The year 2009 marks the 400th anniversary of Hudson and Champlain’s voyages along the river and lake that bear their names.  From Quebec to New York Harbor, events and activities are being planned.

Besides visiting the ExploreNY website, here are some ideas about how to participate in the celebration:

Public libraries can contact the Hudson-Fulton-Champlain Quadricentennial Commission to receive a 400th! flag, decals and bookmarks.

Apply for the “We the People Bookshelf” grant, “Picturing America.”  Libraries who receive this award will develop quality programs and events to raise awareness of classic book on the Valley’s history and culture and to engage young readers in exploring NY’s history.

A NYS History Reading list that will connect with the Summer Reading Program will be created and distributed.  This list is being created in collaboration with YSS and SLMS of NYLA.

A local field trip possibility is an exhibit at the NYS Museum in Albany.  If you want to travel further, the Museum of the City of New York has an upcoming exhibition, Amsterdam/New Amsterdam: The Worlds of Henry Hudson, which will open April 4, 2009.