Putnam History Museum’s 119th Annual Meeting

Join the Putnam History Museum for our 119th Annual Meeting, free and open to everyone! You can attend in-person at the Putnam History Museum or stream it live online, just be sure to register below!

To stop the British invasion of the New England Colonies during the American Revolution, Peter Townsend manufactured a Great Chain at Sterling Forest for the Continental Army. The chain was placed across the Hudson River at West Point. Please join Doc Bayne for an eye-opening presentation on how he discovered the forge in Sterling Forest that made the chain.

Doc will share the history of the iron industry that started in 1736 in Sterling Forest and how the Sterling Forge was used to create the Great Chain. Doc has been interested in history since the age of 8 years old. After a long career at Minolta Corporation and working part time as a Forest Ranger at Sterling Forest State Park, Doc accepted the position of Environmental Educator and Historian for the Park. After he retired from the Park, Doc was instrumental in forming the Friends of Sterling Forest. Doc has acquired a vast knowledge of the forest, animals, Native Americans, and iron history.

While working for the Park and then with the Friends of Sterling Forest, Doc planned and conducted history and nature hikes. He has lectured on many aspects of the environment and history of the area. Doc is a passionate researcher and educator with the ability to feel the history of the land and transmit it to the people.

Schedule of Events

2:00 pm: PHM’s 119th Annual Business Meeting,
2:30 pm: “The Chain that Saved the Colonies” Lecture by Doc Bayne
3:30 pm: Light refreshments served