When a digital portrait is showing a little too much "character," a few virtual brushstrokes can make it blemish free. But when the medium is canvas and oil and the problem isn't "character," but rather dirt and grime, the process is a wee bit more involved.

Guest blogger and Historic Hudson Valley curatorial intern Valaer van Roijen reports this week about a successful painting restoration project. It's kind of like analog Photoshop. You can see the before, above, and the painting as it hangs at Van Cortlandt Manor.

And now, Valaer...

Thanks to a grant from Greater Hudson Heritage Network, Historic Hudson Valley's portrait of Gertrude Van Cortlandt Beekman has been restored to match the sitter's youthful beauty.

Modern folks seem to always be trying to maintain youth or turn back the clock, and women of the 18^th century were no exception. At the apex of youth, often the age of marriage, it was common for young women of wealthy families to sit for their portrait.

One such portrait, recently donated to Historic Hudson Valley, features a raven-haired beauty thought to be Gertrude Van Cortlandt Beekman, the aunt of Pierre Van Cortlandt, patriarch of the Van Cortlandt Manor. Thanks to this portrait, Mrs. Beekman (1687-1777) has appeared for more than 300 years as she did at the youthful age of thirty. However, due to the travails of time, the true age of the painting has begun to show.

The painting arrived at Historic Hudson Valley headquarters buried under layers of dirt and mold. Cracks and even one large gash covered the painting's surface. The 18^th-century frame in which it was contained had also suffered considerable losses. While Gertrude peered out of the painting with a youthful glow, the state of its condition spoke to its considerable age.

After outlining a plan of attack, restorers set to work reviving both centuries-old relics. Conservator Sean Digney-Peer from the Metropolitan Museum of Art set to work on the canvas while Marylou Davis tackled the frame. After nearly 70 hours of work repairing both structural and superficial damage and removing surface dirt and mold, both the painting and its frame can once again be seen in a state of renewed youth.

Through the generosity of Greater Hudson Heritage Network and hard work of restorers, Gertrude has, in a way, found the fountain of youth. Her portrait now hangs in the family home, Van Cortlandt Manor, with renewed clarity and accuracy. Now, modern day visitors can see the portrait as if they were viewing it at the time of its creation.

On this Fourth, you  can celebrate our country's independence by actually becoming a part of it. Whether you're a history buff, a sports fan, nature lover, or family of nine you will find something to fit your tastes at either of this years July 4th events at Historic Hudson Valley. 

First decide whether you'd like to travel 150 or 200 years into the past to experience a more traditional celebration of America's independence. (Don't worry, you can do both!)

Independence Day 1809 is at Van Cortlandt Manor in Croton-on-Hudson. Packed like a cannon with traditional celebrations including a reading of the Declaration of Independence, historic reenactments, and hands-on activities that will have you experiencing your very own military camp. You might forget you are in the year 2009.  If that's not enough, there's a parade that marches the entire property in all its glory.

At Independence Day 1859 at Washington Irving's Sunnyside in Tarrytown, visitors will be welcomed with period style music and dancing and can play "Town Ball," a traditional version of baseball from the 19^th century. If the sun becomes too much, dip into Irving's cottage for a tour or help churn ice cream the old fashioned way. 

If you visit today, let us know and send us some pics!

No, a highway is not being built inside Philipsburg Manor, but the historic site saw the official unveiling this morning of new Thruway signs that will guide travelers to Philipsburg and other HHV attractions.

"The Authority is pleased to partner with Historic Hudson Valley to promote these nationally recognized historic locations within the heart of the Hudson Valley," said Thruway Authority Executive Director Michael R. Fleischer.

"Historic Hudson Valley is proud and honored to have its attractions featured in this Thruway project," said Waddell W. Stillman, president of Historic Hudson Valley. "The new signs will inform visiting travelers and remind local citizens that history and entertainment are just around the corner."

You can see the signs northbound along I-87 just south of Interchange 9 and southbound along I-87 just north of Interchange 10.

The signs -- quite attractive as highway signage goes -- highlight Kykuit, the Rockefeller estate, Union Church of Pocantico Hills, Philipsburg Manor, Van Cortlandt Manor, and Washington Irving's Sunnyside.

Shown above at the unveiling are HHV President Waddell W. Stillman, HHV Trustee Herb Nass, New York State Thruway Authority Board member Brandon R. Sall, and New York State Thruway Authority Executive Director Michael Fleischer.

You wouldn't know it from the rain today and yesterday, but the weather @ Sheep-to-Shawl on Saturday and Sunday was pretty stellar. Big crowds and big sunshine. Here's a couple of photographic examples of the festivities, courtesy of image guru Bryan Haeffele.

If you took some shots and they exist on the Web, leave a comment and a link below.

Do you really need 20 reasons to come to Sheep-to-Shawl at Philipsburg Manor this weekend? Well, we've got them. Specifically, 19 newborn lambs - including a set of rare triplets! - and a baby calf named Marigold.

The triplets and Marigold (and mother cow Maebell) are on display in these wonderful images taken by Maeve Montalvo, a farmer at Philipsburg Manor.

I'm pretty sure the triplets don't yet have names. Any suggestions?

Sheep-to-Shawl takes place Saturday and Sunday from 10-6. Click here for a schedule of events.

Oh, and shhhhh, don't tell anyone, BUT, if you use the promo code BAA when you buy tickets online, you'll get $3 off kids' tickets. That's a 50% savings. That's a recession buster, buster.