Sullivan County Historical Society

Sullivan County Historical Society is a historical society located in Sullivan County, New York, dedicated to preserving the history of the county and its surrounding areas, including Delaware River, Catskill Mountains, and Hudson Valley. The society is situated near the Village of Monticello, the county seat, and is close to other historic sites such as Minisink Battleground County Park and Fort Decker Museum of History. The society's work is influenced by the rich history of the region, which includes the Lenape people, Dutch colonization of the Americas, and the American Revolution, with key figures like George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, and King George III. The society's efforts are also connected to the broader historical context of New York State, including the New York State Museum and the New York State Historical Association.

● History

The Sullivan County Historical Society was founded in 1962 by a group of local historians and preservationists, including Milton C. Sanford, who were dedicated to preserving the history of Sullivan County, New York. The society's early work was influenced by the Sullivan County, New York, Board of Supervisors and the New York State Education Department. The society's first museum was established in 1966 in the Village of Monticello, with exhibits featuring artifacts from the Delaware and Hudson Canal, Ontario and Western Railway, and the Catskill Mountains region. The society has also worked with other local organizations, such as the Sullivan County, New York, Chamber of Commerce and the Sullivan County, New York, Planning Department, to promote the county's history and heritage. Key events in the society's history include the Bicentennial Celebration of 1976 and the Sesquicentennial Celebration of 1999, which were marked by exhibitions and programs at the National Archives and Records Administration and the Library of Congress.

● Mission_and_Objectives

The mission of the Sullivan County Historical Society is to collect, preserve, and interpret the history of Sullivan County, New York, with a focus on the Catskill Mountains region and the Delaware River valley. The society's objectives include promoting the county's history and heritage through exhibits, programs, and publications, such as the Sullivan County Democrat and the Times Herald-Record. The society also aims to support historical research and education, in partnership with institutions like SUNY New Paltz, Sullivan County Community College, and the New York State Historical Association. The society's work is guided by the principles of the American Historical Association and the National Council on Public History, and is influenced by the work of historians like Arthur Schlesinger Jr., Dorothy Kunhardt, and David McCullough.

● Collections_and_Exhibits

The Sullivan County Historical Society has a diverse collection of artifacts, documents, and photographs related to the history of Sullivan County, New York, including the Delaware and Hudson Canal, Ontario and Western Railway, and the Catskill Mountains region. The society's exhibits feature items such as mining equipment, farming tools, and domestic artifacts, as well as exhibits on the Lenape people, Dutch colonization of the Americas, and the American Revolution. The society also has a research library with materials on local history, genealogy, and archaeology, including the Sullivan County, New York, Census and the Sullivan County, New York, Deed Records. The society's collections are comparable to those of the New York State Museum and the Smithsonian Institution, and are influenced by the work of museums like the National Museum of the American Indian and the United States National Archives.

● Programs_and_Services

The Sullivan County Historical Society offers a range of programs and services, including guided tours, lectures, and workshops, in partnership with organizations like the Sullivan County, New York, Arts Council and the Catskill Center for Conservation and Development. The society also provides research assistance and genealogical services, using resources like the Sullivan County, New York, Genealogical Society and the National Genealogical Society. The society's programs are designed to promote the county's history and heritage, and to support historical research and education, in collaboration with institutions like SUNY New Paltz, Sullivan County Community College, and the New York State Historical Association. The society's events are often held in conjunction with other local organizations, such as the Sullivan County, New York, Chamber of Commerce and the Sullivan County, New York, Planning Department, and are influenced by the work of historians like Eric Foner, Linda Gordon, and Nell Irvin Painter.

● Governance_and_Membership

The Sullivan County Historical Society is governed by a board of trustees, which includes representatives from the Sullivan County, New York, Board of Supervisors, the New York State Education Department, and the Sullivan County, New York, Chamber of Commerce. The society is a member of the American Historical Association and the National Council on Public History, and is affiliated with other local historical societies, such as the Orange County Historical Society and the Ulster County Historical Society. The society's membership includes individuals and organizations from across the region, including historians, preservationists, and community leaders, such as Milton C. Sanford, Arthur Schlesinger Jr., and David McCullough. The society's governance and membership are influenced by the principles of the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the American Alliance of Museums, and are comparable to those of the New York State Historical Association and the Smithsonian Institution.

Category:Historical societies in New York (state)