Winter Lecture: The History of Sled Dogs

Following the overwhelming popularity of Vic DiSanto Ph.D.’s 2019 Sled Dog History Program, the Old Stone Fort Museum is once again joining with the Animal Shelter of Schoharie Valley (ASSV) in welcoming back Dr. DiSanto for another in-depth look at sled dog breeds and their impact on transportation, exploration, settlement and more.

The program will be presented twice on Saturday, February 22, with the first presentation beginning at 1 p.m. and the second at 3 p.m. in the Badgley Museum Annex at the Old Stone Fort Museum Complex.

For nearly two decades, Dr. DiSanto and his team of sled dogs have visited schools and winter festivals sharing the far reaching history of the breeds, some stretching back more than three centuries, and how they have been a vital part of survival in some of the world’s harshest environments.

For this encore lecture appearance, Dr. DiSanto will delve deeper into the world of sled dogs and their importance in the transportation of people and supplies in remote Arctic regions. He will share the stories of some of the most famous sled dogs in history, including Balto, who led his team on the final leg of the famed 1925 diphtheria serum run and Togo who ran for more than 250 miles in the same life-saving run.

Both dogs, their teams and the brave mushers who drove them are featured in several recent Hollywood movies, including “Togo”, which was released in December 2019 and “The Great Alaskan Race,” released in October 2019.

In addition to his talk and photo presentation, Dr. Di Santo will provide participants with the opportunity to take a hands-on look at the tools of a musher’s trade, including harnesses, dog booties, lines, cold weather clothing, snowshoes and, of course, the DOGS THEMSELVES!

In lieu of admission, participants are asked to bring donations for the ASSV. In addition to monetary donations and items listed on the shelter’s online wish list, products such as dog and cat food, cat litter, bleach and paper towels are always needed.

Refreshments will be generously provided by Berkshire Farm Center & Services for Youth.

For more information on this and other events at the Old Stone Fort Museum and Schoharie County Historical Society call the museum at (518) 295-7192 or visit the website at theoldstonefort.org.