Susan E. Leath — Bethlehem historian, bringing Slingerlands family alive

Susan E. Leath, Bethlehem’s town historian since 2007, is featured in this week’;s podcast. In those 12 years, she has informed residents of their town’s past — starting with the ancient Mohicans and Mohawks — which she feels is essential for its future. Leath has done this in traditional ways: putting together exhibits, giving talks, writing columns and books — the third just recently published. She has also used more unorthodox methods: leading hikes while lecturing, paddling along the Hudson River and Vlomankill while pointing out landmarks to other kayakers, and soon overseeing “A Visit with Slingerlands’ Founding Family.” On June 28, visitors can meet with costumed volunteers portraying Congressman John I. Slingerland, an abolitionist and fighter of patroon rents; his brother; and their mother — working from scripts written by Leath. The event is a fundraiser for the Friends of the Slingerland Family Burial Vault, which seeks to restore the vault owned by the town of Bethlehem, off of New Scotland Road. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.