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 started on May 26, 1914. This society works to find, save, and share the history of the local area. They collect old items and stories from the very first people who lived there up to today.
The Society keeps its many old documents and objects in Rhinebeck. They have offices and two libraries where you can read books, but not take them home. Each year, they publish a book called a Yearbook. Sometimes, they also publish other books and pamphlets. The group gives out awards for great work in history. They also offer talks, demonstrations, and workshops. They often work with schools and other history groups in Dutchess County.
The Historical Society gets its money from members, selling books, and special gifts. It is a charity, so it does not pay taxes.
Contents
Discovering the Dutchess County Historical Society's Past
The Dutchess County Historical Society has a long and interesting history. Many people wanted to start a group like this.
How the Society Began in 1914
One important person who helped start the Society was Franklin D. Roosevelt. He later became a US President. In 1914, he wrote a letter about his ideas for the Society. He hoped they would publish a yearbook every year. He also wanted them to write down information from old gravestones. Many of his ideas came true!
Other famous people, like Franklin D. Roosevelt's mother, Sarah Delano Roosevelt, and Vincent Astor, were also involved. But the Society grew to include hundreds of people. By 1924, about 500 people were members.
Key People in the Society's Early Days
John Mylod and Helen Wilkinson Reynolds were important early organizers. They worked hard to collect information for the Society. Helen Wilkinson Reynolds was a researcher and writer. She was the editor of the Yearbook from 1921 until she passed away in 1943.
She worked with author J Wilson Poucher and photographer Margaret De M Brown. In 1924, they published a book called Old Gravestones of Dutchess County, New York. This book listed 19,000 names and dates from old gravestones.
Exploring the Society's Collections
The Society has many amazing items in its collection. These include old papers, photos, postcards, and clothing. They also have diaries, wills, and letters. You can find family history information too.
What Kind of Items Can You See?
- A painting by Ammi Phillips of Helen Cornell Manney. Her family, the Cornells, were early settlers in LaGrange.
- Books and letters from historian Benson John Lossing. He was born in Beekman and lived in Poughkeepsie. He later built a home and library in Dover.
- The Hart-Hubbard Farm Records. These papers show how two families ran a farm business. They cover four generations from 1838 to 1967.
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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.
Educational Programs and Events
The Dutchess County Historical Society offers many ways to learn about history.
What Programs Does the Society Offer?
The Society has a library for research and special exhibits. They also hold events like lectures and guided tours. They do community outreach programs too. These events happen all over Dutchess County. They often work with the Dutchess County Historian and other local history groups.
Recognizing Achievements: Society Awards
The Historical Society gives out up to four awards each year. These awards honor people and businesses for their work in history.
What Are the Different Awards?
- The Dutchess Award
- The Helen Wilkinson Reynolds Award
- The Franklin D Roosevelt Award
- The Business of Historic Distinction Award
