Mapping Bike Paths in the Historical Albany Rural Cemetery
Alex Mancuso
Siena College
Loudonville, NY 12211
March 9, 2010
Introduction
The Albany Rural Cemetery is a historical landmark that is relatively unknown to the neighboring public and visiting tourists. The cemetery includes graves hundreds of years old, from periods like Dutch Colonization, the French and Indian War, Civil War, and more. There are people buried there who have played a significant role in building our nation, like President Chester Arthur, or being part of an event such as the Titanic.
The graves have been preserved for centuries, but few people know the historical content present. The history of Albany is only touched upon in classrooms, but the people buried in the Albany Rural Cemetery have been mentioned to students and adults. The people buried there have stories that no one can make up, they are real and should be shared with the generations today.
Objectives
This project aims to promote the Albany area by creating a historical bike/walk tour in the Albany Rural Cemetery. The specific objectives include:
• Determine historic sites to include along bike paths and select twenty sites (graves of historic people)
• Develop a map showing the historic sites
• Develop a map of the cemetery and surrounding area
• Put together to create historic bike paths
• Design a shorter walking path with historical graves, possibly different than bike path
• Work with St. Agnes Cemetery to connect the paths
Methodology
Research the historical figures along bike path using book by Peter Hess. Map potential bike paths with the knowledge of President of the Albany Rural Cemetery, Peter Hess, to include historic grave sites. Visit the Albany Rural Cemetery to survey the land and see if the paths chosen are able to be completed by bicycle. Use USGS maps to determine the topography of the land and further develop the bike route. Use GPS to map coordinates of specific graves and digitize the grave sites.
After determining the topography and specific historic people, finalize bike route and see if it is possible to ride and finish. Develop a shorter walking path for those who cannot complete the bike path.
Data Sources
The Albany Rural Cemetery and representative Peter Hess possess all of the data maps of the cemetery and historic books describing the people in the grave sites.
Albany Rural Cemetery Map: Incorporated April 2, 1841
Who Were the People of Albany? by Peter Hess
USGS Topography maps of the Albany Rural Cemetery Area
GPS Coordinates of each grave site
Clough Harbor map from satellite pictures.
Work Plan
March 5- March 31, 2010 Read Who Were the People of Albany? to determine other potential grave sites to include in the bike path loop.
Map route in Google maps to determine mileage
Visit the area with Peter Hess to evaluate areas with slopes.
April 1- April 30, 2010 Obtain USGS maps to determine topography of land.
GPS each grave site on bike path.
Digitize the grave sites.
Create map in ARC GIS of bike paths.
Put map in Google maps to make available to public.
Budget
No Salary or Benefits
