Hudson River’s Lighthouses Shine in New Documentary Commissioned by Hudson River Maritime Museum

---

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Kirsty Gaukel, Press & Marketing Manager, [email protected]

‘Seven Sentinels: Lighthouse of the Hudson River’ begins rolling premiere at Orpheum Theatre in Saugerties 

KINGSTON, N.Y. (April 25, 2024) – The Hudson River Maritime Museum is delighted to announce the rolling premiere of its first feature-length documentary film: ‘Seven Sentinels: Lighthouses of the Hudson River.’ Following a private showing for members and supporters of HRMM on May 4, the documentary will have public screenings at Upstate Film’s Orpheum Theatre in Saugerties on Saturday, May 18 and Time & Space Ltd,. in Hudson on June 2. A series of additional regional screenings throughout the Hudson Valley will follow with details forthcoming. For more information visit, www.hrmm.org/seven-sentinels. Tickets for the screening at Orpheum Theatre are $15.00 and are available from the Orpheum Theatre at www.upstatefilms.org/seven-sentinels-lighthouses-of-the-hudson-river

Commissioned and produced by HRMM, and directed, filmed and edited by Jeff Mertz of Moonbow Imaging, ‘Seven Sentinels,’ is a beautifully shot film that explores the history of the Hudson River’s seven remaining lighthouses and the keepers that lived in them, as told by the people interpreting and caring for the structures today.  
​
The Hudson River Maritime Museum's concept for this film grew out of decades of Hudson River lighthouse interpretation, including research, exhibits, articles, short films and presentations. Of the dozens of lighthouses and warning lights that once dotted the Hudson River, only seven remain. This iconic American river was a transportation super highway long before automobiles were invented, and enabled the rise of New York City and westward expansion into the interior of this country. Throughout almost two centuries of America's explosive growth, these lighthouses kept watch, guarding the safety of the Hudson’s waterborne traffic.
​
The project was made possible in part through support from Maurice D. Hinchey Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area, the County of Ulster’s Ulster County Cultural Services & Promotion Fund administered by Arts Mid-Hudson, and Rondout Savings Bank, Ulster Savings. Ellen and Samuel Phelan Family Foundation, Dale Wolfield, Ken Mann and Radio Kingston.

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 Wooden Boat School, Sailing and Rowing School, and aboard Solaris, the 100% solar powered tour boat and floating classroom. The museum is located along the historic Rondout waterfront in downtown Kingston. Visit www.hrmm.org for more information.

​Jeff Mertz (Director) is an award-winning independent multimedia producer and educator focusing on nonfiction storytelling. His work often aims to render in miniature the effects of large-scale environmental and social paradigms, particularly by telling stories that galvanize discussion in the realms of environmental conservation and justice, food systems, mental health, and history. His work and collaborations have screened internationally at Woodstock, New Hampshire, and other film festivals, and have been featured on international publications including Nowness, Hyperallergic, and Buzzfeed. He currently helms Moonbow Imaging, a new photo and video production company focusing on regenerative storytelling, serving clients in the Hudson Valley and worldwide.

## END