Two Poughkeepsie artists reflect two distinct 20th century generations

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Tools: Gravestones

19,000 Inscriptions Poucher & Reynolds, 1924: Burying Grounds of Sharon, CT, Amenia & North East, NY: Poughkeepsie, Red Hook, Salt Point, Crum Elbow, 1911:
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The Grange in Dutchess County

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Philip Smith Dutchess History 1609 to 1876

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Wilcox Park

Posted in: For everyone, Towns
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Troutbeck

DCHS Yearbook Encore Editions: Troutbeck The Dutchess County Historical Society is pleased to continue a long and dynamic relationship with Troutbeck, starting at the time of our founding with Joel and Amy Spingarn. As a historic place of assembly, reflection, and creativity, DCHS is proud to continue to share the story of Troutbeck. Below you find some examples of DCHS publications and writings related to Troutbeck. Profile of Amy Spingarn NAACP Conferences Spingarn on Gardening Value of Local History DCHS’s Inaugural Monogram Below are slides from a short talk given by Bill Jeffway April 22, 2022 at Troutbeck that examine the importance of place, and the intersection and convergence of dynamic communities and worldviews first laid out and greatly influenced by its location “in between” New England and New York, and between New York City and “upstate.”
Posted in: For everyone, Towns
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The Ongoing Pursuit of Historical Truths

Posted in: Awards, For everyone
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The Dutchess Award

This award honors exceptional contributions to the Dutchess County community and beyond in the areas of preservation, history, and/or education. 2022 Awardees: Lou & Candace Lewis At the 2018 Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley event which “honors individuals who are instrumental in improving lives through their community philanthropy,” Lou and Candace Lewis were recognized as “empowering local institutions both with financial support and personal involvement.” That is an apt description of their involvement with DCHS and local history for over a half century. Born and raised in Poughkeepsie, Lou’s involvement with DCHS formally started with his 1963 DCHS membership, the same year that he met Candace. “Two good choices that year,” Lou is happy to share! Candace’s involvement with local history commences at that time, as well.  A practicing lawyer for 50 years, Lou has represented many local non-profits including Scenic Hudson Land Trust, Locust Grove and Walkway over the Hudson. He serves on the board of the Dutchess County Interfaith Council. His is known at DCHS for his generosity of time, financial contributions, his fundraising efforts, and his ability to recruit key people, such as the current board President and Executive Director. Candace, a Vassar College graduate with a Ph.D. from the Institute of Fine Arts at NYU, has taught art history at Vassar and Marist colleges. Among her outstanding achievements at DCHS, in addition to being DCHS president, is her eight year tenure as DCHS Yearbook editor spanning the landmark 2014 Centennial Edition to volume 100, the 2021 Women of Dutchess County, New York: Voices and Talents, Part II. Candace’s invention of a two-part consecutive series amplifies the journal’s role as an in-depth resource that is used for generations. Whether measured individually, or together, Lou and Candace leave a lasting impression and have been among a top tier of financial donors, fundraisers, and stewards of DCHS and its landmark publication, the Yearbook. Lou & Candace Lewis At the 2018 Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley event which “honors individuals who are instrumental in improving lives through their community philanthropy,” Lou and Candace Lewis were recognized as “empowering local institutions both with financial support and personal involvement.” That is an apt description of their involvement with DCHS and local history for over a half century. Born and raised in Poughkeepsie, Lou’s involvement with DCHS formally started with his 1963 DCHS membership, the same year that he met Candace. “Two good choices that year,” Lou is happy to share! Candace’s involvement with local history commences at that time, as well.  A practicing lawyer for 50 years, Lou has represented many local non-profits including Scenic Hudson Land Trust, Locust Grove and Walkway over the Hudson. He serves on the board of the Dutchess County Interfaith Council. His is known at DCHS for his generosity of time, financial contributions, his fundraising efforts, and his ability to recruit key people, such as the current board President and Executive Director. Candace, a Vassar College graduate with a Ph.D. from the Institute of Fine Arts at NYU, has taught art history at Vassar and Marist colleges. Among her outstanding achievements at DCHS, in addition to being DCHS president, is her eight year tenure as DCHS Yearbook editor spanning the landmark 2014 Centennial Edition to volume 100, the 2021 Women of Dutchess County, New York: Voices and Talents, Part II. Candace’s invention of a two-part consecutive series amplifies the journal’s role as an in-depth resource that is used for generations. Whether measured individually, or together, Lou and Candace leave a lasting impression and have been among a top tier of financial donors, fundraisers, and stewards of DCHS and its landmark publication, the Yearbook. Prior Awardees Ralph & Doris Adams ~ J. Winthrop Aldrich ~ Myra Young Armstead ~ Barbara & Robert Bielenberg ~ D. David Conklin ~ Elizabeth A. Daniels ~ Frank Doherty ~ Edward E. Downey ~ Margaretta Downey ~ Jesse Effron ~ Frances Fergusson ~ John J. Gartland, Jr. ~ Joyce C. Ghee ~ Burton Gold ~ John & Gloria Golden ~ Frederica S. Goodman ~ Clyde Griffen ~ James F. Hall ~ Ada Scism Harrison ~ Bernard & Shirley Handel ~ E. Stuart & Linda Hubbard ~ Larry Hughes ~ Bradford H. Kendall ~ Michael Korda ~ Bill & Mary Lunt ~ Melodye K. Moore ~ Robert Murphy ~ Dennis J. Murray ~ Joseph N. Norton ~ Walter Patrice ~ Ruth Stafford Peale ~ Alice Provensen ~ Frances S. Reese ~ Caroline Reichenberg ~ Lorraine M. Roberts ~ Gretta Tritch Roman ~ Albert M. Rosenblatt ~ Fred Schaeffer ~ Dr. Sam Simon ~ Willa Skinner ~ Elizabeth Smith ~ Roger Smith ~ Marie Tarver ~ Gretta Tritch Roman ~ Denis D. VanBuren ~ Barbara Van Itallie ~ Norma W. VanKleeck ~ Kay Tremper Verilli ~ Mary Kay Vrba ~ Richard K. Wager ~ Kenneth Walpuck ~ Thomas S. Wermuth
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Excellence in Education

Honors teachers at Dutchess County middle or high schools who bring innovation and creativity to impart a love and appreciation of local history. 2022 Awardee:Henry Frischknecht, Bulkeley Middle School, Rhinebeck Henry came to our attention last summer when he led an effort across Bulkeley Middle School Social Studies Classes, in Rhinebeck, encouraging students to creatively express what they learned about the event called Juneteenth, which had just been announced as a new federal holiday. Ensuring students were briefed with a good deal of local history, students created individual flags that when put together added up to a single iconic flag that was featured on the front lawn of Rhinebeck Town Hall. Frischknecht is known for having abandoned the old memorize-and-test approach. Instead, he invents creative approaches that use innovative technology to first inform students about a subject, and then subsequently asks them to express their critical thinking and understanding in equally creative ways. One of his most recent projects involves having students develop a documentary film discussing topics related to the Civil War.  He has brought in local film makers, leveraged students’ technological aptitude and brought in a multitude of primary sources, allowing them to research, script, film, and edit their own movies.  “This is the kind of authentic experience that helps our kids to think critically and be creative outside of the classroom” he said. Henry holds a BA in Liberal Arts from Dutchess Community College, continued his education at SUNY Albany where he majored in History with minors in Religious Studies and Anthropology, and completed his M.Ed degree at Marist in 2010.
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