CARMEL- Putnam County celebrated its 212th birthday in a special way Wednesday by recognizing individuals and organizations for their collections of memorabilia resulting in a recorded history that will last for generations.
Tilly’s Table in Southeast was the backdrop for the 90 minute event emceed by Putnam Historian Jennifer Cassidy who recognized two former local historians—the late Denis Castelli and the late Gregory Amato who each assembled large and significant local history collections which have been donated by family members for archival preservation in the Putnam Historian’s collection.
History awards were also presented in recognition of outstanding work and dedication to recording, preserving and promoting Putnam’s proud history.
The Preserving Public History Award was granted to Paul Schmittman III of Putnam Valley and to Brian Vangor of Mahopac while the Exemplary Public History Award was presented to Deborah Oswald of the Southeast Museum and to Josephine Bach of the Putnam History Museum.
Carmel School District educators Denise Santalis, Keith Reilly and Rob Buccheri were honored with the Exemplary Public History in Schools Award for bringing America’s Revolutionary times to life for thousands of local school children.
Lifelong Putnam resident George Whipple III of Garrison was recognized for his many contributions to history and the preservation of Putnam County.
County Executive Kevin Byrne proclaimed Whipple as “Ambassador to Putnam County.”
The 100 people in attendance rose and applauded. Whipple thanked Byrne and Cassidy for their efforts in preserving the county’s history: “For those of you here this evening, thank you because without your efforts, we would not have preservation in our county nor would we have history. I love Putnam County. Thank you for the honor and recognition.”
