Oswego County Historical to Host Lecture on History of Oswego Captains, Sailors and Ships
by Contributor | May 23, 2014 7:20 am
OSWEGO — The Oswego County Historical Society will host the third lecture of the 2014 series on June 1 at 1:30 p.m. at the Richardson-Bates House Museum, 135 E. Third St.
A program entitled “O’Captain! My Captain!: Stories of Men and Ships” will be presented by Dr. Robert Perkins, author of the recently-published book of the same name. The event is free and open to the public.
“It is a honor to have Dr. Perkins speak about his book dedicated to Oswego maritime history. He has done a wonderful job documenting stories of local captains and sailors, along with the ships that they sailed in,” said Justin White, president of the historical society. “This book gives a vivid view of what Oswego Harbor was like during the 19th century. Lake Ontario commerce played a major role in the livelihood and economy of Oswego during that period.”
A PowerPoint presentation will include many pictorial images featured in the book, which will highlight the extensive maritime heritage.
The title of the book comes from a famous Walt Whitman poem written after the end of the Civil War in memory of President Abraham Lincoln.
The conclusion of the war was a critical period in American history.
The title of the book reflects parallel connections that Great Lakes shipping had with westward expansion during that time.
A native Oswego, Dr. Perkins is is a retired educator and administrator with the Oswego City School District.
In addition, he was also a longshoreman for nearly 40 years in Oswego with the local 1750-A.
He began researching local maritime history in part through his interest in family genealogy.
The book will be available for sale at the event.
The Oswego County Historical Society is a non-profit organization founded in 1896, which is dedicated to the preservation and promotion of the rich history of the county.
The society maintains and operates the Richardson-Bates House Museum, a historic landmark listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The museum is open Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 1 – 5 p.m. and other days by appointment.
For more information visit the museum website at www.rbhousemuseum.org for regular updates or call during regular hours at 343-1342.
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