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 […]

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 […]

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 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 […]

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 […]