On June 12, New York State Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation proudly hosted their Majesties King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands; Minister of Foreign Trade Liesje Schreinemacher; Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to the US Birgitta Tazelaar; Consul General of the Netherlands in New York Ahmed Dadou; and Cultural Attaché Monique Ruhe at Schuyler Mansion State Historic Site. The group visited as part of their U.S. tour celebrating cultural ties and reinforcing economic opportunities, and Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado helped us welcome them.
As part of their visit to New York, their Royal Majesties visited with next-generation environmentalists to engage in conversations about the impacts of climate change and positive actions that could be taken, both here and in the Netherlands, to foster climate resiliency in communities.
The youth selected to participate in the stately conversations were all accomplished scholars, well-spoken about their concerns about climate change, and eager to bring ideas for positive impact back to their community after the event. There was a total of 21 student participants from across New York State, ensuring that the climate change roundtable discussion had diverse viewpoints and encouraging a dialogue as unique as the day itself.
The youth participants were given a tour of the inside of Schuyler Mansion by Jessica Serfilippi, a Schuyler Mansion Interpreter, to familiarize themselves with the historic significance of the grounds in association with the Dutch history in Albany. The day’s program began in the courtyard with remarks from Heidi Hill, Historic Site Manager of Schuyler Mansion; Magdalena Ramos, a student from Hudson and discussion participant; and Gabriela Wemple, a State Parks Excelsior Service Fellow and discussion facilitator. All then gathered by the front steps of Schuyler Mansion to welcome The Dutch Royals to the property. Their Majesties also received a brief tour of Schuyler Mansion by Heidi Hill.
Once seated again, Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado welcomed attendees and praised the participation of many eager youth interested in climate change – a key priority for the Netherlands.
In his remarks, Parks Commissioner Pro Tempore Randy Simons spoke to the history of Schuyler Mansion. “ [This was] the home of Revolutionary War Major General Philip J. Schuyler and Catharine van Rensselaer Schuyler, both of whom were fourth-generation Dutch Americans. Their home was heavily influenced by Dutch culture and continues to provide education on the shared cultural legacy of the Dutch and New Yorkers. Furthermore, the mid and upper Hudson region played a key role in the global financial empire of the Dutch. This is a history tied deeply to enslavement, a history thoroughly explored at Schuyler Mansion today.”
The small-group conversations between the youth participants, facilitators, and dignitaries were engaging and fast-paced. The students drew from their own experiences to share their thoughts on sustainability, environmental health, and energy and what steps must be taken to ensure a livable planet for future generations.
Discussions during the climate conversations included the importance of community gardening, composting, recycling, and consuming less; the impact of climate on agriculture, access to fresh food, and air and water pollution; and renewable energy resources and the technology driving their use.
The impact of collective action is a high priority for the Netherlands and the U.S. Their participation in the youth climate conversations added their voice to a larger conversation, one that we hope will continue in the years ahead as we continue to face the challenges from climate change.
This Dutch Royal visit at a state historic site with deep ties to Dutch history and culture left a lasting impression on the students, parents, school, and state officials gathered for the occasion. It is clear that the youth who participated are among the future leaders who will protect our environment and communities. It is people like them, who demonstrate their care for our ecosystem and inspire others to do the same, that ensure our future will be protected.
We thank all Parks, Kingdom of the Netherlands, and Governor’s staff and students who participated in supporting this event!
–Written by Gabriela Wemple, Excelsior Service Fellow, and Cordell Reaves, Historic Preservation Programs Coordinator (Community Affairs).
New York State Parks and Historic Sites Blog 
For those interested in where the original Fort Orange is, according to an article at https:/www.ewmgazine.nl/auteur/arendo-jourstra/
it appears that the founding site of the Dutch named Fort Orange and its neighborhood, aptly “Beverwijk”, [Beaver area] is a ten-minute walk north-east of the mansion owned by Catherine Rensselaer Schuyler and her husband, Revolutionary War player Philip Schuyler. (Their son-in-law was Alexander Hamilton).
“There is little left to see and the King cannot see the place named after his family [The House of Orange]. The location lies just a ten-minute walk northeast from Schuyler Mansion, but the only thing you can see are the large cement elephant legs, which hold high in the air above the cloverleaf crossing of two highways, Interstate 87 and Highway 20.”
Also of interest is that “Catherine is the granddaughter of Kilian van Rensselaer. This Amsterdam jeweler and businessman was one of the original founders of the West India Company, one of the Heren XIX (or 19 Gentlemen) who formed the directors. He empowered a large area in America around what is now called Albany. The American historians talk about a million acres (400,000 hectares). The Dutch sources are somewhat more precise and hold forth that the land was 40 by 65 kilometers, [2,600 km sq. One hectare is 100 km sq] a colony in a colony as the truth. Afforded to Renssalaer and so-called bought from the Mohicans and Mohawks.”