In Knickerbocker’s History of New York, first published on Saint Nicholas Day 1809, Washington Irving introduced the Dutch Saint Nicholas as patron saint and folk hero, changed his appearance, and manipulated his character traits. This presentation will follow the Nicholas celebration from its early European origin through its arrival in New Netherland and continued observance […]

Scholar Geoff Wisner will lecture on the Civil War diaries of George Templeton Strong, which offer unique insights and first-person encounters with Abraham Lincoln, Ulysses S. Grant, Edwin M. Stanton, and others—told with Strong’s wicked humor. Beginning in 1835, at age 15, George Templeton Strong started writing in his diary, which totaled about four million words […]

Scholar Julie Dobrow will lecture on her new book about Elaine Goodale and Ohíye S’a, or Dr. Charles Alexander Eastman, 19th-century Indian education and policy advocates who defied their era's norms, fell in love, and were determined to marry—until the Wounded Knee Massacre changed everything. Thursday, February 26 6:30–8:00 p.m. St. Paul & St. Andrew […]

Lockwood-Mathews mansion is a National Historic Landmark and one of the earliest and most significant Second Empire Style country houses in the United States. Located in Norwalk, Connecticut, Lockwood-Mathews recently re-opened after being closed for a two-year renovation project. VSNY attendees have been offered a rare opportunity to visit the museum before public hours, allowing […]