Indigenous: Past & Present
It's a beautiful day here in Poughkeepsie, and a beautiful day for America as we finally begin to recognize the sacrifice the indigenous Americans made, on which the United States was founded.
It's little known to many that the area that is now known as Poughkeepsie was first settled by the Wappinger Indians, who referred to the town as "the reed-covered lodge by the little-water place." You can find more information about Poughkeepsie, the Hudson Valley, and the Wappinger Indians in Insider's guide to the Hudson River Valley by Sheila Buff.
Today, Poughkeepsie is a multicultural kaleidoscope of a city, and our diversity best shines through in our arts events, festivals, foodie culture, activities, and the people that currently live here. Along with the changing landscape of this area and city, so have the people who live in the city changed. With that, perceptions continuously shift in relation to this city, and THAT's worth a conversation.
This is why the Mid-Hudson Heritage Center is hosting Poughkeepsie: Past & Present Perceptions as part of it's series of moderated discussions about topics related to the Queen City. Join us tomorrow at the Mid-Hudson Heritage Center at 6pm to join in the conversation. And while you're there, check out artist Nestor Madalengoitia's exhibition, Poughkeepsie: People & Places.
