overview

What we believe & 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.     Watch a 2-minute video introduction:     bill.jeffway@dchsny.org   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 help us assist you effectively, we ask 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. Board of Trustees   Rob Doyle, PresidentWayne Nussbickel, Vice President, Development ChairJack Cina, Treasurer, Finance ChairChristine Crawford-Oppenheimer, SecretaryMichael BodenJim BrandsPeter BuntenTom CervonePeter FormanEileen Hayden, Membership Co-chair Karen H. Lambdin, Membership ChairMelodye Moore, Collections Chair, Publications Co-chairRick SoedlerDavid TurnerAndrew Villani, Program/Comms/PR ChairMarcy WagmanWilliam P. Tatum III, Ex-Officio, Publications Co-chair   Advisory Board   Steven EffronBrad KendallSteve LantJames Merrell Dennis MurrayAl & Julia RosenblattFred SchaefferDenise Doring VanBuren   Local Vice Presidents   Amenia, Julian StraussBeacon, Diane LapisBeekman, vacantClinton, Craig Marshall, ChairDover, Valerie LaRobardierDover, Caroline ReichenbergEast Fishkill, Rick SoedlerFishkill, vacantHyde Park, vacantLaGrange, vacantMilan, Vicky LoBruttoMillbrook and Washington, Jim Inglis, Alison Brooks Meyers Millerton, Ed DowneyNorth East, Jane RossmanPawling, Bob & Nancy ReillyPine Plains, Dyan WapnickPleasant Valley, Marilyn BradfordPoughkeepsie, Michael DolanRed Hook Town, Elisabeth TatumRed Hook Village, Sally Dwyer-McNultyRhinebeck, David MillerRhinebeck Village, Michael FrazierStanford, Kathy SpiersUnion Vale, Fran WallinWappinger, Beth Devine     Our Address: DCHS6282 Route 9Rhinebeck, NY 12572 Our former Post Office Box is no longer in use.