Dear Friends and Colleagues, In the next two months, Governor Pataki of New York, will decide on the image to go on a special United States Mint quarter that will commemorate New York State history. The State of New Jersey recently had the image of "Washington Crossing the Delaware" on their commemorative quarter. The image of Henry Hudson's 1609 Dutch ship, de Halve Maen (HALF MOON) is one of three finalists for the honor to appear on New York States' quarter. The other two contestants are the Statue of Liberty and the Battle of Saratoga. I am writing to ask that you send a letter or e-mail of support to Governor Pataki for the HALF MOON's image to appear on New York States' commemorative quarter. As a token of appreciation for your writing the Governor, our museum will send you an 8 1/2" x 11" color glossy photograph of the HALF MOON under full sail. Governor George E. Pataki State Capitol Albany, NY 12224 or e-mail gov.pataki@chamber.state.ny.us Some of the things you might mention in your letter are: (1) The voyage of the HALF MOON led to the founding of New York State. As a result of this voyage, the Dutch established the first European settlements in the State of New York with a trading post built near Albany in 1614 and settlements in Albany and New York City in 1624. (2) New York States' colors, orange and blue, derive from the Dutch colors flown on the HALF MOON. (3) New York States great sports teams, the New York Yankees and the New York Knickerbockers, derive their names from the Dutch influence brought by the voyage of the HALF MOON. (4) In contrast to the English colonies of New England and Virginia, New York was founded by the Dutch on the principles of religious and cultural toleration. There were over 20 foreign languages being spoken on the streets of New Amsterdam, now New York City, in 1628. The HALF MOON had a multicultural crew. (4) The first public school was founded in Dutch New Amsterdam in 1628. It still survives as the Collegiate School in New York City. In contrast, many European countries discouraged public schools, restricting schooling to the aristocracy. (5) Under Dutch law, women often retained their maiden names and were allowed to own property, run businesses, and administer estates. Women lost many of these rights under English law. (6) Many towns, cities, rivers, and geographical names in New York State derive from the early Dutch influence begun by the HALF MOON, including Staten Island, Long Island, Brooklyn, Nassau County, Orange County, Batavia, Flatbush, Kinderhook, Yonkers, Schuyler Falls, Guilderland, Watervliet, Wallkill, Poestenkill, Rensselaer, Claverack, Catskill, New Utrecht, Coney Island, Buswick, Bowery, Wall Street to name a few. (7) Our currency, the "dollar", derives its name from the Dutch coin, the "daalder", used onboard the HALF MOON. (8) Our national nickname "Yankee" originates from the Dutch word meaning "Johnny" used in New York State. Thank you for anything you can do on behalf of the HALF MOON. With regards, Andy Andrew Hendricks, M. D. Chairman, New Netherland Museum ==== Dutch-Colonies Mailing List ==== Have you visited the Rootsweb Genealogy Data Cooperative Website? Visit website: http://www.rootsweb.com/ To find a county for a known city and state go to; http://mapping.usgs.gov/www/gnis/gnisform.html