News
“Unlocking History” Panel Discussion
Jul 23, 2025
(Left to Right) Moderator Dr. Thomas Wermuth, Bill Merchant, Eddie Moran, and Devin Lander.
In April, HRVI partnered with the D&H Canal Historical Society to present a “Day of History” in High Falls, Ulster County. The day included a presentation from New York State Historian Devin Lander on his research of Daheim (Hitchcock Estate) in Millbrook, access to the D&H Canal Museum exhibits, and a panel discussion and summit.
The panel discussion, delivered to an audience of museum and historic site professionals, university faculty, and other stakeholders from across the region was entitled, “Unlocking History: Innovative Approaches to Preservation and Public Engagement.” Moderated by HRVI Director Dr. Thomas Wermuth, the panel consisted of Devin Lander, Ulster County Historian Eddie Moran, and D&H Canal Historical Society Historian/Curator Bill Merchant each sharing perspectives on the challenges and opportunities that exist for public history in 2025. A spirited question and answer session, audience discussion, and professional networking reception followed the presentations.
This moderated panel was part of HRVI’s Cunneen-Hackett Series in Hudson River Valley History and is now available on-demand on HRVI’s YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/@hrvinstitute.