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From the Whallonsburg Grange Virtual Lyceum Series:
Statues and memorials on public land are being debated across the country. Amy Godine, historian and author, will plumb the lost history and meanings of an Adirondack icon, the statue of John Brown at his farm in North Elba. Whether you love it, hate it, or are not sure of its place today, this 85-year-old landmark memorial to the renowned abolitionist invites fresh consideration.
The Virtual Lyceum series is made possible through the generous support of the Glenn and Carol Pearsall Adirondack Foundation.
This talk is taking place from 7-8:30 p.m., presented via Zoom.
You must register IN ADVANCE so we can email you the Zoom link. You can register for the entire series or for an individual lecture. We will record the lectures and make them available later if you can’t watch them live.
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We have visited the John Brown farm several times on trips to Lake Placid. History needs to be preserved not eliminated.
“History” is an abstract objective thing that is reported and preserved by real and extremely subjective people. Context is everything, and that changes over time as we learn more and examine the larger environment in which events happened. Slavish veneration of racist Confederate statues, for example, are now known to be unacceptable to all but the most obtuse and confused people.
“Old John Brown has just been executed for treason against a state. We cannot object, even though he agreed with us in thinking slavery wrong. That cannot excuse violence, bloodshed, and treason. It could avail him nothing that he might think himself right.” — Abraham Lincoln, Dec 3, 1859
Nice quote, Robert! The same can be said for Aamon Bundy and the seditionists who plotted against the governor of Michigan…wouldn’t you say?
Big difference between criminal trespass, resisting arrest and murder, treason… wouldn’t you say?
Bundys illegally occupied a government facility that resulted in a death when it was retaken by federal forces. Not at all dissimilar to Harper’s Ferry and absolutely criminal trespass. Extremists plotting to bomb/abduct an elected official = treason in every sense of the word. Very little if any difference at all.
Brown was charged with treason, murder, and conspiring with slaves to rebel. No comparison.
The nerve of those pesky slaves with their rebellin and all.
The nerve too of those pesky slaves in Haiti with their 1804 massacre and genocide and all.
Careful, Robert. You’re pointy hood is showing.
Nah, a hood implies a need to hide. Whereas with Abraham Lincoln back in 1859, I too believe Brown was nothing more than a vicious crook, a consummate thief and heartless murderer.
Actually it isn’t my fav statue, but Brown is a super important figure and of course we should celebrate him (and his family!). I like the farm and all of the interpretive exhibits a lot more than the statue. Definitely a “must visit” – and the surrounding trails are lovely 🙂
is this the same John Brown who had a little Indian? 10 little Indian boys? I remember WHY back in first grade having to sit in a circle “Indian style” and all recite this racist song. Not wanting to partake, Miss “lily white” Sheridan thought it appropriate to tug and twist my ear in hopes of getting me to participate.
humiliated and in tears I relented and began to sing! That John Brown?