“Reclaiming Van Buren Bay: The History of Benjamin Van Buren.” Lastowski explores the life of Benjamin Van Buren, a free Black farmer, and the struggle to retain his legacy in the face of historical erasure, emphasizing the significance of reclaiming his name for the bay that bears it. Liz looks at what details remain of this early inhabitant and how the Van Buren Bay title has faded from the local vernacular over the past 100 years. She will discuss her efforts to secure a New York State Historic Marker from the William C. Pomeroy Foundation to commemorate Van Buren’s Bay. The dedication of the historic marker will take place at 11 am immediately following the lecture.

About Liz Lastowski

Liz Lastowski is a lifelong Silver Bay Member, former part-time Van Buren Bay resident, third generation EMP and former director of marketing and communications for Silver Bay from 2011-2018. She is currently the director of annual giving and alumni relations at SUNY Adirondack and lives in Ticonderoga with her husband Chet, bonus daughter Emma, and two lovable dogs.