Premier Screening of "A Digital Tour of Poughkeepsie" at Cuneen-Hackett Arts Center

POUGHKEEPSIE, NY (May 13, 2005) — A new multi-media introduction to fifteen Poughkeepsie neighborhoods and points of interest, "A Digital Tour of Poughkeepsie," will have a premier screening, discussion, and reception on Wednesday, May 25, at 5:30 p.m., at the Cunneen-Hackett Arts Center theater in downtown Poughkeepsie. Written and narrated by emeritus professor of geography Harvey Flad, the DVD project is based on the cultural geography tours of Poughkeepsie that Flad and fellow emeritus professor Clyde Griffen have given for decades to Vassar students. The evening will be free and open to the public, and hosted by the Good Neighbors Partnerships program of Vassar College.

"A Digital Tour of Poughkeepsie' was created as more of a reference source than a conventional documentary film, and uses the DVD format to enhance the learning value of the production. Organized through a new map of Poughkeepsie, the DVD offers more than a dozen 2-5 minute films to introduce the city's rich history through its neighborhoods.

Conceived by the Urban Studies Program at Vassar College, a key goal of the filmmakers is to entice students from all of the area's schools and colleges to explore their local community. "A Digital Tour of Poughkeepsie' was produced by Leonard Nevarez, an assistant professor in the department of sociology and the Program in Urban Studies at Vassar, and directed by senior film student Ian Burbage.

The Poughkeepsie Public Library District (Adriance Memorial and Arlington Branch) and the Dutchess County Historical Society provided extensive archival images for the project, and are among the many local libraries and institutions through which the DVD will be available, including the libraries at Vassar College, Marist College, and Dutchess Community College.

Vassar support for "A Digital Tour of Poughkeepsie' was provided through the Good Neighbors Partnerships, Media Cloisters, and the Office of the Dean of the Faculty, with additional funding from an AT&T Foundation Teaching and Technology Grant.

Vassar president Frances Fergusson founded the Good Neighbors Partnerships program to forge alliances between the college and nearby community organizations. With funds from the Office of the President, Good Neighbors provides modest grants to selected organizations and initiatives.

The Cunneen-Hackett Arts Center is located at 12 Vassar Street in Poughkeepsie (845-471-1221). At Vassar College, contact Sam Speers, director of the Office of Religious and Spiritual Life, and chairperson of Good Neighbors Partnerships, at (845) 437-5550. Individuals with disabilities requiring accommodations should call Patricia Stickle at the same number

Vassar College is a highly selective, coeducational, independent, residential, liberal arts college founded in 1861.

Individuals with disabilities requiring accommodations or information on accessibility should contact Campus Activities Office at (845) 437-5370. Without sufficient notice, appropriate space and/or assistance may not be available.

Vassar College is a highly selective, coeducational, independent, residential liberal arts college founded in 1861.

This article was posted on Friday, May 13th, 2005.