Come and Celebrate the 175th Anniversary of the Croton Dam; Hosted by Hilltop Hanover Farm

News Release: Update on Croton Dam and Aqueduct 175th Anniversary Celebration

Contacts: Bob Giordano, 914-874-4347; Tom McLoughlin, 914,245-7294; or Bob Waterhouse

Yorktown, NY – August 27, 2017

Plans for Croton Dam and Aqueduct 175th Anniversary Celebration

Most people today take our drinking water for granted. However, that was not the case for the residents and elected officials of New York City in the early 1700’s. The politicians were on a mission to find “pure and wholesome water” for the city of New York. Elected officials, commissioners, and engineers considered streams, brooks, rivers, marshes, wells, and lakes in three states. They also examined the cost involved.

In 1831, New York City – upon the recommendation of its engineers and commissioners – believed that the Croton River Valley would provide the consistent “pure and whole water supply” required. New York City approved the building of the Croton Dam and Aqueduct – measuring 41 miles from the Old Croton Dam to the Central Park Reservoir. It is now time to celebrate the 175th year of this major accomplishment with a series of presentations and a ceremony at the site of the original dam.

The Croton Dam Celebration Committee would like to confirm that there will be four presentations, hosted by Hilltop Hanover Farm in Yorktown, prior to the Croton Dam and Aqueduct 175th Anniversary Celebration on Sunday, October 8 at 3:00. The ceremony will take place at the Old Croton Dam/Gatehouse in Yorktown, followed by a reception at Hilltop Hanover Farm.

On Saturday, September 9 at 1:00 PM (future presentations will be at 12:00), the first of four programs will be offered. Historian Bob Giordano’s “Conceived and Achieved: The Croton Dam and Aqueduct 1774-1848” talk begins the afternoon’s agenda. After a short break, Bob Waterhouse, former district supervisor at the NYC DEP will address the topic “Building of the Croton Water System.” After a question and answer session, refreshments will be served. A $10 donation per presentation to benefit Hilltop Hanover Farm’s environmental and agricultural programs for children will be suggested.

The remaining presentations in September on Sept. 16, Sept. 23, and Sept. 30 will begin at 12:00 at Hilltop Hanover Farm. The speakers will include Cornelia Cotton on Sept. 23. Others are being confirmed at press time. Refreshments, provided by the Yorktown Small Business Association, will be available at each talk and at the ceremony – all held at Hilltop Hanover Farm.

The actual ceremony will take place on Sunday, October 8 at 3:00 PM. Local and state officials, as well as local residents are invited to the Old Croton Dam/Gatehouse in Yorktown for this event. State Senator Terrence Murphy and County Legislator Michael Kaplowitz have already indicated that they will be attending. Speakers will include historian Robert Giordano and former DEP official Robert Waterhouse. Bronze plaques removed from the Croton Dam in the 1950’s will be honored during the ceremony. Following the ceremony all are invited to attend a reception at Hilltop Hanover Farm. Reservations at Hilltop Hanover Farm will be required, and the suggested donation is $25.