Author and conservationist Frances F. Dunwell will speak at the State University of New York at New Paltz at 7 p.m. on April 16, in Parker Theater. This event is being hosted by the Center for Research, Regional Education and Outreach (CRREO) and is free and open to the public. Co-sponsors for the event are the Historic Huguenot Street and New Paltz GreenWorks.
Drawing on the material in her recently published book “The Hudson: America’s River,” Dunwell will present a one-hour slide show and discussion. Her presentation brings to life the stories of the visionary people who, inspired by their deep relationship with the river, impact American history even today.
Using images of Hudson River School paintings, maps, and period engravings, Dunwell captures the spirit of the river through the eyes of its many admirers. Her talk recounts how the Hudson River powered the growth of the country’s greatest industrial and financial empire and also produced leading American artists, writers, engineers and environmentalists. She makes the case for conserving the Hudson as a source of creative inspiration and as a crucial link in the web of life that supports the human and natural community.
In the foreword written by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. he praises Dunwell’s “wonderful stories about America’s river” and her “beautifully written book.”
Dunwell is the author of “Hudson River Highlands” and has spent more than 30 years in a number of nonprofit and governmental positions dedicated to conserving the natural and historic heritage of the Hudson River.
Gerald Benjamin, director of the CRREO and associate vice president for Regional Engagement, said Fran Dunwell has devoted all her professional life to knowing and understanding the Hudson.
“Her work contributes greatly to sustaining our great river, in all its strengths and dimensions, which is at the center of our lives in this region and throughout New York,” said Benjamin. “We are delighted that she will be bringing her encyclopedic knowledge of the river, and her passion for it, to our campus in this Quadricentennial year.”
Copies of “The Hudson: America’s River” will be available for purchase at the event. Dunwell has generously donated royalties from the sale of this book to the Natural Heritage Trust for conservation of the river.
For more information, contact the Center for Research, Regional Education and Outreach at (845) 257-2901.
