Research & Finding Tools

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