ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) — The King and Queen of the Netherlands are coming to Albany. NEWS10 is taking a look at the rich Dutch history of the Capital Region and the long relationship we share with the nation across the Atlantic. We explain how this trip looks towards the future.
“We are thrilled the king and queen are coming because our relationship dates back over 400 years,” said Discover Albany, Director of Community Engagement, Maeve McEneny-Johnson.
It’s a relationship that continues to be significant today says McEneny-Johnson as she points out historic sites. “Where we are right now is the Old English Pub, which is really the Old Dutch Pub to us. It’s the second oldest house in Albany 1736,” said McEneny-Johnson. From there you can see a replica of the oldest weathervane in the U.S., the original now safe in the State Museum. “If you have good eyes, you can see that there’s a replica of the two bullet holes where some naughty potential Dutch person shot the rear end of that rooster.”
Pamela Howard, with Albany Historic Foundation says her group is trying to preserve the history that surrounds us. “The Van Ostrande-Radliff House which was built in 1728 and it is one of the only surviving Dutch urban timber framed buildings left in the country,” said Howard.
And the work of preservationists has saved several sites in Albany. “Our heritage sites, you know, the Schuyler Mansion which has Dutch Roots, Dutch families but also Revolutionary War history. The same thing with the Ten Broeck Mansion, another Dutch family. Historic Cherry Hill, these are all places you can learn about Dutch history, you can also learn about the enslaved who lived in those homes who also were very influenced by Dutch culture,” said Mceneny-Johnson.
From the 18th century to the last one, the bond continued as Albany sent supplies after World War II to help rebuild its Dutch sister city. It’s how we got thousands of tulips, as a thank you. Hence Tulip Fest
“Our countries, and in particular the City of Albany and the City of Nijmegen share a timeless bond rooted in service during some of the darkest times in the history of the world,” said Albany Mayor, Kathy Sheehan.
But it’s not this 400-year history bringing the king and queen to Albany. They will be touring New York Creates, center of semiconductor research and more. “When they’re going to Schuyler Mansion, which is a historic site, they’re going to meet with young people to talk about climate change and climate action,” said McEneny-Johnson.
She feels this visit will develop a renewed interest in Albany’s Dutch heritage. “There’s other visits we’ve had like in 1959 when Princess Beatrix came, and that was incredibly significant for the construction of Empire State Plaza. So, I think for tour guides like myself, we’re going to have the public calling to us to do more of these tours. And I think we’re going to be at the ready,” said McEneny-Johnson