POTSDAM - In preparation for the 250th anniversary of American Independence, six SUNY Potsdam students completed hands-on internships this summer around New York State -- delving into local history projects to examine the founding of the country, while also helping local historians plan for upcoming semiquincentennial celebrations.

The students included Ryan Costin of Norwich, NY, who worked with the Chenango County Historical Society. Costin collected oral histories of Chenango residents and created programs for the society's Summer Series, including giving his own presentation about the bicentennial celebration that took place in the town back in 1976.

As part of the Robert David Lion Gardiner Semiquincentennial Summer Fellowship Program, each student received $4,800 for completing 150 hours of work with town or county historical societies or with local historians as part of a $300,000 grant, with another $150,000 in matching funds from the SUNY schools involved.

The students were spread out around the state, from western New York to the Adirondacks. They each examined the local history of the Revolutionary War, looking at written records from veterans, and supporting historians in preparation for events commemorating the 250th anniversary of American Independence in 2026.