Events at Lindenwald
PRESS RELEASE:
From: Friends Of Lindenwald, Sally Naramore (518) 755-3186
November 1, 2024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Kinderhook – The Friends of Lindenwald announce the upcoming release of “America’s First Politician” by Columbia County resident James Bradley. This detailed biography of Martin Van Buren, the eighth president of the United States and native of Kinderhook, is the first extensive biography of Van Buren to be written in over 40 years.
The Friends of Lindenwald and Columbia County Historical Society are offering a unique opportunity to hear from and meet Bradley and at a special event starting at 2 p.m. on December 8. New York State Historian Devin Landers will interview Bradley, followed by a book signing and reception at the James Vanderpoel House.
You can pre-order the book through Kinderhook Books at kinderhookbooks.com/ or in person during the event.
Many know Van Buren as the “Little Magician,” “The Red Fox” or the inventor of the phrase “OK”; however, during his years in political life he did much to transform the American political system. He held many high offices besides the presidency, including secretary of state, governor of New York and a U.S. senator from New York. He was President Andrew Jackson’s campaign manager before such a job existed. Van Buren spent his political career working for compromise on the issue of slavery and Native American sovereignty, while promoting Westward expansion.
“America’s First Politician” explores not only Van Buren’s beginnings in a small Hudson Valley village and his first work defending the rights of tenant farmers, but also the darker side of the compromises he made during the pre-Civil War period.
Bradley is also the co-editor of the “Martin Van Buren Papers” at Cumberland University and an adjunct instructor in the Public History program at the University at Albany. He brings a special expertise to his research and incorporates his understanding of the community, landscape and environment that Van Buren experienced.
Visit friendsoflindenwald.org for upcoming details and tickets information for this event.
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