Who comitted the murder at Cherry Hill?

— Photo from National Park Service

An 1827 murder at Cherry Hill Farm will be discussed by the Clarksville Historical Society on Sept. 7.

To the Editor:

The Clarksville Historical Society will be resuming its fall and spring program schedule with a program presented by staff from the Historic Cherry Hill Museum in Albany.

In 1827, a murder occurred at Cherry Hill Farm, home of the well known VanRensselaer family.  The crime aroused tremendous public interest, and the subsequent trial culminated in the last public hanging in Albany.

Although it appeared to be a crime of passion, it uncovered some simmering issues of the day including women’s roles and legal rights, social class, punishment, and the law and slavery in New York. Hear the words of those involved in the crime and decide who you think was guilty or innocent.

Join us on Sept. 7 at 7 p.m. in the community room of the Clarksville Community Church at 1997 Delaware Turnpike for this interesting program and see what you would decide. Refreshments will be served following the program. For more information, call 518-768-2870.

Marilyn Miles

Program Chairwoman

Clarksville

Historical Society

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