Seeing Newburgh’s 19th Century Ironwork Tour with Steve Baltsas

Architectural ironwork, a term which may be interchanged with decorative or ornamental ironwork, is defined here as any product of iron formed for use in the built environment. Here in Newburgh there is a strong chance that the city has more historic ironwork than any municipality between New York City and Albany according to architectural historian Steven Baltsas. 

While most of the ironwork dates to the mid–19th century, it is still in continuous use, and it is hoped that his research will promote the inclusion of ironwork in preservation strategies. So come to gain a comprehensive understanding of the intricate designs and social history behind Newburgh's ironwork.  The lecture and walking tour will consisted of a slideshow lecture that shows the progression of 19th-century ironwork styles in Newburgh, what to look for, and the social context that influenced these designs. Then there is an interactive portion of the event which entails a stroll along Grand Street between Washington and Second Street where you can guess the date of the ironwork  and guess their styles, with Steve providing answers and historical context. This is a unique opportunity to observe architecture and streetscapes adorned with ironwork in their original settings. 

Optional Additional Session: For those interested, a local ironwork restorer can join us for an extra 45 minutes to discuss restoration techniques and address any visible damage observed during the walking tour. This expert will offer valuable context and share experiences from their work restoring ironwork in the area.