Timber, Tradition, and Trades: Students Bring History to Life

The project is part of a broader regional celebration of the historic 250th anniversary of the American Revolution. The sleds will be featured at several high-profile events, including the Washington and Saratoga County Fairs, the Philadelphia Orchestra performance at SPAC on August 6, and the Historic Knox Artillery Trail Commemoration through Warren, Washington, Saratoga and Albany Counties December 12-14th. They may also travel to Boston before becoming part of the New York State Museum’s Revolutionary NY 250 exhibit—and ultimately, its permanent collection.

Environmental Conservation and Forestry students from the Southern Adirondack Education Center milled oak lumber donated by the Queensbury Union Free School District. The trees, damaged by invasive gypsy moths and posing a safety risk to the school’s cross-country trail, were removed by the students to make the trail safer. The high-quality lumber from these trees was then used for the sled project. Students took special care to ensure the logs remained clean during transport, using a mini-excavator to avoid imperfections. “We wanted to make sure that every piece of wood was up to the task, especially since this project is so significant,” said  Instructor Tom Bromley. “The students also learned a lot about how the 18th-century use of mules and horses as transportation methods.”

“It was cool to be part of something that’s going to be seen at events and in a museum,” said Andrew Narduzzo, a senior from the South Glens Falls Central School District. “We learned how important it is to protect forests, and how much harder it was to move and process lumber in the 1700s. It definitely gave us a new appreciation for the work people used to do.”

The milled timbers are now being used by Construction Trades students from the F. Donald Myers Education Center who are building the sleds using 1770s construction techniques. “It’s interesting to use old tools and techniques, which are a lot different than what we’re used to,” said Dylon Emigh, a senior from Ballston Spa. Students created a mock-up to practice traditional joinery and even built a shave horse to shape wooden dowels.

“It’s pretty cool to think that our work will be showcased at major events and eventually be part of the State Museum’s permanent collection,” added Logan Pickett, a senior from Stillwater.

Instructor Ian Hamilton said he appreciates the collaboration and  partnerships with the historical societies of Saratoga and Washington Counties and Old School Designs Inc., which recreated the original plans based on Henry Knox’s drawings. “There’s a built-in history lesson here,” he said. “The students are learning craftsmanship, teamwork, and the importance of preservation all in one project

To document this unique journey, the Saratoga County 250th Commission and the Washington County 250th Commission are partnering to produce a documentary film chronicling the process from milling to final assembly—capturing not just the construction, but the learning, creativity, and pride of all the students involved.

"Including the WSWHE BOCES students in the 250th anniversary of Knox's noble train of artillery has been one of the most exciting elements of planning this commemoration,” said Lauren Roberts, Chair of Saratoga 250th Commission.” Not only are they learning about an incredible historic event that happened right in their own backyard, but they are applying their skills to create sleds which will be used throughout the commemoration and ultimately end up in the state museum's collection. There aren't many students that can claim that as an accomplishment."