Of Hudson and Whaling

On Thursday, September 14, at 6:00 p.m., the Hudson Area Library and the Hendrick Hudson Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution present "Hudson and Its Whaling Roots," a local history talk by former city attorney Carl Whitbeck. The talk takes place on the occasion of a three-day visit to Hudson by the Descendants of Whaling Masters. 

The Descendants of Whaling Masters, headquartered in New Bedford, MA, has more than 450 members throughout the United States. Its mission includes encouraging members to save and preserve their whaling records and artifacts, as well as educating and raising public awareness of the history of whaling and the contemporary issues of whale preservation and ocean conservancy.

The Descendants were aware that, in 1783, members of the Jenkins family and others, including many whalers, migrated from New Bedford, Providence, and Nantucket, purchasing land on the Hudson River and establishing the City of Hudson. The historic Robert Jenkins House at 113 Warren St was built in 1811 by the son of one of those original founders, who called themselves "Proprietors," and is now the chapter house of the Hendrick Hudson Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution. Descendants contacted the chapter to arrange for a tour of the historic house and museum and also requested a talk about Hudson and whaling.

Whitbeck, whose family has deep roots in Hudson and Columbia County, will be displaying and discussing items from his own extensive local history collection.

The event, which will take place in the Community Room at the Hudson Area Library, 51 North Fifth Street, is free and open to the public.