Join Shirley Rinaldi and Bill Ringwood for a special presentation marking the 50th anniversary of the Poughkeepsie-Highland Railroad Bridge fire. Held at Walkway’s East Gate Plaza in Poughkeepsie on Sunday, May 19, from 2:30 - 3:30 p.m., the event is free, open to all, and suitable for guests of all ages.

The “Fire on the Bridge” presentation will delve into the origins of the Poughkeepsie-Highland Railroad Bridge and trace its history up to the devastating fire of May 8, 1974. Through the perspectives of firefighters who battled the blaze and locals who witnessed the event, attendees will gain insight into this pivotal moment in local history, which ultimately contributed to the creation of the iconic Walkway Over the Hudson.

Shirley Rinaldi, a retired English and Social Studies teacher with 23 years of experience at Poughkeepsie Day School, serves as a Walkway ambassador, docent, and mentor. As chair of the Walkway Talk series, Rinaldi organizes monthly presentations focusing on topics relevant to the Walkway Over the Hudson and its surrounding areas.

Bill Ringwood, a Poughkeepsie native with deep ties to the area, joined the City of Poughkeepsie Fire Department in 1974, just months before the bridge fire. His family’s history, intertwined with the bridge and the city’s firefighting legacy, adds a personal dimension to his role in commemorating this historic event.

For those interested in local history and the story behind the Walkway Over the Hudson, this presentation promises to be both informative and engaging.