New York Is Born! Start Spreadin' The News...

This annual lecture series, now in its fourth year, takes place each October, when we invite speakers on a local, regional or national level to present on varying topics in the preservation, architecture and advocacy fields. This lecture is named in memory of Matthew Bender IV, HAF’s first board president and long-term supporter.

This year’s lecture, in conjunction with and celebration of the 400th anniversary of the founding of New Netherland (modern day Manhattan) and Fort Orange (the precursor to Albany) will feature Russell Shorto. 

Mr. Shorto is the author of the runaway 2004 bestseller, The Island at the Center of the World: The Epic Story of Dutch Manhattan and the Forgotten Colony that Shaped America a paradigm-shattering book (based on research conducted at the New Netherland Institute in Albany, NY) that highlights the enormous role the Dutch Colony played in the formation of American institutions and national culture. 

Shorto will provide a glimpse of his forthcoming book, Taking Manhattan: The Extraordinary Events That Created New York and Shaped America (March 2025). His other books include Smalltime: A Story of My Family and the Mob (2021), Revolution Song: A Story of American Freedom (2017), and Amsterdam: A History of the World's Most Liberal City (2013).

A HAF Member and Lecture Sponsor Only Reception with Mr. Shorto will be held at 1pm prior to the lecture.  To become and HAF member or a lecture sponsor, click here:  https://www.historic-albany.org/how-to-support-haf

This event is in partnership with the New York State Writers Institute. 

Speaker Sponsor:  John G. Waite Associates

Reception Sponsor:  James Gaughan and Keith Lee and the Fort Orange General Store

HAF Members - $15

Non-Members - $20