Walkway Talks – Crossing The River To Freedom: Fighting For Abolition and Equality

In the 18th and 19th centuries, African American people in the Mid-Hudson Valley faced enslavement, racism, and other barriers to full participation in the social and political milieus of New York. The Hudson River – both actual and as metaphor – offers a centerpiece for understanding those barriers and the fight for freedom. Join Peter Bunten at the East Gate Plaza in Poughkeepsie on Sunday, July 16 from 1-2 p.m. for this interesting historical lecture.

Peter Bunten is Executive Director of the Mid-Hudson Antislavery History Project, with which he has been affiliated for 13 years. He is the current Vice President of the Underground Railroad Consortium of New York State and serves as a Trustee of the Dutchess County Historical Society. Through MHAHP he also is affiliated with Celebrating the African Spirit in Poughkeepsie and serves on the steering committee of the Northern Slavery Collective. Before his retirement in 2018, Mr. Bunten was the Education Manger for Historic Hudson Valley. He has a Master’s degree in Historical Studies, with an emphasis on Public History, from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. He is a native of Poughkeepsie and attended local schools here.

MayFest at the Walkway (in person)

The Mayfest Essential Farmers and Makers Market brings a curated selection of the Hudson Valley’s finest producers – farms, distilleries, breweries, wineries, restaurants, artists, artisans, and more – to the Hudson Valley Rail Trail and west approach to Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park on Saturday, May 21 and Sunday, May 22 from 12-5 p.m.  Vendors will exhibit their wares for tasting or purchase, allowing participants to support several local agribusinesses in one location. Learn more here!

MayFest at the Walkway (in person)

The Mayfest Essential Farmers and Makers Market brings a curated selection of the Hudson Valley’s finest producers – farms, distilleries, breweries, wineries, restaurants, artists, artisans, and more – to the Hudson Valley Rail Trail and west approach to Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park on Saturday, May 21 and Sunday, May 22 from 12-5 p.m.  Vendors will exhibit their wares for tasting or purchase, allowing participants to support several local agribusinesses in one location. Learn more here!

Walkway at Night – Halloween Edition (in-person)

The Friends of the Walkway nonprofit organization is pleased to once again offer the opportunity to enjoy amazing Hudson Valley views after dark from 212 feet above the Hudson River at Walkway at Night. With the moon hanging high in the sky and the Mid-Hudson Bridge twinkling in the distance, there is truly nothing like a moonlit evening on the World’s Longest Elevated Pedestrian Bridge. This event takes place from 6:00-7:30 p.m.
Everyone, including children, must reserve a ticket for entry at walkway.org/walkwayatnight and check in at the appropriate gate upon arrival.
Visitors are encouraged to come in costume and children will receive a treat upon entry.
As always, Walkway members are welcome to attend at no cost. Non-members can register for $5. Members have been emailed a special discount code to use upon registration providing one complimentary admission to Individual members, and up to five complimentary admissions for Family members.