Don Rittner

Who is Don Rittner?

Don Rittner is an American historian, archeologist, environmental activist, educator, and author living in the Capital District, Schenectady County, New York. He is the official Schenectady County Historian, responsible for providing guidance and support to municipal historians and serving as a conduit between the State Historian in Albany and the local historians in their counties. He is also the Schenectady City Historian and was the Albany City Archeologist. He is the author of more than 35 books on history, natural history, computers, and other subjects.

He attended the University of Albany where as a student he continued the earlier work of William B. Efner, his predecessor as County Historian. In 1973 he became the archeologist for the city of Albany. He excavated old Colonial tavern sites and roads, and located the old King's Highway, erecting markers to commemorate the historic route.

He was named the Schenectady County Historian in 2004. Shortly afterward he was named the official Schenectady City Historian as well. During 2008 he discovered the first railroad tunnel in America through Schenectady's Stockade region and was able to show that 9 Front Street, today a residential home, was actually a stone blockhouse from the French and Indian War period dated 1725. His discovery was featured on "The History Detectives" PBS show in September, 2008.