GCC’s ‘Historical Horizons’ series features Orly the Ox, and a forgotten founding father
Photo by Isabella Zasa: Orly the Ox rides a hydro-bike on the Erie Canal in Medina on July 18. Orly has been highlighting fun things to do and local history and heritage this year as the Orleans County bicentennial mascot.
Provided photo: Derek Maxfield, GCC associate professor of History, will be presenting “Dr. Benjamin Rush, America’s Forgotten Founding Father” during a lecture on Sept. 3.
BATAVIA – The “Historical Horizons” lecture series at Genesee Community College will feature a forgotten founding father and also a bicentennial mascot.
The GCC History Club has announced the Fall 2025 Historical Horizons Lecture Series. There are two speakers and both events on Sept. 3 and Nov. 5 begin at 7 p.m. They are free and open to the public.
Derek Maxfield, GCC associate professor of History, will be presenting “Dr. Benjamin Rush, America’s Forgotten Founding Father” on Sept. 3 in room T119 in the Conable Technology Building.
One of the most fascinating men to sign the Declaration of Independence in 1776, Dr. Benjamin Rush, nevertheless is often the forgotten founding father. Educated in Europe, Rush was one of the most educated men in America.
His medical practice would be one of the most robust in Philadelphia – though his practices have been controversial. One of his greatest contributions was pioneering treatment for mental illness. Come hear about this remarkable man.
Tom Rivers
Tom Rivers, editor of Orleans Hub, will be presenting “The Tale of Orly: How a Historic Ox Walked, Talked & Charmed a County into Learning its History” on Nov. 5 in room T102 in the Conable Technology Building.
Orleans County’s new mascot, Orly the Ox, has made a splash during anniversary celebrations and has been a visible reminder of the county’s birthday. Rivers will discuss the origins of Orly and the anniversary of Orleans County.
Rivers has been part of the Orleans County Bicentennial Committee for the county’s 200th anniversary this year. Rivers also is part of the “Orly Team” where Orly the Ox has an active social media presence and also attends many events in the community as the bicentennial mascot and a county ambassador.
Isabella Zasa of the Orleans County Tourism Department also often portrays Orly, photographs him and creates many of his social media posts and videos.
Orly has helped present Orleans County history in a new and fun way. Click here to see some of his adventures on the Orleans County Tourism Facebook page.
Tom lives in Albion with his wife Marsha. They have four children. The Rivers family has embraced the Orly character and worn the outfit for some of the different events.
Photo by Tom Rivers: In May, Orly stopped by the original canal loop in Holley. This is a rare section of the canal remaining from when the original was complete. Most of the original was widened several times. In Holley, the original loop was near the Public Square, but was later straightened out from 1854 to1861 to create a shorter, more navigable waterway. A new section of the canal was built over a very high and long embankment.
