PLATTSBURGH — The Clinton Community College Cultural Affairs Committee will present two public programs in April highlighting local history and social issues.
On April 1, Geri Favreau, president of the Clinton County Historical Association and Museum and chair of the America 250 Committee for Clinton County, will present America 250 Commemoration from noon to 1 p.m. in George Moore Hall, Room 111, 46 Beekman St.
Favreau’s presentation will explore the history of the Battle of Valcour Island, the role of Benedict Arnold during his early years as an American hero, the gunboats that served as his flagships and Richard Montgomery’s connection to Rouses Point.
A CCC graduate, Favreau will also discuss upcoming America 250 events taking place throughout Clinton County, with particular emphasis on the weekend of Oct. 9–11, marking the 250th anniversary of the Battle of Valcour Island.
On April 22, Ita Bullard, artist and documentary filmmaker, will present Common Law Marriage Misconceptions from noon to 1 p.m. in George Moore Hall, Room 111.
Bullard’s program will examine widespread misunderstandings surrounding common law marriage and how legal systems often fail to recognize women’s labor and contributions within long-term partnerships.
The presentation draws on themes explored in the recent Mountain Lake PBS documentary “Ita,” which chronicles Bullard’s life as a Jewish artist who survived the Holocaust while hiding in France. After immigrating to the United States, she rebuilt her life time and again through instinct and creative vision.
Both presentations are free and open to students, faculty, staff and members of the public.