I’ve had a life long interest in history and documenting local history. I am a life long resident of the Town of Colonie and residing here in Menands since 1976. I was appointed to the position of Historian here in Menands by past Mayor Thomas Gibbs. I joined the Menands Police Department in 1973 and retired in 2003 after 30 years service with the department including last seven serving as Chief of Police. I am now the “middle” generation of five generations of Franklin family members to reside here in Menands beginning with my Grandfather Louis W. Franklin nearly 100 years ago.

Historical Society of the Town of Colonie

A Condensed History of The Village of Menands
The European history of the Village of Menands begins with the 3 rd voyage of English navigator Henry Hudson. In 1609 Henry Hudson was hired by the Dutch to find an elusive northern passage to the west and north of Europe in the hope of shortening voyages to conduct trade in
the “Spice Islands” (or Asia), without having to sail the long and dangerous route around the Continent of Africa to get there.

Hudson disobeyed the contract he made with the Dutch which stipulated that he sail north and west to attempt to find that northern route to Asia. Instead, upon reaching the north-eastern areas of North America, Hudson turned the bow his ship the “Half Moon” southward along America’s east coast and began probing the different bays and river outlets. Read More

First Farm in Menands Report by R. Arthur Johnson