Tag: history
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Janet Montgomery Spills the Tea
Forebear Predicted Revolution by Rex McVitty October 11, 1965 Today we read another article by Rex McVitty in which he quotes from Janet Livingston Montgomery’s remembrances, as recorded by her niece with a little bit of editing by Rex. Janet Montgomery lived now with her real parents at Clermont and she was enjoying life with…
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Slavery on Livingston Manor
Warning: This blog mentions several topics that may be triggering to some populations. Speaking on the subject of slavery Thomas Jefferson once said; “We have the wolf by the ear and we can neither hold him, nor safely let him go” We tend to think of slavery as a southern issue, but it was the…
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On Clermont’s Shelves: The Columbiad by Joel Barlow (1809)
Hi everyone, curatorial assistant Dawson Escott here again with another obscure but really fascinating book I found while researching Clermont’s collection. But I’d like to start with a bit of a wider scope: When the United States was a young nation, its writers faced an identity crisis. What would American literature look like? With its…
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On Clermont’s Shelves: The Works of Ossian by James MacPherson
Hello! My name’s Dawson Escott and I’m currently the Curatorial Assistant at Clermont. I wanted to do a small series on here highlighting some unique and lesser-known books I’ve stumbled upon at our historic site while doing objects research. Clermont is home to a book collection spanning seven generations of shifting taste, so I’m sure…
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It Was Robert R. Livingston Who Masterminded Louisiana Purchase
Its time again for another post from our friend from the past, Rex McVitty. This one comes from July 7, 1964. Please remember that this article was written more than 60 years ago and should be viewed in the context of the world it was written in. The southern tier of states is very much…
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Exploring New York’s Revolutionary War Flags: A Legacy of Liberty
One of the most difficult things about writing about the Revolutionary War is trying to imagine what an American soldier would have seen and felt. Imagine yourself as an Albany County militia man at the Battle of Saratoga. You’ve just emerged from the woods and are forming up into lines for battle. Ahead of you…
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The Saga of Timothy Tickler
In late 18th century America, the most petty, brutal political battles were often duked out on newspaper pages. It was common practice for one to publish their political opinions under a pseudonym. John Dickinson penned his famous series of essays under the simple “A Farmer”, Thomas Paine often wrote as “Vox Populi”, and the writers…
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Lives of Livingston Ladies: Margaret Beekman Livingston
Margaret Beekman Livingston was born on March 1st, 1724 – meaning Happy Belated 301st, Margaret! After losing her mother at a young age, Margaret’s father, Henry Beekman, sent her to live with an aunt in Brooklyn. The idea of a widower raising a daughter alone was not socially acceptable in the Colonial Era (nor by…
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The Chancellor’s Coffee Urn: Coffee and Consumption in the Colonies
“When I first came to this House it was late in the Afternoon, and I had ridden 35 miles at least. “Madam” I said to Mrs. Huston, “is it lawfull for a weary Traveller to refresh himself with a Dish of Tea provided it has been honestly smuggled or paid no Duties?” / “No sir,…
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Create Your Own History at Clermont State Historic Site
Welcome to Clermont State Historic Site, where breathtaking views of the river and mountains awaits you! Home to the Livingstons, Clermont offers the perfect outdoor wedding venue for those seeking to exchange their vows amidst nature’s beauty. With Clermont’s serene surroundings and historic significance, this venue provides a unique and unforgettable experience for your special…
Clermont State Historic Site 