Talking history with Sue Gardner

The Neversink Valley Museum of History & Innovation will present a history talk on Wednesday, July 19, at 7 p.m. with Warwick Deputy Town Historian Sue Gardner where she will be speaking about “Most Obedient Servant: Tracking the Life and Legacy of John Hathorn and his Militia.”
John Hathorn of Warwick has always been an enigmatic figure. But, "The man who lost the Battle of Minisink" was a successful military leader, politician, and activist. He served in the first and fourth Congresses of the United States and was acquainted with many of the important people of his day. Yet his life has remained in the shadows due to the destruction of his collected papers by his family shortly after his death.
A search spanning more than 15 years has turned up a great deal about Hathorn, his close involvement with the early days of the nation and New York State, and the activities of his men during the Revolutionary War. This illustrated presentation by Gardner will trace evidence of this forgotten founding father and the men who were under his command.
Gardner is deputy town historian for Warwick and local history librarian at Albert Wisner Public Library in Warwick. She founded The Friends of Hathorn House in recent years to help preserve the historic home and the legacy of Hathorn and his regiment.
This history talk will be held at the D & H Canal Park Visitor’s Center, 58 Hoag Road, (just off Route 209) in Cuddebackville. Suggested donation is $5 for members and $7 for non-members.
The Neversink Valley Museum is open Sundays from noon until 4 p.m. through Oct. 28 and by appointment.
For more information about the museum, its mission to preserve local history or any events, call 845-754-8870 or check the website www.neversinkmuseum.org. Or email nvam@neversinkmuseum.org.