How The Only Known Daguerreotype of New York’s First Black Attorney was Discovered

The only known daguerreotype of New York’s First African American attorney George Boyer Vashon was recently discovered. In June, the extraordinarily rare 1859 daguerreotype of George Boyer Vashon, a scholar and abolitionist who was the first practicing Black lawyer in New York State, was sold by Sotheby’s in June for $230,400. However, just one year earlier, in June 2025, the portrait had been sold by Christie’s for just $882.

Neil deGrasse Tyson will be featured speaker at Corning event in April

Renowned astrophysicist, author, and science communicator Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson is coming to Corning. Tyson will be the featured speaker at the 2027 Walter R. Smith Visiting Scholar Series at the Corning Museum of Glass. The event, which brings world-class thinkers, leaders, and innovators to engage students and community members in meaningful dialogue, will be held at 7 p.m. April 30 at the CMoG auditorium. Admission is free and open to the public on a first-come, first-served basis. “Bringing Tyson to our region is an extraordinary opportunity to explore the big questions that shape our understanding of the universe, and we are especially grateful to Corning Incorporated for helping make this event possible,” said Dr. Terence Finley, President of SUNY Corning Community College. “At SUNY CCC, we believe where you start matters, and we are committed to creating experiences that broaden perspectives and open doors for our students and community." Finley said CCC is proud to welcome Tyson through the Walter R. Smith Visiting Scholar Series to share the wonder and possibility that define the Corning Community College spirit. “Corning Incorporated is thrilled to co-sponsor the Walter R. Smith Visiting Scholar Series and welcome Tyson to the Southern Tier,” said

Fresh cut hay goes airborne creating Haynado in New York State.

A haynado—a dust devil made of hay—occurred at Hilly Acres Farm, a family-owned dairy and beef farm located in Jeffersonville, New York.

Empire Brick Con: Through the Looking-Glass… Museum

One of the first articles I ever wrote for BrickNerd was about my efforts to cultivate a local MOC building community in my current hometown of Louisville, KY (USA). Having just returned from Empire Brick Con, held in another hometown of my youth (Corning, NY), I’m inspired to write once again.

Mastodon Remains Found Near Binghamton Surprise Local History Fans

Historic records show mastodon remains were discovered in Lisle, giving Broome County a fascinating Ice Age story.

How an Animal Sanctuary in Upstate New York Became Part of Film History

Upstate New York is a major part of one of 2026's biggest box office surprises

Groton’s first Festival of Lights is about to unfold

For many years now, the Groton Fire Department has sponsored Groton’s annual tree-lighting ceremony and the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus. This year, the event will take place on Saturday, Dec. 5, but a whole new dimension of the celebration has been in the making for months. Many...

“Wildwood”: Enjoy Handmade Art Before It’s Gone for Good

Deep in the impassable wilderness around Portland, Oregon, there’s magic at work. Magic that you can’t see, can’t taste, and can’t smell, because ordinary humans — usually — cannot trespass in those woods. But when a swarm of crows steals baby Mac (Arthur Knight), his older sister Prue (Peyton Elizabeth Lee) ventures into the forest to bring him back.

Hochul tells rapper Nicki Minaj to 'stop going to Trump rallies'

Gov. Kathy Hochul seemed taken aback after hearing the popular rapper’s social media criticism.

FLX Music Announces Monthly Cash Prizes for Finger Lakes Artists

FLX Music, a music streaming and live events platform centering on the Finger Lakes region, has announced the launch of their new Band Bonus. This monthly cash prize will be awarded to a local band based on fan votes. To vote, fans just need to like, share, or stream their favorite songs.

Mountaineer Brass Band to perform for Veterans Day

BATH, N.Y. (WETM) – According to a release from Commonwealth University – Mansfield (CU-Mansfield), the Mountaineer Brass Band (MBB) is set to perform on Veterans Day. On Wednesday, November 11, at 1 p.m., the ensemble will perform as well as other groups for Veterans and others in the Bath VA Hospital Auditorium. The auditorium is […]

Ken Burns wins a $250,000 prize for bringing American history to life

NEW YORK – Documentary maker Ken Burns has won a $250,000 prize for his “significant contributions to promoting knowledge and understanding of American history.”. Burns is the inaugural winner of the David M. Rubenstein Prize for the Advancement of American History, presented by The New York Historical museum. A prize jury that includes the Pulitzer Prize winners Annette Gordon-Reed and Jon Meacham cited Burns for work that “reflects our highest aspirations.” Burns' many subjects have included the American Revolution, the Civil War and the Vietnam War.

Joe Veres' 10.26.26 Late Night Forecast

Cornell’s Theatre Performs Shakespearean Rom Com “Twelfth Night”

While it’s a few months yet to the Christian celebration of Twelfth Night, where social norms are flipped upside down, you can have an epiphany of your own at Cornell’s current fantastical production of Shakespeare’s romantic comedy, subtitled “What You Will.”. What director David Feldshuh will,...

Fresh cut hay goes airborne creating Haynado in New York State.

A haynado—a dust devil made of hay—occurred at Hilly Acres Farm, a family-owned dairy and beef farm located in Jeffersonville, New York.

Ken Burns wins a $250,000 prize for bringing American history to life

NEW YORK (AP) — Documentary maker Ken Burns has won a $250,000 prize for his “significant contributions to promoting knowledge and understanding of American history.” Burns is the inaugural winner of the David M. Rubenstein Prize for the Advancement of American History, presented by The New York Historical museum. A prize jury that includes the Pulitzer Prize winners Annette Gordon-Reed and Jon Meacham cited Burns for work that “reflects our highest aspirations.” Burns' many subjects have included the American Revolution, the Civil War and the Vietnam War. “Always asking the question, ‘Who are we as Americans?’ Ken’s films have brought the history of the nation to more people in our time than perhaps any other body of work by one person, shedding light on our virtues and our vices,” the jury's statement reads in part. The award was established earlier this year by Rubenstein, the financier, philanthropist and Baltimore Orioles owner. In a statement issued Wednesday through New York Historical, the 73-year-old Burns said he was “hugely appreciative and humbled.” “Our films rely on the work of generations of historians and archivists and what amounts to a collective conversation about who we are as a people,” he said. “I am