Write a commentThe Oswego County Historical Society will host the third lecture of the 2014 series on Sunday, June 1st at 1:30 p.m. at the Richardson-Bates House Museum at 135 E. Third St., Oswego. 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 forty 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 pm 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.
