Ulster County Clerk and Kingston Historian Taylor Bruck presents on on Henry Abbey, the Bard of Kingston .

Born in 1842 in Rondout, Henry Abbey was a prolific poet and among the first published authors from Ulster County. Known for his charming and accessible poetry, Abbey was celebrated in his time as one of the best minor poets in the country, even attracting visits from literary luminaries like Oscar Wilde and Mark Twain. Though his works never gained recognition as truly great, Abbey’s ability to capture the spirit of his era remains invaluable. His poems often addressed significant events, such as the Battle of Gettysburg, offering unique historical insights through an artist's lens. Join us to delve into the life and legacy of this 19th-century poet and explore how art helps shape our understanding of history.

The DePuy Lecture Series 2025 is made possible by the M&T Bank Foundation.