NorthEast-Millerton library board approves measure aimed at digitizing newspapers

NorthEast-Millerton library board approves measure
aimed at digitizing newspapers

NorthEast-Millerton Library houses copies of The Millerton News and its predecessors only on microfilm and in bound volumes.

Rhiannon Leo-Jameson

MILLERTON — As the town gets set to honor its 150th anniversary, the NorthEast-Millerton Library is fusing an old project with a state-of-the art idea to be certain its history as chronicled by The Millerton News and its predecessors will be available for years to come.

A vehicle for the project is the annual Millerton Community Calendar, a town mainstay since the Lion’s Club began the tradition 65 years ago. It is now being readied for publication by the Library, which inherited the program when the club disbanded locally in 2021.

Funds raised by the calendar have been used in the past primarily to cover cost of the publication, according to head librarian Rhiannon Leo-Jameson. But on Wednesday, April 10, the Library Board of Trustees approved a measure that will allow any funds beyond those needed for that purpose to be applied to a new program to digitize the Library’s collection of copies of The Millerton News and its predecessors which are now available at the library only on microfilm and in bound volumes.

While Leo-Jameson says final plans for the project are not yet in place, it is likely that the process will allow those papers to be accessed online.

Leo-Jameson, in consultation with Ed Downey, president of the North East Historical Society, said the project will be a joint undertaking with that group which has been sponsoring digitization efforts for a number of years, partly through the Dine Out for History sessions at local restaurants which was revived this year after having been shut down due to COVID 19.

This year’s version of the calendar, in addition to noting birthdays and anniversaries of local residents and families, will honor of the town’s 150th year by inviting merchants and others to mark the founding and other notable dates of local businesses and organizations.

The cost of printing and distributing the black and white calendar is supported with payment of $6 for the calendar and $.75 each for listing. Further funding comes from small ads for local business which cost $55.

To donate, purchase ads, or place significant dates in the calendar call 518-789-3340 or visit the Library at 75 Main St. Submissions are due by July 31. Distribution, which will take place at the library, is set for October.

Latest News

Amenia board honors employees for service

Long-term town employees were recognized at the Town Board meeting on Thursday, June 12. Honorees pictured with Town Supervisor Leo Blackman, were Judy Carlson, Office Manager at the Town Garage, center, for her 35 years of service to the town and Megan Chamberlin, current Highway Superintendent, for 20 years.

Leila Hawken

AMENIA — Acknowledging the many years of service accumulated by town employees, the Town Board paused to honor that service at its meeting on Thursday, June 12.

“Thank you for making a difference,” said Town Supervisor Leo Blackman in recognizing Judy Carlson, Office Manager at the town garage, for her 35 years of service.

Keep ReadingShow less
Historic marker dedicated at Amenia Union Cemetery

In anticipation of the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the start of the American Revolution in 2026, new historic markers are appearing at each of the local cemeteries where Revolutionary War veterans are buried. Unveiling the new marker at Amenia Union Cemetery on Saturday, June 21, were left to right, Town Historian Betsy Strauss, Jim Middlebrook representing the regional chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution, and Gail Seymour, President of the Union Cemetery Association.

Photo by Leila Hawken

AMENIA — One by one, new historic markers are appearing at local cemeteries where Revolutionary War dead are buried. On Saturday, June 21, community members gathered to see a new marker unveiled at Amenia Union Cemetery on Leedsville Road.

A tent provided welcome shade for the attendees and refreshments as about 30 residents gathered for the unveiling and to share stories of local history with one another.

Keep ReadingShow less
Millerton Street Fair celebration June 28

Bee Bee the clown, face painters and a community wide scavenger hunt are among the activities planned for the Millerton Street Fair in Downtown Millerton on Saturday, June 28.

Photo by Aly Morrissey

MILLERTON — The Millerton News, in partnership with the North East Community Center (NECC) and the Millerton Business Alliance, is hosting its first Street Fair on Saturday in a celebration of the town.

Rain or shine from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m, the fair will bring together local nonprofits and businesses, with live music, entertainment, kids’ activities, local eats, and family fun in Veterans Park, in front of the Millerton Inn, and beyond.

Keep ReadingShow less
Millbrook Historical Society announces summer Quaker lecture series

The Nine Partners Road Quaker Meetinghouse, built in 1780, will be the site of two summer lectures sponsored by the Millbrook Historical Society.

Photo by Leila Hawken

MILLBROOK — Long in the planning, the Millbrook Historical Society has announced that it is sponsoring two lectures in observance of the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution. Both lectures relating to Quaker history are to be held in the historic Quaker Meeting House on Nine Partners Road.

For the first talk, scheduled for Sunday, June 29, at 2 p.m., the historical society has invited Sarah Gronningsater, Professor of History at the University of Pennsylvania, to talk on “Quakers, Anti-slavery, and the American Revolution.” The topic will explore the role that New York’s Quakers, especially in the Hudson Valley, played in the rise of the anti-slavery movement that followed the American Revolution.

Keep ReadingShow less