Hudson Area Library Local History Room Speaker Series: Dr. Thomas Mounkhall

The History Room Committee of the Hudson Area Library is pleased to welcome back Dr. Thomas Mounkhall to the library on Thursday, September 8 at 6pm and then again on Sunday, September 11 at 4pm for a two part multimedia presentation as part of the free Local History Speaker Series. Both presentations will highlight the Hudson River during two significant time periods. The first program, on September 8 will cover the Hudson Valley from 20,000 BCE through 1500 CE, including migration, macro-change, flora diffusion, contingency and polycentrism. Mounkhall will then discuss Western European voyages of exploration through the influence of the Erie Canal on New York City from 1500 to 1830 in his presentation on Sunday, September 11. A question and answer session will follow each presentation, accompanied by light refreshments. Dr. Mounkhall has a doctorate in Modern World History from St. John’s University and over thirty years experience teaching World History in secondary schools. He is a former Adjunct Professor at SUNY New Paltz and has directed institutes in World History for high school teachers around the country. This presentation will be held in the Community Room on the first floor of the Hudson Area Library, with wheelchair access. Seating is available on a first-come, first serve basis. Attendees are welcome to come to one or both presentations. The Local History Speaker Series is a series of free monthly talks on diverse topics related to the history of Hudson, Greenport, Stockport, and Columbia County. The Hudson Area Library’s History Room houses a special collection that pertains to the history of the City of Hudson, as well as Columbia County and New York State. The History Room is open to the public on Saturdays from 10am-12pm, and by appointment. The mission of the Hudson Area Library is to enrich the quality of life in the chartered service area by providing educational, recreational, aesthetic, cultural and informational programs, services, and materials to all our citizens. For more information: hudsonarealibrary.org or call (518) 828-1792 x101.