Watching black clouds gather over Storm King Mountain is an awe-inspiring spectacle from any vantage point. The hunk of rock juts up from the Hudson River near Cornwall, where the river funnels out of Newburgh Bay and begins to slither through the Highlands.
Under a dark sky, it is one mean mountain on a fickle river.
Watching a thunderstorm roll in over Storm King from the deck of the Half Moon – now that's a lesson in history.
The Half Moon was the Dutch ship that Henry Hudson, in 1609, sailed up the river that now bears his name. A replica – true in color, size and rigging, but built in 1989 – now plies the water, and passed our region about a week ago.
You can appreciate the danger that came with exploring a river whose changing moods can overturn even modern boats with real-time forecasts – let alone crossing the Atlantic in such a “jacht.”
The Half Moon replica was built for just that kind of insight.
Its mission is education about the Dutch colony of New Netherlands, and it offers an experiential and multi-disciplinary curriculum consistent with New York's education standards, especially for fourth- and seventh-graders.
Currently, no local teachers use the vessel – but Capt. William “Chip” Reynolds extended an eager invitation to any fourth- or seventh-grade teacher who is willing to spend a week aboard with a group of students, learning history, science, sailing and more.
Rolling on the rivers
He and his mostly volunteer crew are in the midst of a three-week “Voyage of Discovery” that is taking Union College students from Albany, down the Hudson by Long Island, to the Connecticut River, and then down the coast to the Delaware River.
That's Beverwijck (for its abundant beavers) down the North River by Lange Eylandt, and up the Versche (fresh) River, and then down the coast to the South River. If they're on schedule, they should be approaching the South River today.
New Netherlands is getting a second look in recent years, courtesy of the New Netherlands Project, which is translating 17th century Dutch documents, so history better reflects the influence the Netherlands had on our region.
“The nature of New Netherlands was diverse. Plymouth, Jamestown, French and Spanish colonies – they were all the same. One language, one race, one religion,” Reynolds said.
Not so New Netherlands, which – unlike New England – wasn't founded by the persecuted seeking religious asylum, but by businessmen. Hudson, after all, was an Englishman on a Dutch ship seeking passage to China. His jacht was built for commerce, with a cargo hold that dwarfed its living quarters.
“They were here to conduct business,” Reynolds said. “In essence, that created a meritocracy.”
He looks to recreate the same spirit on board, with diverse students who may or may not excel in traditional classrooms. The unique venue is just right for some kids.
“You see a kid who's been failing his whole life suddenly succeed,” Reynolds said.
That too is awe-inspiring.