What we believe & what we do:
The Dutchess County Historical Society (DCHS) remains committed to being the most meaningful source of Dutchess County history, a commitment in place since its 1914 founding. We do this through the responsible archival stewardship of tangible objects, and the restless and energetic interpretation and presentation of its history to the public.
DCHS conserves the past to help us understand the present and prepare for the future.
We are proud to be known for our community outreach through a wide range of publications, awards, exhibits, programs, talks, writings, videos, and oral histories. Our Annual Yearbook, published since 1914 and the oldest continuously published annual in New York State, is fully available online. In addition, 14 books on local history have been published.
Online and traditional exhibits, lectures, history awards, conferences, and special presentations a round out programming for members of the Historical Society and the community at large. DCHS is a not-for-profit organization. We rely on support from memberships, gifts, grants, and donations.
The Dutchess County Historical Society is a tax-exempt, charitable, non-profit organization as described in section 501(c)(3) of the IRS code.
Watch a 2-minute video introduction:
The Dutchess County Historical Society (DCHS) preserves a wide range of archival materials—including photographs, manuscripts, maps, and rare documents—to support research into the people, places, and events that have shaped Dutchess County. Whether you’re exploring local history, a historic property, or a community organization, our collections may offer valuable insight.
To help us assist you effectively, we ask that all research requests be submitted in advance through our online form at www.dchsny.org/ask. Providing specific details ahead of time allows our staff and volunteers to assess your inquiry, identify relevant materials, and prepare appropriately. As a small nonprofit that relies heavily on volunteer support, this helps us make the best use of everyone’s time and resources.
Please note: for genealogical research, we often cannot add to what is already broadly available through online databases unless a family has donated original materials to DCHS through a Collections Gift. If you believe your family has contributed to our archives, let us know and we will be happy to check.
We’re grateful for your interest in Dutchess County’s history and look forward to supporting your research.
Board of Trustees
Rob Doyle, President
Wayne Nussbickel, Vice President, Development Chair
Jack Cina, Treasurer, Finance Chair
Christine Crawford-Oppenheimer, Secretary
Michael Boden
Jim Brands
Peter Bunten
Tom Cervone
Peter Forman
Eileen Hayden, Membership Co-chair
Karen H. Lambdin, Membership Chair
Melodye Moore, Collections Chair, Publications Co-chair
Rick Soedler
David Turner
Andrew Villani, Program/Comms/PR Chair
Marcy Wagman
William P. Tatum III, Ex-Officio, Publications Co-chair
Advisory Board
Steven Effron
Brad Kendall
Steve Lant
James Merrell
Dennis Murray
Al & Julia Rosenblatt
Fred Schaeffer
Denise Doring VanBuren
Local Vice Presidents
Amenia, Julian Strauss
Beacon, Diane Lapis
Beekman, vacant
Clinton, Craig Marshall, Chair
Dover, Valerie LaRobardier
Dover, Caroline Reichenberg
East Fishkill, Rick Soedler
Fishkill, vacant
Hyde Park, vacant
LaGrange, vacant
Milan, Vicky LoBrutto
Millbrook and Washington, Jim Inglis, Alison Brooks Meyers
Millerton, Ed Downey
North East, Jane Rossman
Pawling, Bob & Nancy Reilly
Pine Plains, Dyan Wapnick
Pleasant Valley, Marilyn Bradford
Poughkeepsie, Michael Dolan
Red Hook Town, Elisabeth Tatum
Red Hook Village, Sally Dwyer-McNulty
Rhinebeck, David Miller
Rhinebeck Village, Michael Frazier
Stanford, Kathy Spiers
Union Vale, Fran Wallin
Wappinger, Beth Devine
Our Address:
DCHS
6282 Route 9
Rhinebeck, NY 12572
Our former Post Office Box is no longer in use.