In preparation for the 250th anniversary of American Independence, six SUNY Potsdam students completed hands-on internships this summer around New York State — delving into local history projects to examine the founding of the country, while also helping local historians plan for upcoming semiquincentennial celebrations.
The students included Sharonmarie Bartz, of Clarkson, who worked with Clarkson Town Historian Leanna Hale. Bartz researched Clarkson’s American Revolutionary heritage with a number of transcription projects.
As part of the Robert David Lion Gardiner Semiquincentennial Summer Fellowship Program, each student received $4,800 for completing 150 hours of work with town or county historical societies or with local historians as part of a $300,000 grant, with another $150,000 in matching funds from the SUNY schools involved.
The students were spread out around the state, from western New York to the Adirondacks. They each examined the local history of the Revolutionary War, looking at written records from veterans, and supporting historians in preparation for events commemorating the 250th anniversary of American Independence in 2026.
As students combed through the local archives looking at hand-written letters and pension records, they brought to life the personal accounts of everyday Americans during the founding of the country — learning about the lives of infantrymen, rather than just the stories from well-known, high-ranking officers.
When the students arrived back on campus this fall, they gave presentations at the Potsdam Public Library to discuss their applied learning experiences. In Spring 2025, they will share their projects at the College’s Learning and Research Fair.
Provided information and photo
