ALBANY INSTITUTE OF HISTORY & ART BOOK & AUTHOR PROGRAM

TO FEATURE LOCAL AUTHOR PAUL GRONDAHL

ALBANY, NY—On Sunday, September 30, at 1:00 pm, local author Paul Grondahl will discuss his classic biography, Mayor Corning, Albany Icon, Albany Enigma, at the Albany Institute of History & Art for its Book & Author Program. Mayor Corning offers a comprehensive look into the life and career of eleven time Albany Mayor, Erastus Corning.

Mayor Corning, Albany Icon, Albany Enigma (SUNY Press, 2007; $24.95) explores the inner workings of Mayor Corning’s 42 consecutive year tenure as Mayor of Albany with insight and anecdotes that reveal the Mayor in ways that even his closest associates never imagined. Filled with interesting characters, compelling story lines, and shady political dealing, Mayor Corning provides a full sweeping portrait of the front man for dictatorial Albany Democratic machine.

Paul Grondahl is a reporter for the Times Union, as well as author of four books including the acclaimed political biography I Rose like a Rocket: The Political Education of Theodore Roosevelt. His professional accolades include a Scripps Howard Foundation National Journalism Award and recognition for feature writing by the American Association of Sunday and Feature Editors. 

Albany Institute Museum Shop Book & Author Programs feature free lectures on recent books of special regional interest. Each talk is followed by a book signing and books are available for purchase in the Museum Shop.

The Albany Institute of History & Art is located at 125 Washington Avenue in downtown Albany, one block from the New York State Capitol.  For more information on this program, please visit www.albanyinstitute.org or call 518-463-4478. 

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Founded in 1791, the Albany Institute of History & Art (AIHA) is a 501(c) 3 cultural and educational institution dedicated to public service.  As a museum, its mission is to collect, preserve and interpret the art, history and culture of Albany and the upper Hudson Valley region from the 17th century to the present.  AIHA acquires collections, conducts research, produces publications, and offers a wide range of exhibitions, educational and public programs that appeal to diverse audiences ranging from pre-K to senior citizens.  The museum is open year round, Wednesday-Sunday. Admission is free to members and children under 6, $8 for adults, $6 for seniors and students and $4 for children ages 6-12.  The Albany Institute of History & Art is accredited by the American Association of Museums and chartered by the New York State Department of Education.