The Hudson Valley has a rich history, and with rich histories come abandoned historic sites. Join us for a talk featuring author, photographer, podcast host, and the brains behind Abandoned America, Matthew Christopher, who will explore some of the greatest hits of abandoned sites in the region, from the Borscht Belt hotels in the Catskills that enjoyed a golden age in the mid-20th century, to the Old Game Farm in Saugerties, and more. This event is presented in partnership with Morton Library and Oblong Books.

About the Speaker: 

Matthew Christopher has had an interest in abandoned sites since he was a child, but started documenting them a decade ago while researching the decline of the state hospital system. His two books, "Abandoned America: Dismantling the Dream" and "Abandoned America: The Age of Consequences" and his website, also titled Abandoned America, have chronicled the stories of modern ruins of all kinds across the United States and abroad. He also has recently created an Abandoned America podcast to share interviews and stories that delve into the mysteries, histories, and stories of abandoned places.

Matthew has an MFA in Fine Art Photography from Rochester Institute of Technology and has taught photography at a college level and now teaches photography workshops. He has had gallery shows across the US, lectured on abandoned spaces and mental health history, and his work has been in dozens of publications and media outlets including the New York Times, ABC and NBC News, PDN, The Atlantic, Photographer's Forum, The Huffington Post, Buzzfeed, the Daily Mail, NY Daily News, and many more.