Remembering Albany:: Heritage on the Hudson

by Don Rittner

The history of Albany, New York, spans more than four hundred years and has left an indelible mark on the story of America. However, the city's legacy is also peppered with charming tales about nostalgic diner devotion, a "giant" hoax, and the origins of the Yankee Doodle ditty. In this collection, local author and columnist Don Rittner delights with the best stories from his column "Heritage on the Hudson." From the city's earliest days as Mohican and Iroquois territory to the region's heyday as an important crossroads for trading and river transportation to a French toast debacle, Rittner offers a delightful perspective of the history and culture of this capital city.

128 pages, Paperback

First published July 17, 2009

Reviews

[Allie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting history, but the writing itself is poor, and it desperately needs an update in how it speaks about Indigenous peoples and colonialism. I would not recommend sharing this book with children as it encourages a disregard for the impact of settlers in New York and therefore erases the rich and important history of the native folks who stewarded this land for thousands of years.

If the author revisits how he discusses these matters (and seeks an editor for his missing words, spelling errors, and run on sentences) I believe the book could hold some value.

[Robertmagee32 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Remembering Albany is a very interesting and manageable read for anyone who is interested in a brief primer on the history of the Capital Region. I highly recommend it as a coffee table book or gift for anyone from or living in the area.