Albany Institute of History and Art (125 Washington Ave, Albany, NY 12210)
Erastus Dow Palmer and the People Remembered in Stone - Lecture by Dr. Lynn Radlick
This program is organized in conjunction with the exhibition You Friend, Frederic E. Church, on view June 6 – October 12, 2026.
Have you ever wondered about the stories behind the memorials in Albany Rural Cemetery? Among them are works by Erastus Dow Palmer, carpenter, cameo carver, and sculptor who rose to international fame as one of the nineteenth-century’s most celebrated artists.
Within one year of his arrival in Albany, the Albany Evening Journal hailed Palmer as “the Sculptor of this City.” How did a self-taught artist achieve such acclaim? In this engaging presentation, Dr. Radlick introduces Palmer and traces his remarkable journey from skilled tradesman to internationally renowned sculptor. She explores his enduring legacy through the memorials he created in Albany Rural Cemetery blending historical and contemporary images to highlight Palmer’s artistry, the memorials he designed and the remarkable the people they commemorate.
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Dr. Lynn Radlick will lead two tours in Albany Rural Cemetery, focusing on the memorials created by Erastus Dow Palmer, in addition to the monument and site of his final resting place.
Dr. Lynn Radlick has been involved with Albany Rural Cemetery for over 35 years. She is the author of Erastus Dow Palmer, Sculptor of this City, the foundation for this presentation. Over the years she has given numerous lectures and led engaging walking tours of the Cemetery, sharing her expertise with diverse audiences. Dr. Radlick received her Ph.D. from RPI and was a professor at Siena College and then for the last 10 years of her career she was at RPI. The Albany Rural Cemetery has been the focus of her interest since retirement.
