What We Believe and 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.
Learn more about us by watching this 2-minute video “We Believe History Speaks.”
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 assist you more effectively, we kindly request 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.
We’re grateful for your interest in Dutchess County’s history and look forward to supporting your research.
Bill Jeffway, Executive Director
bill.jeffway@dchsny.org
Board Members
- 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 Area 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