There is also a page of links to other sites where researchers can find cemetery listings, photographs and more specific information (like Skene Library’s “Digital Quilt,” a repository of Fleischmanns history.)

Find out about coming events, and see photos from events of the past two years. Learn about ongoing HSM projects, including cemetery restorations and inventories, oral histories, and farm and barn documentation efforts. Read excerpts from The Bridge, the newsletter that is a benefit of membership in HSM, or download the Margaretville Walking Tour.

Press releases, a quick listing of events, and The Tin Horn, a blog containing observations, discoveries and announcements, are posted on the Home Page. Submissions to the Tin Horn from readers who’d like to share their history finds or questions are most welcome and can be offered through the Contact Us feature on the site.

“We want this to be a living site that evolves and grows, so reader contributions are encouraged,” Galusha said. “Middletown’s history is important and fascinating. We hope this website helps people appreciate it a bit more.”

A new exhibit, focusing on the community of Halcottsville, is now on display at the Middletown Town Hall on Route 28 between Margaretville and Arkville. Organized by Town Historian Shirley Davis using materials submitted by area residents, the exhibit in the vintage Bussy Store display case includes a stamp from the former Halcottsville Water Company, calendars from Griffin’s and Hubbell’s stores, a souvenir seashell from “Halcottville,” and many photos and postcards such as Lake Wawaka, Hubbell’s cove, and road construction between Kelly Corners and Halcottsville. The display is a follow-up to the 100th birthday celebration of the Halcottsville Fire Department which was held with great fanfare in September. It can be seen at the Town Hall weekdays during regular business hours through mid-December.

The Historical Society of the Town of Middletown will offer a musical journey through spirited election campaigns of the past when it gathers for its Annual Meeting Saturday, Oct. 23 at LaCabana Restaurant in Fleischmanns.

Linda Russell, former balladeer for the National Park Service, will sing and play the songs America voted by in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Her lively program casts a unique look at how we came to know the candidates for political office in the days before mass media.

The public is welcome to the program, which is made possible with support from the New York State Endowment for the Humanities, the NYS Legislature and the Gladys Krieble Delmas Foundation.

Linda’s free performance at 1:30 p.m. will follow a luncheon of American and Mexican favorites that begins at Noon. Reservations for lunch are required by October 18. Please call 845-586-4973, or email history@catskill.net to reserve your seats at $15 each.

During the business portion of the meeting HSM will unveil its new website, which will contain capsule histories and photos of each of the hamlets in Middletown.

Lehman developed his program over many years working at a variety of historic sites, including Schuyler Mansion and Saratoga National Historical Park. He is an Education Coordinator with the Office of General Services where he develops and present programs and conducts research for the New York State Capitol.

Lehman is active in a number of historical associations, including the New Scotland Historical Association, the Friends of Schuyler Mansion and the Capitol District Civil War Roundtable. He lives in Guilderland.

Town Historian Shirley Davis has put together another fascinating look back at our own times, and an even earlier day, when metal milk jugs, button hooks, and ox shoes predated plastic milk cartons, Velcro and truck tires. Titled “Remember When,” the display features artifacts ranging from kerosene lamps to a Roy Rogers and Dale Evans lunch box, and variety of photographs and advertisements from the early to mid-20th century.

For a look at who went to the Margaretville High School prom in 1963, and how the Flood of 1950 rearranged Arkville, stop by the Town Hall weekdays during regular business hours. “Remember When” will be on view through the end of May.

The Historical Society of the Town of Middletown is seeking volunteers to help repair the grounds of the Arkville Cemetery on the Cut-off Road.

A work day is planned for Saturday, May 8 beginning at 9 a.m. If you can help, please contact coordinator Brian Wheaton at 586-2294, or just show up. Please bring shovels, rakes, clippers or chain saws if you have them.

Materials and equipment for the restoration of the cemetery, which dates back to the early 1800s, are being funded by a legislative grant provided by Assemblyman Clifford Crouch to the Town of Middletown. However, volunteers are needed to fill holes, clear brush, trim trees and help right several toppled stones.