Local historian featured at lecture series

CUDDEBACKVILLE, NY — The Neversink Valley Museum of History and Innovation presents its second installment of its History Lecture Series on Wednesday June 4 at 7:30 p.m. when it presents local historian Frank Salvati speaking about “Joseph Brant In London.”

Joseph Brant (March 1743 – Nov. 24, 1807. Mohawk name: Thayendanegea) was a well-known Mohawk on both sides of the Atlantic, and a native New Yorker who was a military and political leader closely associated with Great Britain during and after the American Revolution.

In 1775 Brant traveled to London to solicit more support from the British government, hoping to persuade the Crown to address past Mohawk land grievances in exchange for their participation as allies in the impending war. The British government promised the Iroquois people land in Quebec if the Iroquois nations would fight for the British. While there, Brant was treated as a celebrity, interviewed for publication by James Boswell, and received by King George III. He also was accepted as a Mason.

Frank Salvati is a resident of Port Jervis, N.Y. He is a passionate student of the Indian wars, with a particular interest in the North Eastern United States. He is a popular speaker on the French and Indian Wars, the American Revolution and the War of 1812.

For more information about the museum, its mission to preserve local history or any events, call 854-754-8870, email at nvam@frontiernet.net or visit www.neversinkmuseum.org or www.facebook.com/pages/The-Neversink-Valley-Museum-of-History-Innovation/120399901341749.

The Neversink Valley Museum of History and Innovation is located at 26 Hoag Road, Cuddebackville, N.Y.