Hudson River Maritime Museum Brings History to Life with Music, Storytelling, and Theater This August

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
Contact: John Kelley / Marketing Manager / [email protected]

KINGSTON, NY -- The Hudson River Maritime Museum (HRMM) invites the public to experience history in new ways this August through a series of engaging programs featuring live music, storytelling, immersive theater, and historical presentations. Together, these events explore the people, places, and stories that shaped the Hudson Valley and the nation.

On Wednesday, August 12, historian Laura Hertle, Senior Interpreter at the Senate House State Historic Site, presents Enslaved Lives Through Senate House Archives. Part of HRMM's Follow the River Lecture Series, the program draws from thousands of 18th-century documents to uncover the lives of enslaved people living and working in colonial Kingston. The presentation begins at 7:00 p.m. Admission is $10, or $5 for HRMM members.

On Thursday, August 20, celebrate America's 250th anniversary with Stories and Songs of the Revolution, featuring renowned storyteller Jonathan Kruk and musician Linda Russell. Blending historical storytelling with traditional music, the performance brings Revolutionary-era heroes, folklore, and songs to life in an entertaining evening for audiences of all ages. The program begins at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $25 for adults and $10 for children ages 6–13 and include free admission to the Museum and HRMM's latest REV250 exhibit "Tides of War".

The month concludes on Friday, August 28, with Crime on the Hudson: Gilded Age Pirates and River Thieves, an original production created by HRMM's Education Department in collaboration with Siren Theatre Company. Combining historical interpretation with live theater, the interactive experience transports audiences to the Hudson River of the 1860s and 1870s, where they become part of a dramatic courtroom trial inspired by real events. The performance begins at 7:30 p.m. Admission is $28, or $14 for HRMM members.

"History is most powerful when people can experience it," said John Kelley, Marketing Manager at HRMM. "Whether through detailed archival research, live music, storytelling, or immersive theater, these August programs offer engaging ways to connect with the people and events that shaped our region and country."

Advance registration is recommended, as seating is limited for all programs. Full details and registration information can be found at hrmm.org/lecture-series.

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.

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