A new exhibit, a concert, special lectures and a food tasting are a part of Union’s fifth annual Adirondack Week May 15-20.
The week helps the College celebrate its rich and deep history with the Adirondacks. A number of events are planned at a variety of venues on campus and the Kelly Adirondack Center.
Among the highlights is “Parts but Little Known: Maps of the Adirondacks from 1556” at the Center. Cal Welch '62 and his daughter, Caroline '01, have curated an exhibit of antique maps that trace the early development of the Northeast and the avoidance of the inhospitable Adirondack region. The show includes maps from a private collection and the Adirondack Research Library, including the large relief wall map created by noted Adirondack conservationist Paul Schaefer. An opening reception is from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 20.
All events are free and open to the public.
The schedule:
Monday, May 15
The Jefferson Project: An Update
Nott Memorial, 5:30 p.m.
Technology enables scientists to study Lake George in more detail than before. Learn from project leaders Mike Kelly ’91, Jeremy Farrell ’03, Matthew Schuler and Michael Henderson about their research and how these findings will improve policy decisions.
Tuesday, May 16
Wilderness or Development? A Panel Discussion on Classifying the Boreas Ponds Lands
Old Chapel, 5:30 p.m.
A panel on the possible futures of the Boreas Ponds Lands with Dave Olbert, an outfitter from Newcomb; John Sheehan, Adirondack Council; Dave Gibson, Adirondack Wild. Moderated by biology Professor Steven Rice.
Wednesday, May 17
Music of the Mountains: Harpeth Rising and the Jamcrackers
Schaffer Library front steps, 5:30 p.m.
Harpeth Rising and the Jamcrackers perform a short concert, followed by a brief discussion of their respective influences and the new trends in folk and bluegrass music.
Thursday, May 18
Adirondack Takeover at ChefU
Upperclass Dining Room, 11 a.m.
Join chef Stephen Topper to learn about Adirondack food traditions and to taste some Adirondack specialties.
Friday, May 19
Adirondack Fair
Reamer Back Patio, 1 to 4 p.m.
An informational fair about the Adirondacks featuring Adirondack Raptors, refreshments, music and regional vendors.
Saturday, May 20
Exhibition Opening and ReUnion Reception
Kelly Adirondack Center, 2 to 4 p.m.
Opening of the exhibit, “Parts but Little Known: Maps of the Adirondacks from 1556.” Highlighting the rich collections of the Adirondack Research Library, it’s a fascinating look at growing awareness of the region and what the mapmakers thought about the potential of the Adirondacks.
Shuttles will leave from Old Chapel Circle beginning at 1:45 p.m.
Union alumni and members of the faculty have been involved in the Adirondacks for well over a century. Numerous faculty members have conducted research in the Adirondacks and incorporated it into their courses. The College also has hosted a number of academic conferences and symposia centered on the Adirondacks, and the six-million-acre Adirondack Park is a destination for student field trips.
The College operates the Kelly Adirondack Center. Located three miles from campus in Niskayuna, the center includes the former home of the noted Adirondack conservationist Paul Schaefer (1908-1996) and the Adirondack Research Library. The library boasts a unique collection of material on the Adirondack Park and the New York State Forest Preserve, including rare books, maps, photographs, documents and the personal papers of some of the region's foremost conservationists.