Dutchess County Historical Society facts for kids
Dutchess County Historical Society Yearbooks have been published since 1914.
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| Established | 1914 |
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| Location | 6282 Route 9, Rhinebeck, New York 12572 |
| Accreditation | Regents of the University of the State of New York |
The Dutchess County Historical Society is a special group in Rhinebeck, New York. It was started on May 26, 1914, in Pleasant Valley. This society works to find, keep safe, and share the history of the local area. They collect items and stories from the very first people who lived there all the way up to today.
The Society keeps its many old documents and objects in Rhinebeck, New York. Besides their archives, they have offices and two libraries where you can look at books, but not take them home. Each year, they publish a book called a Yearbook. Sometimes, they also publish other books and small pamphlets. The organization gives out awards every year to people who do great things for history. They also offer programs like talks, demonstrations, and workshops. They often work with schools and other history groups in Dutchess County.
The Historical Society gets its money from people who become members. They also sell their Yearbooks and other publications. Sometimes, they receive grants or gifts from people who want to support their work. It is a charity organization in the U.S.
Contents
History of the Society
Many people wanted to start a historical society, including Franklin D. Roosevelt. He later became a President of the United States. In a letter from December 10, 1914, he shared his ideas for the Society. He hoped they would publish a yearbook every year and other books sometimes. He also wanted them to write down information from old gravestones. Many of his ideas came true!
Other important people, like Franklin D. Roosevelt's mother, Sarah Delano Roosevelt, and Vincent Astor, also helped the Society. Over time, hundreds of people from all over Dutchess County joined. By early 1924, about 500 people were members.
John Mylod and Helen Wilkinson Reynolds were key people who helped organize the Society. They worked hard to collect information. Helen Reynolds was a researcher and writer. She was the editor of the Yearbook from 1921 until she passed away in 1943. She worked with J Wilson Poucher and Margaret De M Brown on a book published in 1924. This book, called Old Gravestones of Dutchess County, New York, listed information from 19,000 gravestones.
What They Collect
The Society's collections include many different kinds of items. They have old papers, photographs, postcards, and fabrics. They also keep diaries, wills, deeds, needlework, and clothing. You can find family history information and old letters in their house museum.
Some interesting items include a painting by Ammi Phillips of Helen Cornell Manney. Her family, the Cornells, were some of the first people to settle in LaGrange. There is also a collection of books, articles, and private letters from historian and artist Benson Lossing. He was born in Beekman, lived in Poughkeepsie for a while, and later built a home and library in Dover. The Hart-Hubbard Farm Records show how two families ran their farm business for four generations, from 1838 to 1967.
Programs and Events
The Dutchess County Historical Society has a library for research and displays of historical items. They also hold many events. These include talks, guided tours, and activities for the community. These events happen all over Dutchess County. Often, the Society works with the Dutchess County Historian and other local history groups to put on these programs.
Awards Given
The Historical Society gives out up to four awards each year. These awards are:
- The Dutchess Award
- The Helen Wilkinson Reynolds Award
- The Franklin D Roosevelt Award
- The Business of Historic Distinction Award
See also
- List of historical societies in New York (state)
Images for kids
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Portrait of Helen Cornell Manney by Ammi Phillips, c.1833.
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Sr. Deacon Masonic Jewel dated July 1823, Hart Hubbard Collection.
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Red Hook, NY doctor's ledger with artemisia leaves used to aid digestion 1860.
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Double door Dutch "Kas" early 18th century. DAR Collection.
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Dutchess County Civil War Draft Wheel.
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Sep 1919 Poughkeepsie parade, "Welcome Home." Fred Close Collection.
