WOODBURY- Many of our region’s historical societies have a core mission of preserving artifacts that tell stories of the local past, but these objects can hold additional value. As generations change, what may appear as the mundane relic of an old glass bottle, a dusty book, or even rusted metal are often some of the only tangible materials that reveal the hearts and hands that shaped the communities that we all live in today.
On Sunday, April 28, 2024, from noon to 4 p.m., the Woodbury Historical Society will sponsor “50 Items that Tell the Story of Southeastern Orange County,” an event involving ten like-minded organizations that will contribute artifacts best exemplifying the history of their communities. This special event, free and open to the public, will take place at the Town of Woodbury Senior Center, 16 County Route 105, Highland Mills, NY.
“The inspiration for this project can be drawn back to 2012 when the New York Times published an article titled ‘A History of New York in 50 Objects’,” said Woodbury Historical Society president Alex Prizgintas. “Including everything from a subway token to the iconic Greek coffee cups used at diners, I loved how history could be portrayed through objects seen as disposable.”
Not long after that article was published, the Woodbury Historical Society coordinated its own event: “50 Items that Tell The Story of Woodbury.” The project soon exceeded 50 items on display and proved popular, even inviting local families and the Woodbury Police Department to participate. With the historical societies and historians from the towns and villages of Chester, Cornwall, Harriman, Highland Falls, Monroe, Tuxedo, Woodbury, and Warwick as well as the Orange County Archaeological Chapter and Orange County Genealogical Society all participating this year, the emphasis will not just be on artifacts.
“We are looking for each group to contribute a maximum of ten items towards our mission,” said Prizgintas, “but I also hope that this event can encourage networking among the members of regional historical societies, as well as the general public, to meet and learn from each other. The history of Orange County is heavily connected between its municipalities and now, more than ever, preservation must be treated with a collaborative mindset. We hope all attendees walk away learning a little more about their communities and the groups that preserve this history.”
For additional questions, please call (845) 928-6770 or email woodbury1889@optonline.
