Images of West Point has been installed in the Mindy Ross Gallery, Kaplan Hall, SUNY Orange. The exhibit will be on view August 25 through October 13, 2023. A reception will be held on Sunday, September 24 from 2 to 4 pm.

Gathered by Sheldon Stowe from the collection of his late father, Gerald C. Stowe, who was a curator at the West Point Museum, the photographs, paintings, engravings copies, maps, and collectibles tell the story of West Point.

Most often West Point is equated with the United States Military Academy. And it should be since it is the oldest continuously occupied regular army post in the United States.

However, before USMA existed, West Point made its place in US history. The land is a prominent plateau on the west bank of the Hudson River. During the American Revolution, a heavy chain was constructed to keep British ships from proceeding north on the Hudson River. The western end of the chain of 114-pound iron links was anchored at West Point a location which became the dominant fortification in the Hudson Valley. General George Washington considered West Point to be the most important strategic location in America. Consequently, because of these and several other factors, Fortress West Point was chosen to be the site on which to construct the military academy.

An expert on military history and ordnance, Gerald C. Stowe amassed these items to educate cadets and for his personal collection. His son, Sheldon, is sharing the collection to offer an historical perspective to this famous section of the region.

Sheldon Stowe holds a degree in American Cultural Studies from Empire State College. For many years he was a historical reenactor working at state historic sites and for the National Park Service. He has also offered historical school lectures on many topics including the Revolutionary War, and the Hudson River. Several years ago, he offered a master class on Colonial crafts in Orange Hall Gallery.

Kaplan Hall is located in SUNY Orange at the corner of Grand and First Streets, GPS: 73 First St, Newburgh, where free parking is available in the college garage.

Questions may be directed to cultural@sunyorange.edu