Anchored in History: Joe Fitzgerald ’74 and the Port of Albany

Joe Fitzgerald ’74 has recently published an in-depth article exploring the commerce and history of the Port of Albany.

Originally drafted in 1999 during his MPA degree program at the University of Memphis, the newly updated piece is now featured in The New York Almanack.

The historical significance of Fitzgerald’s research has already been recognized locally. The Port of Albany has accepted the article to assist in the planning of the Albany Port District’s upcoming Centennial Celebration in June 2032. 

Beyond sharing his own research, Fitzgerald highlighted a deep connection between the Port's history and our own alumni. He notes that fellow graduates played a major role in the Port’s founding—specifically U.S. Representative Peter Ten Eyck, who sponsored the pivotal federal legislation, the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1915. Later, in March 1928, when New York State authorized the creation of the Albany Port District Commission to promote Hudson River commercial shipping, Governor Al Smith appointed Ten Eyck as a Commissioner, and he was subsequently chosen as the Commission’s very first Chairman.

Looking ahead to the 2032 Centennial, Fitzgerald encourages faculty and students to get involved with the Port’s upcoming events. He notes that the milestone could provide excellent opportunities for student internships and historical research!