HRMM to Host Stephen Blauweiss for Historic Rondout Multimedia Lecture Series

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
Contact: Emma Foster / Museum Educator / [email protected]
​
Kingston, NY – This May, acclaimed historian and filmmaker Stephen Blauweiss headlines a dynamic three-part lecture series that invites audiences to explore the rich, surprising, and often overlooked stories of the Kingston Rondout. Blending meticulously restored historic imagery, engaging storytelling, and multimedia presentations, the series offers a fresh and entertaining perspective on regional and cultural history.

Designed for both longtime residents and curious newcomers, each event delivers an immersive experience—far from a traditional classroom lecture—complete with compelling visuals, little-known anecdotes, and opportunities for audience interaction.

Series Lineup:

Rondout (Re) Visited — May 6
Step back in time with Stephen Blauweiss for a vivid, multimedia exploration of the historic Rondout neighborhood before more than 600 structures were demolished. This “virtual walk” features striking “Then & Now” comparisons and a remarkable collection of restored images, including rare glimpses of the famed Kingston Point Amusement Park in its heyday. Packed with fascinating, lesser-known stories, this presentation promises to both delight and inform—followed by a live Q&A session.

The Dutch and Their New York Legacy — May 13
In this engaging and accessible talk, Stephen Blauweiss unravels the often-overlooked influence of Dutch history in New York. Using an array of maps, timelines, and vivid imagery, Blauweiss connects the dots between fragmented historical narratives, transforming a complex subject into a clear, compelling story that resonates across generations.

Sharkey and His Pals! — May 27
Join filmmakers Gary Bohan Jr. and Stephen Blauweiss for an entertaining and heartwarming presentation featuring exclusive segments from their upcoming documentary Sharkey & His Pals. Audiences will meet Sharkey, a charismatic sea lion trained in Kingston at the legendary Seal College, whose remarkable personality and talent led him to Broadway and beyond. Through stories of show business history, humor, and the powerful bond between animal and trainer, this event promises surprises, laughter, and inspiration.

Event Details & Registration:
Tickets and additional information can be found here or visit hrmm.org 

Stephen Blauweiss is an historian with over 30 years experience as an independent filmmaker and produces work on a wide variety of subjects, from art and education to social and environmental issues. He has produced over 75 short films, including three features. Twenty of his short films about artists have aired on American Public Television and have been screened in museums and festivals across the U.S., Europe and Canada, including the New York State Museum, Mass Moca, the Albany Institute of History & Art, and the Dorsky Museum of Art.

The Hudson River Maritime Museum is dedicated to the preservation and interpretation of the maritime history of the Hudson River, its tributaries and related industries. In addition to extensive collections documenting maritime transportation, industry, recreation, and natural science, the museum offers classes and programs at its Woodworking School, Sailing and Rowing School, and aboard Solaris, the 100% solar powered tour boat and floating classroom. Now in its 46th year, HRMM is located along the historic Rondout waterfront in downtown Kingston.

For more information about the Hudson River Maritime Museum, please visit hrmm.org, find HRMM on Facebook, or call 845.338.0071.

###