Caving Presentation at Schoharie Crossing 2026

Cave Exploration Discussion at Schoharie Crossing on Tuesday, August 25th at 6:00 p.m.

Fort Hunter, NY – The Friends of Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site will host Robert Addis to discuss cave exploration and preservation of those dark environments.  The presentation will occur on Tuesday, August 25th after a short Friends of Schoharie Crossing Meeting, starting at 6:00 p.m. This program will take place inside the Enders House, adjacent to the Visitor Center and Museum on Schoharie Street in Fort Hunter.

Addis will present the program, “I’ve Never Let Fear or Common Sense Hold Me Back — 65 Years of Spelean Adventure, Some Accomplishments, and Lots of Mischief!” as an autobiographical look at the life of a wayward cave explorer. He was born and raised in Cobleskill, the heart of NY’s Cave Country and he first entered a cave at age 16 and has never quit!

Addis was a Howe Caverns cave guide during summers while seeking degree in civil engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. He then served in the Navy Seabees (Construction Battalions) in Vietnam. Received a Master’s in Business Administration from Binghamton University where his Master’s thesis was on cave resources management, particularly landowner liability.

Addis is a life member of the National Speleological Society, is a national board director and has won has various awards. He is one of three founders of the Northeastern Cave Conservancy, a 501.C.3 nonprofit, much like a land trust for the preservation and protection of caves.

Addis is also a World’s Champion record holder, but the details will only be revealed during the presentation. He is currently “retired” but always reading and talking about caves and adventures.

This program is free and open to the public. Held inside the Enders House, adjacent to the Visitor Center on Schoharie Street in Fort Hunter.  Refreshments will be provided.  For more information, please call the Visitor Center: 518-829-7516 or email SchoharieCrossing@parks.ny.gov. Schoharie Crossing, PO Box 140, 129 Schoharie Street, Fort Hunter, NY 12069.

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