New York state is finally getting the word out about a pair of big anniversaries in 2009.
Next year communities from Manhattan to the Canadian border in northern New York plan to mark the 400th anniversary of the explorations of Henry Hudson and Samuel de Champlain.
The state created a special commission six years ago to help organize and market events linked to the Hudson-Champlain quadricentennial. But little got done, and some historical groups were concerned that the anniversaries wouldn’t get the attention they deserve.
The commission now has new leadership, and despite having their budget cut by $3 million, the directors say they’re drumming up plenty of support in the 300-mile-long Hudson-Champlain corridor for next year’s commemorations.
Local events are planned from New York City to Rouses Point. Organizes hope to have a member of the Dutch royal family attend the downstate events, while French and Canadian government leaders will be invited to the Champlain celebrations.