DHCS Events

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

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.

The Rich Mosaic of Rural Life in Early Dutchess County Revealed The public joined descendants of Amenia’s Bockee family (pronounced boh-KAY) at the historic Smithfield Church in Amenia on Saturday, July 16, 2022. The Dutchess County Historical Society (DCHS) and Amenia Historical Society (AHS) co-hosted the event since both organizations have important collections related to the family. Talks were given by DCHS and AHS Trustee Betsy Strauss, DCHS Collections Chair & Trustee Melodye Moore, and DCHS Executive Director, Bill Jeffway. The period of time examined ranged from the late 17th century, when the Bockee family first purchased 350 acres in the area in 1698 (they actually built a home and settled around 1761) through to the end of the Civil War, and into the mid 20th century. As talented, educated, community-oriented establishment figures with means, the family could have chosen to live in Poughkeepsie or New York City, and for certain periods of time, certain family members did. But essentially, over the centuries the family chose to live a rural life. Items from DCHS & Amenia Historical Society Collections That Were Featured at the Church Bockee School Silk Coverlet by Students Bockee Medical Chest Civil War

The past informs a better future. Future potential inspires us to understand the past. Special thanks to Walkway Over the Hudson for hosting this event. Bill Jeffway, is the Executive Director of the Dutchess County Historical Society. He serves on the research committee of Celebrating the African Spirit, a Poughkeepsie-based group dedicated to ensuring our public spaces in particular recognize an inclusive history. Chris Kroner in a Principal of MASS Design Group. The organization’s stated mission is “to research, build, and advocate for architecture that promotes justice and human dignity.” You are welcome to look at the images from the presentation Use full screen icon at bottom left of screen for best viewing. These images are from a June 6, 2021 presentation hosted by Walkway Over the Hudson, and co-presented by the Dutchess County Historical Society and MASS Design Group. Comments and photos recently shared with us, after the presentation Rob and Sue Doyle are collectors of 19th century Hudson River School paintings, and shared this photo of

Each year the Dutchess County Historical Society offers awards that recognize and encourage best practices in local history. The Helen Wilkinson Reynolds Award goes to an individual who has demonstrated a commitment to the “necessary and accurate pursuit of historical truth.” The Dutchess Award is given for “exceptional contributions in preservation, history & education.” The Business of Historic Distinction Award is given for longstanding tradition of service & commitment to Dutchess County residents. Eileen Mylod Hayden Award for teachers who impart a love of local history on students. Click on any image to learn more.