As the first boomtown in the United States, Rochester was an embodiment of the market revolution in the early United States. But when the Panic of 1837 struck the region, the economic foundations of the city collapsed. In the wake of this collapse, a new group of horticulture reformers sought to reform the city, region, and their residents. By the mid-nineteenth century, the city became home to a group of plant nurserymen and seed dealers whose transnational reach remade the North American landscape and transformed Rochester from the Flour City into the Flower City.

University of Rochester alumnus Camden R. Burd (MA15 PHD19 FS), is a historian of nineteenth and twentieth-century US history at Clemson University. His first book, The Roots of Flower City: Horticulture, Empire, and the Remaking of Rochester, New York was published by Cornell University Press in 2024. 

Registration for this free program is encouraged, but not required.

This is an in-person program that will also be livestreamed at:

https://www.youtube.com/@RochesterPublicLibraryNY/streams

The Neilly Author Series and Dr. Matthew E & Ruth Harmon Fairbank Alumni Lecture presented by the River Campus Libraries and the School of Arts and Sciences in partnership with the Local History & Genealogy Division of the Rochester Public Library. 

In 1825, New York celebrated the "Wedding of the Waters" with the opening of the Erie Canal. This engineering marvel transformed nearly every aspect of life in Rochester and across what would become the Empire State. Join the city and county historian for a tour through history on the canal.

Christine L. Ridarsky is the Rochester & Monroe County Historian. She has a master's degree in American History from the State University of New York College at Brockport and has completed all of her coursework toward a Ph.D. at the University of Rochester.

A Monthly Genealogy Club co-sponsored by the Rochester Genealogical Society

Facilitated by John D. Caufield & Anna Tomasso

Are you a fan of family history? Do you wonder who your ancestors were and how you can learn more about them? Whether you are an experienced researcher or just starting out, we invite you to join our friendly, informal monthly gathering. Explore your questions, share your discoveries, and research your family’s past alongside fellow ancestry seekers.

Join the club as we explore a different theme or topic each month. 

The topic for the May session is: TBD

Registration for this FREE event is encouraged, but not required.

A Movie Trip Through Film Land was produced in 1921 for Eastman Kodak and is the earliest surviving record of how Kodak manufactured film. Upon its release, the film had an impressive run in more than 2,500 theatres worldwide. Today it is a one-of-a-kind time capsule of a Kodak that no longer exists.

In 2005, the film was restored from the only two surviving prints, neither of which was a full record of the original film. The preservation was undertaken by DeBergerac Productions and Eastman Kodak Company with the co-operation and guidance of the George Eastman Museum.

In recognition of the film’s cultural and historical importance, the Library of Congress inducted A Movie Trip Through Film Land into the National Film Registry in 2023.

About DeBergerac Productions, Inc.

Based in Rochester, New York, the birthplace of film, DeBergerac Productions is a group of aggressive conservators of media in all forms. With over 30 years of experience, the team brings a passion and respect for the filmmaker’s intention and medium.

About Mike Champlin

Preservation Specialist Mike Champlin is the owner of DeBergerac Productions. He has worked on several film restorations in collaboration with George Eastman Museum, Eastman Kodak, NASA, and the Library of Congress. He has preserved original film prints, paper audio recordings, and even video tapes rescued from a fire. Champlin has been associated with A Movie Trip Through Film Land since the only surviving prints were preserved in 2005.

Registration for this free program is recommended but not required.

This is an in-person program that will also be livestreamed at:

https://www.youtube.com/@RochesterPublicLibraryNY/streams

Sponsored by the Local History & Genealogy Division: (585) 428-8370

Hosted by Emily Morry.

Washington Square is one of the oldest neighborhoods on Rochester’s east side. The area serves as something of a microcosm of the city’s history. Here, one finds echoes of Rochester’s early years as a milling village, its Erie Canal boomtown days, and its rise as a site of technological innovation. Meet on the north side of the Rundel Memorial Building for this .83 mile tour.

*In case of inclement weather, tour may be canceled.

Registration is recommended, but not required.