Forum on the history behind Newburgh’s Monuments

Newburgh is a monumental city. The Newburgh Historical Society welcomes members and guests on Sunday, April 3 for an opening day that will include a slide presentation entitled “Monumental Newburgh.” Starting at 2 p.m., a panel led by Society member Tom Knieser will showcase the many beautiful sculptures and memorials installed in the city. There is a story behind the motivation and creation of each public monument.

“In the years we traveled with our kids to various cities, the outdoor sculptures became a part of the memory,” Knieser reflected on how he came to appreciate the topic.

There are two dozen examples scattered throughout the City of Newburgh, which have become lasting elements of the city’s landscape offering unique lenses into a local heritage.

One noted 19th century Newburgh sculptor, Henry Kirke Brown, designed monuments for the U.S. Capitol and West Point. His sculpture of George Clinton, Revolutionary War General, first governor of New York and twice Vice-President of the United States, once graced the Newburgh waterfront.

Architect, John H. Duncan, oversaw the construction of the imposing Tower of Victory at Washington’s Headquarters. Duncan would be best known for his “Grant’s Tomb” in Manhattan and the soldiers and sailors Memorial Arch at the entrance to Prospect Park in Brooklyn.

Other works memorialize war veterans, volunteer firemen, Martin Luther King and honor those who fell victim to the terrorist attacks on September 11. Some have not survived the test of time like a World War II memorial that once sat at the foot of Broadway and a plaster model that honored Revolutionary War General Anthony Wayne.

The panelists will expand our awareness of these works through their knowledge of history and foster an appreciation for their presence within the community. The speakers include Elyse B. Goldberg, Historic Site Manager at Washington’s Headquarters; Mary McTamaney, City of Newburgh Historian; and David McTamaney, veteran support advocate and a founding member of Habitat For Humanity of Greater Newburgh.

The forum will take place at the Captain David Crawford House, located on 189 Montgomery Street in Newburgh. Admission is $5 per person and free to members of the Society. For more information please call (845) 561-2585 or visit their website, newburghhistoricalsociety.com.

 
The Historical Society of Newburgh Bay and the Highlands was launched unofficially when the Hasbrouck House (Washington’s Headquarters Newburgh) was in danger of demolition after the Revolutionary War. The current Society, incorporated in 1884, has always been an advocate for Newburgh’s history. The Society’s headquarters, 1830 Captain David Crawford House, was purchased in 1954 to save it from demolition and symbolizes their dedication to preserving and protecting Newburgh’s assets.

The Crawford House, a historic house museum and Society’s headquarters, located at 189 Montgomery Street within the City of Newburgh’s Historic District is open for tours on Sundays between 1:00 P.M. and 4:00 P.M. or by appointment. View the “Growing Up In Newburgh” exhibit, a community exhibit featuring the photographs and memories of Newburgh from the 19th century through the 20th century. For more information about admission, tours, or programming please call (845) 561-2585.