An organizational meeting of volunteers for the celebration of Claverack in the 250th Anniversary commemorations of the United States of America was held October 20th , 2024, at the Claverack Library History Room. The group discussed ideas for Claverack’s role in the commemoration in conjunction with America 250! and Columbia County’s Commission, ColumbiaNY 250 Semiquincentennial Celebration.
Those in attendance were Claverack and Philmont Library directors Thea Schoep and Rain Whittaker, Claverack Library History Room Committee, Jim Schwab, Nick Zasorin, Paula Ptaszek, Claverack Historical Society President, Kara Keeler and trustee Bob LaPorta, town historian, Jeane LaPorta. Those who volunteered but were not present: Sal Cozzolino, Ted Filli Sr, John Lee. Philmont historian Shawn Jennings.
The committee unanimously agreed on a name for Claverack’s 250th commemoration; to be known as, the ClaverackUSA 250th Celebration; “to lead the town of Claverack as they celebrate the semiquincentennial through programs, events, parade participation and education”.
Among the suggestions for ways in which Claverack can participate were a parade float for the ColumbiaNY 250 Parade, a town picnic, planting trees and pollinator gardens, identifying and marking Revolutionary War patriot grave sites, Revolutionary era reenactments, historic marker placements and educational activities for adults and children, The committee is looking for volunteers and if any of these ideas are of interest, or if any other suggestions, please consider volunteering!
The ClaverackUSA 250th Celebration is a significant landmark in our nation and in our town’s history. As we look toward the next two hundred and fifty years let this be an opportunity to mark our history and to celebrate our beautiful town.
The U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission was established by Congress in 2016 to plan and orchestrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Appointed by the House and Senate leadership of both parties, the nonpartisan Commission is composed of 16 private citizens, 4 U.S. Representatives and 4 Senators, as well as 12 ex-officio members from all three branches of the federal government and its independent agencies.
Chairman Matt Murell of the Columbia County Board of Supervisors has appointed the following community members to the Semiquincentennial Organizing Committee: Stuyvesant Supervisor Ron Knott, Kinderhook Supervisor Tim Ooms, Clermont Supervisor Ray Staats, Canaan Supervisor Brenda Adams, County Clerk Holly Tanner, Adam Miller of Columbia County Tourism, and Local Historians: Tom Moreland, Austerlitz; Dawn Brownson, Clermont; Doris Gearing, Canaan; Thomas Shannon, Germantown; Jeane LaPorta, Claverack; and Elizabeth Sheffer-Winig, New Lebanon.
Next meeting: November 17, 2024, 3:00PM, Claverack Library History Room. Anyone interested in volunteering is asked to contact town historian Jeane LaPorta, 518-755-3411 or email, jlaporta@hotmail.com
Jeane LaPorta,
Historian
518-755-3411
jlaporta@hotmail.com