting needs to be completed. New furniture is needed for the front porch. Dennis will check with Mike Hammond to see if he could build 4 benches.
KHS will present a program on Henry Knox and His Noble Train of Artillery on Sun., Oct. 12 at 2 pm. in the main town hall room.
KHS had a display at the Altamont Fair in August on the Henry Knox Trail. Next year the theme will be Activities of Yesteryear. KHS could present information about roller skating at Knox Caves, Lord’s Acre Auction.
2026 will be the 50th anniversary of the Knox Historical Society. We would like to recognize the remaining members of the founders of the Knox Historical Society: Mike Hammond, Faye Hammond, Bob Stevens, Maureen Driscoll, Al Schager, Dick Dexter, Dave Shafer, Lou Saddlemire, Peter and Pat Berry.
New Business: Zenie Gladieux has a hand-crocheted tablecloth, table runner, and several antimacassars made by Mildred Wolford Bogardus. Dennis made a motion to accept the items, Donna seconded it, and the motion passed.
We are planning a Cemetery Walk in the big Knox Cemetery for Fall 2026. Dennis will contact Lou Saddlemire for suggestions of names we could research and then re-enact during the Cemetery Walk. The Berne Historical Society has had Cemetery Walks in the past and Donna will contact Sandra Stempel Kisselback and Kathy Stempel to see if the Berne Historical Society would like to work with us on this program.
The meeting was adjourned at 8 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Donna Gwin
There was not a Sept 2025 meeting.
The August 5, 2025 meeting of the Knox Historical Society was called to order at 7:10 pm by President Dennis Barber. Members present included Gary Crewell, Donna Gwin, Jeff Jones-Fusco, Charlene Scoons, Bob Stevens, Henry Whipple, Anna Wolfe.
The minutes of the July meeting had been emailed. Charlene made a motion to accept the minutes. Gary seconded it and the motion passed.
Treasurers Report: Income for the month is $175.37. This includes dues and sales of a plate and framed map. In the checking account we have $1,008.13. In the savings account we have $411.33. In the CD we have $4,414.10. Total assets are $5,833.73. Dennis presented a bill for $106.70 for road signs welcoming people to the Town of Knox: on Thompson’s Lake Road and on Rt. 156. Jay made a motion to pay the bill, Gary seconded it, and the motion passed.
Gary and Dennis reported on the progress made on the porch reconstruction, house painting, and other repairs. Tyler Sigond is the contractor. Several of the boards need to be replaced. Additional money will be needed. Building Inspector Dan Sherman has been regularly inspecting work on the Homestead. The porch ceiling has 2 coats of paint. The porch decking needs to be painted and the railings need to be installed. KHS will buy 3 porch ceiling lights. The shutters for the front are being saved and will need to be repaired and painted.
A new display system will be installed in the Patriots Room. Gary and Dennis will build the hanging system. This will make it easier to view the items. The Tool Room needs work. The display cabinet is broken. Gary and Dennis will improve the display of tools.
Dennis spoke to Justin Wexler who spoke at the New Scotland Historical Association on Native Americans in the Helderbergs. Justin’s fee for a program is $200. KHS will try to schedule his program in the fall.
Dennis spoke to Zachary Finn and will respond to his survey on historical museums.
2026 will be the 50th anniversary of the Knox Historical Society. KHS will have a ceremony at the Puckerstreet Fair 2026 in recognition of the anniversary. There are 10 remaining members of the original society and we will honor them. Dennis suggested a plaque for the quilters of the Bicentennial Quilt.
KHS will check into getting a new sign for the front lawn of the Homestead. The sign will say: Knox Historical Society Museum, Saddlemire Homestead, Established 1976. Dennis will check with Bill Vincent about making the new sign.
The Homestead was open during the Puckerstreet Fair but we had no visitors.
Dennis is trying to get photographs of the supervisors in the Town of Knox. Presently he has about 10 photos.
Anna received an item to be donated to our collection. Homer Warner donated 2horse cleats that were used for traction during ice harvesting. The cleats will be accessioned and added to our collection.
Donna will make a certificate honoring Lifetime membership in KHS.
On July 20 Dennis will open the Homestead from 2-4 pm. He will publicize it.
Dennis is checking into selling Knox hat boxes on eBay.
Tyler Sigond came to the meeting and showed remaining areas that need to be fixed on the Saddlemire Homestead. Tyler is meeting with Russ Pokorny and Ken Saddlemire on July 2. Additional funds are needed to buy replacement boards.
Respectfully submitted,
Donna Gwin
The minutes of the July meeting had been emailed. Charlene made a motion to accept the minutes. Gary seconded it and the motion passed.
Treasurers Report: Income for the month is $175.37. This includes dues and sales of a plate and framed map. In the checking account we have $1,008.13. In the savings account we have $411.33. In the CD we have $4,414.10. Total assets are $5,833.73. Dennis presented a bill for $106.70 for road signs welcoming people to the Town of Knox: on Thompson’s Lake Road and on Rt. 156. Jay made a motion to pay the bill, Gary seconded it, and the motion passed.
Gary and Dennis reported on the progress made on the porch reconstruction, house painting, and other repairs. Tyler Sigond is the contractor. Several of the boards need to be replaced. Additional money will be needed. Building Inspector Dan Sherman has been regularly inspecting work on the Homestead. The porch ceiling has 2 coats of paint. The porch decking needs to be painted and the railings need to be installed. KHS will buy 3 porch ceiling lights. The shutters for the front are being saved and will need to be repaired and painted.
A new display system will be installed in the Patriots Room. Gary and Dennis will build the hanging system. This will make it easier to view the items. The Tool Room needs work. The display cabinet is broken. Gary and Dennis will improve the display of tools.
Dennis spoke to Justin Wexler who spoke at the New Scotland Historical Association on Native Americans in the Helderbergs. Justin’s fee for a program is $200. KHS will try to schedule his program in the fall.
Dennis spoke to Zachary Finn and will respond to his survey on historical museums.
2026 will be the 50th anniversary of the Knox Historical Society. KHS will have a ceremony at the Puckerstreet Fair 2026 in recognition of the anniversary. There are 10 remaining members of the original society and we will honor them. Dennis suggested a plaque for the quilters of the Bicentennial Quilt.
KHS will check into getting a new sign for the front lawn of the Homestead. The sign will say: Knox Historical Society Museum, Saddlemire Homestead, Established 1976. Dennis will check with Bill Vincent about making the new sign.
The Homestead was open during the Puckerstreet Fair but we had no visitors.
Dennis is trying to get photographs of the supervisors in the Town of Knox. Presently he has about 10 photos.
Anna received an item to be donated to our collection. Homer Warner donated 2horse cleats that were used for traction during ice harvesting. The cleats will be accessioned and added to our collection.
Donna will make a certificate honoring Lifetime membership in KHS.
On July 20 Dennis will open the Homestead from 2-4 pm. He will publicize it.
Dennis is checking into selling Knox hat boxes on eBay.
Tyler Sigond came to the meeting and showed remaining areas that need to be fixed on the Saddlemire Homestead. Tyler is meeting with Russ Pokorny and Ken Saddlemire on July 2. Additional funds are needed to buy replacement boards.
Respectfully submitted,
Donna Gwin
The July 1, 2025 meeting of the Knox Historical Society was held at the Saddlemire Homestead. The meeting was called to order at 7:05 pm by President Dennis Barber. Members present included Gary Crewell, Jay Francis, Donna Gwin, Charlene Scoons, Anna Wolfe.
The minutes of the May meeting had been emailed. Charlene made a motion to accept the minutes. Gary seconded it and the motion passed.
Treasurers Report: Income for the month is $175.37. This includes dues and sales of a plate and framed map. In the checking account we have $1,008.13. In the savings account we have $411.33. In the CD we have $4,414.10. Total assets are $5,833.73. Dennis presented a bill for $106.70 for road signs welcoming people to the Town of Knox: on Thompson’s Lake Road and on Rt. 156. Jay made a motion to pay the bill, Gary seconded it, and the motion passed.
Old Business: Gary and Dennis reported on the progress made on the porch reconstruction, house painting, and other repairs. Tyler Sigond is the contractor. Several of the boards need to be replaced. Additional money will be needed. Building Inspector Dan Sherman has been regularly inspecting work on the Homestead. The porch ceiling has 2 coats of paint. The porch decking needs to be painted and the railings need to be installed. KHS will buy 3 porch ceiling lights. The shutters for the front are being saved and will need to be repaired and painted.
New Business: A new display system will be installed in the Patriots Room. Gary and Dennis will build the hanging system. This will make it easier to view the items. The Tool Room needs work. The display cabinet is broken. Gary and Dennis will improve the display of tools.
Dennis spoke to Justin Wexler who spoke at the New Scotland Historical Association on Native Americans in the Helderbergs. Justin’s fee for a program is $200. KHS will try to schedule his program in the fall.
Dennis spoke to Zachary Finn and will respond to his survey on historical museums.
2026 will be the 50th anniversary of the Knox Historical Society. KHS will have a ceremony at the Puckerstreet Fair 2026 in recognition of the anniversary. There are 10 remaining members of the original society and we will honor them. Dennis suggested a plaque for the quilters of the Bicentennial Quilt.
KHS will check into getting a new sign for the front lawn of the Homestead. The sign will say: Knox Historical Society Museum, Saddlemire Homestead, Established 1976. Dennis will check with Bill Vincent about making the new sign.
The Homestead was open during the Puckerstreet Fair but we had no visitors.
Dennis is trying to get photographs of the supervisors in the Town of Knox. Presently he has about 10 photos.
Anna received an item to be donated to our collection. Homer Warner donated 2 horse cleats that were used for traction during ice harvesting. The cleats will be accessioned and added to our collection.
Donna will make a certificate honoring Lifetime membership in KHS.
On July 20 Dennis will open the Homestead from 2-4 pm. He will publicize it.
Dennis is checking into selling Knox hat boxes on eBay.
Tyler Sigond came to the meeting and showed remaining areas that need to be fixed on the Saddlemire Homestead. Tyler is meeting with Russ Pokorny and Ken Saddlemire on July 2. Additional funds are needed to buy replacement boards.
Respectfully submitted,
Donna Gwin
The minutes of the May meeting had been emailed. Charlene made a motion to accept the minutes. Gary seconded it and the motion passed.
Treasurers Report: Income for the month is $175.37. This includes dues and sales of a plate and framed map. In the checking account we have $1,008.13. In the savings account we have $411.33. In the CD we have $4,414.10. Total assets are $5,833.73. Dennis presented a bill for $106.70 for road signs welcoming people to the Town of Knox: on Thompson’s Lake Road and on Rt. 156. Jay made a motion to pay the bill, Gary seconded it, and the motion passed.
Old Business: Gary and Dennis reported on the progress made on the porch reconstruction, house painting, and other repairs. Tyler Sigond is the contractor. Several of the boards need to be replaced. Additional money will be needed. Building Inspector Dan Sherman has been regularly inspecting work on the Homestead. The porch ceiling has 2 coats of paint. The porch decking needs to be painted and the railings need to be installed. KHS will buy 3 porch ceiling lights. The shutters for the front are being saved and will need to be repaired and painted.
New Business: A new display system will be installed in the Patriots Room. Gary and Dennis will build the hanging system. This will make it easier to view the items. The Tool Room needs work. The display cabinet is broken. Gary and Dennis will improve the display of tools.
Dennis spoke to Justin Wexler who spoke at the New Scotland Historical Association on Native Americans in the Helderbergs. Justin’s fee for a program is $200. KHS will try to schedule his program in the fall.
Dennis spoke to Zachary Finn and will respond to his survey on historical museums.
2026 will be the 50th anniversary of the Knox Historical Society. KHS will have a ceremony at the Puckerstreet Fair 2026 in recognition of the anniversary. There are 10 remaining members of the original society and we will honor them. Dennis suggested a plaque for the quilters of the Bicentennial Quilt.
KHS will check into getting a new sign for the front lawn of the Homestead. The sign will say: Knox Historical Society Museum, Saddlemire Homestead, Established 1976. Dennis will check with Bill Vincent about making the new sign.
The Homestead was open during the Puckerstreet Fair but we had no visitors.
Dennis is trying to get photographs of the supervisors in the Town of Knox. Presently he has about 10 photos.
Anna received an item to be donated to our collection. Homer Warner donated 2 horse cleats that were used for traction during ice harvesting. The cleats will be accessioned and added to our collection.
Donna will make a certificate honoring Lifetime membership in KHS.
On July 20 Dennis will open the Homestead from 2-4 pm. He will publicize it.
Dennis is checking into selling Knox hat boxes on eBay.
Tyler Sigond came to the meeting and showed remaining areas that need to be fixed on the Saddlemire Homestead. Tyler is meeting with Russ Pokorny and Ken Saddlemire on July 2. Additional funds are needed to buy replacement boards.
Respectfully submitted,
Donna Gwin
Members of the Knox Historical Society met at the Saddlemire Homestead on Tuesday, June 3, 2025 at 7pm. There was no formal meeting. Members present were Dennis Barber, Jay Francis, Jeff Fusco-Jones, Donna Gwin, Jack McEneny, Charlene Scoons, Henry Whipple, Anna Wolfe.
Group met on the porch which is being rebuilt. Reconstruction work is being done by Tyler Sigond. Group decided on a medium gray for the flooring and white for the ceiling. Shutters will be reinstalled on the porch only. Other shutters are in poor shape and the cost of replacing wooden shutters is high. House will be repainted. Three ceiling lights will be installed on the porch and will be the same style as the original one ceiling porch light.
Dennis will man the Saddlemire Homestead during the Puckerstreet Fair on Sat., June 14 from 2-5 pm.
At the July 1 meeting we will schedule Open Houses at the Homestead for the month of July.
Jack McEneny is the Albany County historian and is on the Albany County Commission for the 250th anniversary of the U.S. founding. This Commission is planning events to commemorate events not just in 1776 but through the Revolutionary War years 1776-1783. Such events include Battle of Oriskany, Dietz Family Massacre, Battle of the Normanskill. County legislator Jeff Perlee is also on the Commission. Grants are available to scholars and associations who are doing research on appropriate topics for the 250th anniversary.
The group looked at the west side of the shed of the Homestead. The boards are in very poor condition. Replacement boards would cost at least $500 and the money is presently not available. Dennis will talk to Ken Saddlemire to see if funds can be secured for replacement boards.
Grants have provided funds for the porch, painting, and gutters.
Henry repainted 8 of the historic markers in town:
There are many Knox Hat boxes in the attic. KHS needs to decide what to do with the boxes. The hat company has no relationship to Knox.
Respectfully submitted,
Donna Gwin
Group met on the porch which is being rebuilt. Reconstruction work is being done by Tyler Sigond. Group decided on a medium gray for the flooring and white for the ceiling. Shutters will be reinstalled on the porch only. Other shutters are in poor shape and the cost of replacing wooden shutters is high. House will be repainted. Three ceiling lights will be installed on the porch and will be the same style as the original one ceiling porch light.
Dennis will man the Saddlemire Homestead during the Puckerstreet Fair on Sat., June 14 from 2-5 pm.
At the July 1 meeting we will schedule Open Houses at the Homestead for the month of July.
Jack McEneny is the Albany County historian and is on the Albany County Commission for the 250th anniversary of the U.S. founding. This Commission is planning events to commemorate events not just in 1776 but through the Revolutionary War years 1776-1783. Such events include Battle of Oriskany, Dietz Family Massacre, Battle of the Normanskill. County legislator Jeff Perlee is also on the Commission. Grants are available to scholars and associations who are doing research on appropriate topics for the 250th anniversary.
The group looked at the west side of the shed of the Homestead. The boards are in very poor condition. Replacement boards would cost at least $500 and the money is presently not available. Dennis will talk to Ken Saddlemire to see if funds can be secured for replacement boards.
Grants have provided funds for the porch, painting, and gutters.
Henry repainted 8 of the historic markers in town:
- Whipple Farm on Rt. 156
- Town of Knox Rt 156 in front of Homestead
- Pillbox Capital Rt 156
- Sand Farm Rt 156
- Dutch Barn Rock Rd.
- Knieskem Farm Cross Lane
- Palatine Trail Knox Gallupville Rd.
- Tollgate Rt 146 by County Highway building
There are many Knox Hat boxes in the attic. KHS needs to decide what to do with the boxes. The hat company has no relationship to Knox.
Respectfully submitted,
Donna Gwin
The May 6, 2025 Knox Historical Society meeting was called to order at 7:10 pm by Pres. Dennis Barber. Members present included Gary Crewell, Donna Gwin, Charlene Scoons, and Anna Wolfe. Guest Eric Marczak attended.
The slate of officers for 2025-26 was presented:
Pres. – Dennis Barber
Vice Pres. – Gary Crewell
Secretary – Donna Gwin
Treasurer – Anna Wolfe
Trustees – Jay Francis, Nancy Frueh, Jeff Fusco-Jones
Gary made a motion to nominate the slate of officers and trustees, Charlene seconded it. The motion passed unanimously.
Minutes: Minutes had been emailed. Gary made a motion to accept the minutes, Charlene seconded it. The motion passed.
Treasurer’s report: Dues for 2025-26 are due. KHS total assets are $5,535.59. We paid $60 for the Helderberg Family and Community Christmas tree in November. We have $737.13 in the checking account. We have $411.27 in the preferred savings account. We have $4,387.02 in the CD. Donna made a motion to approve the Treasurer’s report. Charlene seconded it. Motion passed. The key to the Post Office box has been lost. A replacement will be sent soon. Mail is now being picked up at the Altamont Post Office.
Old Business: Reconstruction of the front porch of the Saddlemire Homestead will be starting within days. Work should be completed by Memorial Day. The foundation work is completed and gutters installed. At the moment there is not money for painting the building. The Homestead will be open 11-1 during the parade. Options on the style of columns for the porch will be shared with members and favorite style will be chosen.
The play Anti Rent Voices was presented on Sun., Oct. 13 at 2 pm in the town hall as part of Path Through History. About 20 people attended. We have copies of the play recorded on thumbdrives.
Gary printed out the graphic for lanyards that KHS members can wear during KHS events. Lanyards will be stored in the Homestead.
The application for the Pomeroy Foundation grant for the Knox Cave marker was not approved last fall. We will resubmit the application with more primary source material. Hopefully a program about Knox Caves can be presented. There are YouTube videos showing exploration of the cave. Perhaps we can show one of the videos and perhaps Mike Nardacci could speak about the cave.
New Business:
Eric Marczak, a member of the Northeastern Woodworkers Association, has been working on resurrecting the dying art of Pillbox making. Using basswood, Eric has made shavings and has stamped out the tops and bottoms of the boxes. He has used crazy glue gel to hold the shavings and tops and bottoms together. Eric has a supply of basswood he is willing to donate to KHS. We hope to present a program on this dying art. Gary and Eric will get additional items from the Homestead so that Eric can continue work on making pillboxes. Possibly, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Knox Historical Society, we could demonstrate the making of pillboxes in 2026, perhaps at the Puckerstreet Fair.
There is a program tonight at the New Scotland Historical Association on the topic of Native Americans in the Helderbergs. Eric is quite knowledgeable on Native American artifacts. Donna will contact the New Scotland Historical Association to find the contact information for the speaker.
We will have a clean-up day at the Homestead on Sat., May 17 from 11-1 in preparation for the Memorial Day Open House.
Donna will give a talk to the Duanesburg Historical Society on June 16 on the topic of the Henry Knox Trail. Perhaps this program can be presented to KHS in the summer.
Eric is a member of the Knox Conservation Council. A joint program with the Agricultural Committee is being planned for the fall. Perhaps KHS could join the program. The date of Pathways Through History Weekend, Oct. 11-13, is a possible choice.
Eric said the Conservation Council is also working on a Story Map of Knox highlighting places of interest. Donna will email to Eric the trails that we presently have: Driving Tour of Knox, Dutch Barns, Helderberg Quilt Barn Trail, Winn Preserve, and Historic Markers.
Meeting adjourned at 8:20pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Donna Gwin, Secretary
The slate of officers for 2025-26 was presented:
Pres. – Dennis Barber
Vice Pres. – Gary Crewell
Secretary – Donna Gwin
Treasurer – Anna Wolfe
Trustees – Jay Francis, Nancy Frueh, Jeff Fusco-Jones
Gary made a motion to nominate the slate of officers and trustees, Charlene seconded it. The motion passed unanimously.
Minutes: Minutes had been emailed. Gary made a motion to accept the minutes, Charlene seconded it. The motion passed.
Treasurer’s report: Dues for 2025-26 are due. KHS total assets are $5,535.59. We paid $60 for the Helderberg Family and Community Christmas tree in November. We have $737.13 in the checking account. We have $411.27 in the preferred savings account. We have $4,387.02 in the CD. Donna made a motion to approve the Treasurer’s report. Charlene seconded it. Motion passed. The key to the Post Office box has been lost. A replacement will be sent soon. Mail is now being picked up at the Altamont Post Office.
Old Business: Reconstruction of the front porch of the Saddlemire Homestead will be starting within days. Work should be completed by Memorial Day. The foundation work is completed and gutters installed. At the moment there is not money for painting the building. The Homestead will be open 11-1 during the parade. Options on the style of columns for the porch will be shared with members and favorite style will be chosen.
The play Anti Rent Voices was presented on Sun., Oct. 13 at 2 pm in the town hall as part of Path Through History. About 20 people attended. We have copies of the play recorded on thumbdrives.
Gary printed out the graphic for lanyards that KHS members can wear during KHS events. Lanyards will be stored in the Homestead.
The application for the Pomeroy Foundation grant for the Knox Cave marker was not approved last fall. We will resubmit the application with more primary source material. Hopefully a program about Knox Caves can be presented. There are YouTube videos showing exploration of the cave. Perhaps we can show one of the videos and perhaps Mike Nardacci could speak about the cave.
New Business:
Eric Marczak, a member of the Northeastern Woodworkers Association, has been working on resurrecting the dying art of Pillbox making. Using basswood, Eric has made shavings and has stamped out the tops and bottoms of the boxes. He has used crazy glue gel to hold the shavings and tops and bottoms together. Eric has a supply of basswood he is willing to donate to KHS. We hope to present a program on this dying art. Gary and Eric will get additional items from the Homestead so that Eric can continue work on making pillboxes. Possibly, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Knox Historical Society, we could demonstrate the making of pillboxes in 2026, perhaps at the Puckerstreet Fair.
There is a program tonight at the New Scotland Historical Association on the topic of Native Americans in the Helderbergs. Eric is quite knowledgeable on Native American artifacts. Donna will contact the New Scotland Historical Association to find the contact information for the speaker.
We will have a clean-up day at the Homestead on Sat., May 17 from 11-1 in preparation for the Memorial Day Open House.
Donna will give a talk to the Duanesburg Historical Society on June 16 on the topic of the Henry Knox Trail. Perhaps this program can be presented to KHS in the summer.
Eric is a member of the Knox Conservation Council. A joint program with the Agricultural Committee is being planned for the fall. Perhaps KHS could join the program. The date of Pathways Through History Weekend, Oct. 11-13, is a possible choice.
Eric said the Conservation Council is also working on a Story Map of Knox highlighting places of interest. Donna will email to Eric the trails that we presently have: Driving Tour of Knox, Dutch Barns, Helderberg Quilt Barn Trail, Winn Preserve, and Historic Markers.
Meeting adjourned at 8:20pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Donna Gwin, Secretary