The Beacon Historical Society presented a virtual program with Barry Ross as he discussed the paintings of Thomas Cole, the founder of the Hudson River School. Cole provided us with wonderful views of the Hudson Valley, the Catskills, New England and imaginary landscapes. Cole’s paintings and his writings also provided us with his views about the changes being wrought by "unbridled" development. This virtual presentation explored both Cole and other Hudson River School artists’ views through the Hudson Highlands.

Barry Ross practices law in NY City as Senior Counsel at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner, an international law firm.  Before the pandemic, Barry conducted tours for upper elementary students at the Metropolitan Museum as an ArtWorks NYC volunteer. For the past year and a half, he has been the facilitator of “Exploring and Enjoying Art” sessions offered by SelfHelp’s Virtual Senior Center. Barry and his wife MJ have resided in the Hudson Highlands for over 25 years.