Upcoming Events

5:30pm–7:30pm Please note this event is sold out*; walk-ins cannot be accommodated. Join Historic Albany Foundation and the Albany Institute of History & Art for a book talk and signing with City Historian Tony Opalka. Tony's recent book The Firehouses of Albany showcases images, maps, rich history, and anecdotes surrounding the historic firehouse of Albany. Tony will discuss both the fun discoveries and rabbit holes he went down to tell the story of the Albany Fire Department and its houses, as well as the challenges of writing his first book. 5:30PM** Cash bar and mingling 6PM Talk begins, followed by book signing Tony's book will be available for purchase for $40 (plus tax). Cards, checks and cash accepted. **Please note the museum galleries close at 5PM; arrive prior to closing if you would like to visit the exhibitions. *If you were not able to secure tickets for this event, please note that Tony Opalka will deliver additional upcoming book talks: March 19: Bethlehem Historical Association April 2: Albany Public Library, Pine Hills branch May 15: Guilderland Historical Society May 27: Albany Public Library, Washington Avenue branch, local history room

2:00pm–3:00pm "Fundi does exactly what Ella Baker does: it gives us the courage to act on our own—and to affect the future." —Gloria Steinem Learn more about Ella Baker, the legendary civil rights organizer whose portrait is currently featured in Albany Institute of History & Art's exhibition Americans Who Tell the Truth. Fundi: The Story of Ella Baker reveals the instrumental role that Ella Baker, a friend and advisor to Martin Luther King, Jr., played in shaping the American civil rights movement. The dynamic activist was affectionately known as the Fundi, a Swahili word for a person who passes skills from one generation to another. By looking at the 1960s from the perspective of Baker, the "godmother of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee," Fundi adds an essential understanding of the U.S. civil rights movement. The screening is free with museum admission. Run time: 48 minutes