Norm Dann continues the Gerrit Smith Estate National Historic Landmark series on the Smith family history at 4 pm Wednesday, June 11 with ornithologist Greene Smith: Rebel and Outdoorsman. Ornithologist Greene was contrary in his family from the way he spelled his name to the passions he followed in his short life. Dann will discuss the causes of the rebelliousness and the reaction of his parents, Gerrit and Ann Smith. Perhaps best known for the bark covered remarkable Birdhouse museum on the family estate, Greene made other contributions which will be described during the program. Greene designed and built The Birdhouse, which was an unusual museum with a large collection of preserved North American birds, also with live birds, and pools of running water. As Tim Gallagher, Editor of LIVING BIRD at Cornell Lab of Ornithology, stated, Greene Smith launched his own bird research and amassed the most important American ornithological collection of its time." The Ornithon, as Greene named the museum, will be described from diagrams, and descriptions from persons who had been in the beautiful structure. At the close of the session, attendees will be encouraged to visit the Birdhouse site at the Gerrit Smith Estate. Dann will examine the national impact of Greene's progressive wildlife conservation ideas, and his induction into the New York State Outdoorsmen Hall of Fame in 2018. Greene contributed significantly to the growing public knowledge about the importance of protecting wild animal species. The program will demonstrate how his life reflected the mid-19* clash between science and religion, which shows the tension growing between secular and sacred realms of belief - both in his family and in the larger society.
Norman K. Dann PhD, professor emeritus Morrisville State College, is the author of Greene Smith and the National Abolition Hall of Fame and Museum, and treasurer of the Peterboro Area Museum.
The public is invited to partake of one, a few, or all of the sessions. Admission is by donation.
For more information: www. PeterboroNY.org, info@gerritsmith.org and 315.308.1890