LETTER from CINDY FALK, DAN CROWELL

CGP Helps Guardsmen

Save Historic Resources

To the Editor:

Earlier this month, the Cooperstown community welcomed a group of soldiers from the 403rd Civil Affairs battalion for their monthly training. The visit is part of an ongoing partnership between this unit and SUNY Oneonta’s Cooperstown Graduate Program.

CGP students develop a program about the protection of cultural heritage (think of the Monuments Men during World War II), and the soldiers learn about museum collections and visit the Hall of Fame as well as training with the 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade from the New York Army National Guard, which brings Blackhawk helicopters.

Both the soldiers and CGP students and recent graduates participate in a scenario that requires them to think on their feet about how to care for museum collections in times of conflict.

This training event requires numerous collaborations, and we would like to thank the Clark Sports Center, National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, Bassett Healthcare, Clark Estates and Jane Forbes Clark for the use of facilities; members of the Cooperstown Fire Department for preparing hot food at the end of a cold day; John Odell for sharing his knowledge of baseball’s tangible history; and the CGP students who lent their enthusiasm and creativity to make the exercise a success.

We are happy that our community is able to share its many resources with those who serve our country.

CINDY FALK
Professor, CGP, SUNY Oneonta

DAN CROWELL
Major, Army Reserves