NEWS RELEASE: Historian A.J. Schenkman to Present Tales and Legends of "Wicked Ulster County" at Historic Huguenot Street

NEW PALTZ, NY (October 17, 2014) – Historic Huguenot Street’s Consulting Historian A.J. Schenkman will present a lecture, “Wicked Ulster County: Tales of Desperadoes, Gangs, & More” on Wednesday, October 22 at 6 pm at the LeFevre House (1799 House, 54 Huguenot Street, New Paltz).  Schenkman will discuss the unsavory characters and dishonorable events that have taken place throughout Ulster County’s history.

In the 1870s, the Shawangunk Mountains inspired fear rather than awe, as groups like the Lyman Freer and Shawangunk gangs robbed and terrorized locals, descending from the protection of the wooded peaks. Kingston was torched, arson blazed in Kerhonkson, and even the Mohonk Mountain House was threatened by flames. In 1909, the Ashokan Slasher's bloody crimes and sensational trial captured headlines across the country.

"This is A.J.’s debut event as Consulting Historian for Historic Huguenot Street," said Board Chair Mary Etta Schneider. "The lecture will be the kick-off to our upcoming Haunted Huguenot Street programming."

A reception and book signing will follow the presentation.

Members, seniors, and military $5. Non-members $8. Students free with ID. Become a New Friend member at the door for $15 and complementary entry.

A.J. Schenkman teaches history in the Lower Hudson Valley as a VIP for Teaching the Hudson Valley (teachingthehudsonvalley.org),  and is a columnist for both The New York History Blog and The Times Herald-Record. He has been featured in numerous publications, venues, radio, and television. In addition, Schenkman is the author of numerous books and articles, including his most recent books, Murder and Mayhem in Ulster County and Wicked Ulster County: Tales of Desperadoes, Gangs & More. These two books are available for purchase at the Museum Shop at Historic Huguenot Street.

A National Historic Landmark District, Historic Huguenot Street is a 501(c)3 non-profit that encompasses 30 buildings across 10 acres that was the heart of the original 1678 settlement, including seven stone houses that date to the early eighteenth century.  It was founded in 1894 as the Huguenot Patriotic, Historical, and Monumental Society to preserve their French and Dutch heritage.  Since then, Historic Huguenot Street has grown into an innovative museum, chartered as an educational corporation by the University of the State of New York, that is dedicated to protecting our historic buildings, conserving an important collection of artifacts and manuscripts, and promoting the stories of the Huguenot Street families, from the sixteenth century to today. 

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Contact
Kaitlin Gallucci
Communications & Marketing Manager
(845) 255-1660
media@huguenotstreet.org