On Tuesday, October 21, the Board of Education and Superintendent George Goodwin hosted the dedication
ceremony of the Lansingburgh Academy bell. Joined by several area historians, community members, students, and County Executive Kathleen Jimino, the community celebrated the dedication of the school bell that was originally located at the Lansingburgh Academy.
The Lansingburgh Academy was chartered by the New York State Regents in 1796. In 1820 the original wooden structure was replaced with a brick structure located at Fourth Avenue and 114th Street. The school bell, cast in Troy, was installed at the structure in 1865. The private school became a public school in 1900. The historic structure was sold to the Troy Public Library by the Lansingburgh School District in 1999. Herman Melville, most famous as the author of Moby Dick, graduated from the Lansingburgh Academy in 1839. Mr. Peter Whittemore, great- great grandson of Herman Melville, was in attendance and spoke at the event.
Due to the generosity, interest and community service of several individuals, including Don Fane of Callanan
Industries, Dennis Bove of the NYS Parks Department, Mark and Mickey Cahrenger of Gretchen-Cahrenger Memorial, Kathleen Tivnan, President of the Lansingburgh Historical Society, and especially, Joseph Connors and Warren Broderick, we have been able to restore the bell for all of Lansingburgh to appreciate. Mr. Broderick shared his vision of restoring the bell as a way to pay tribute to the history of the Lansingburgh School District and community. He and Mr. Connors, who has assisted him, have volunteered many hours to make the vision a reality.
The Board of Education was honored by all those that were present as they celebrated both the school and the community for this historic event.
For more information contact:
Lansingburgh Central School District
518.233.6850