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Lessons in History 5.10
FA 1999: Rich Romano, Albert Pisaneschi, George Peterson

Aaron Stredny brings Patrick Mulhern across pitch 2 of Lessons in History

Lessons in History wends its way through the most imposing terrain at Millbrook sharing many of the easier sections of much more serious routes. Remarkably the climbing never crests 5.10 and enables one to learn sections of such historic routes as New Frontier 5.11R, Manifest Destiny 5.13- (5.10R), and Back to the Land Movement 5.12- (5.10R). As the last and easiest line to be established on the Wall of American History it is also one of the longest routes in the Gunks with close to 400 feet of climbing. Non-stop action for three pitches, adequate protection for most of the route, and little opportunity for retreat combine to make this one of the premier adventures in the East.

Patrick Mulhern contemplates the imposing final pitch

This link-up stands as a monument to Rich Romano who not only pioneered roughly two-thirds of the climbs at Millbrook but whose vision, creativity, boldness, and persistence has resulted in 34 years of first ascents at the Bank. Although Lessons stands alone as one of the finest of its grade in the Gunks one cannot climb the route without experiencing a sense of awe when gazing at the surrounding lines. Book-ended by Nectar Vector to the South and Time Being to the North, Lessons is bound by both the beauty of flawless white rock and the horror of committing run-outs on difficult terrain. In every direction multiple 11's & 12's each with hard R & X climbing silently await a repeat ascent. You will likely finish this route with tapped adrenal glands and a mind reeling from your lesson in history.