Courthouse Tour - February 23

On February 23, the Historic Albany Foundation will be sponsoring a special tour of the imposing Art Deco James T. Foley Courthouse. The tour will be lead by Chief Deputy Clerk John Domurad. It is for members of HAF only, but nonmember slots will be available for $10. Contact the HAF for details.

Historic Albany Foundation

The Cathedral Restoration

A view from the corner of State and Lodge Streets showing the spires of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception further south on Madison Avenue and Eagle Street.

The colors of the spires are mismatched because of a massive ongoing restoration of the historic church. The lighter spire to the right in this picture has already been restored. The original crumbling stone was removed and replaced piece by piece and the deteriorating brick core was replaced by a modern steel skeleton. The original stone had been cut and laid improperly, causing it to flake away. The clock, bells, and cross atop the steeple were also restored. The darker spire to the left (partially draped in a black protective covering) is awaiting similar work.

To read more about the restoration project, please click here.

Flags In Peril

When I was very young, I used to enjoy taking the free tours of the New York State Capitol. One of the most memorable features was the room filled with case after enormous case of historic battle flags. Now, these flags are in desperate need of preservation and restoration. CBS6 has a news feature on the condition of the flags.

New York's Civil War flags at risk

The City Hall Fire

Today's Times Union has an article recalling the massive pre-dawn fire which destroyed Albany's City Hall 130 years ago today and the effort by firefighters to save priceless civic records.

Albany City Hall Fire

New Book - Architects In Albany

Architects In Albany, a new book edited by Diana S. Waite, highlights the city's architectural past from brownstone cathedrals to the futuristic SUNY campus. Published by Mount Ida Press, profits from the book benefit the Historic Albany Foundation.

Today's Times Union features the book.

Also, the main branch of the Albany Public Library will host an lecture by Historic Albany's Susan Holland and architect Bill Brandow at noon on Tuesday.

A Must-Read Blog By Don Rittner

Don Rittner discusses the potential tourism draw of local history and how other cities have made use of their heritage and archaeology.

Such Promise, But No Vision