Orange County, New York: Fifty Items That Tell Its Story

On Sunday, April 28, 2024, the Woodbury Historical Society sponsored “50 Items that Tell the Story of Southeastern Orange County.” The event involved 10 historical societies with each contributing artifacts best exemplifying the history of their communities. An astounding success, more than 250 attendees visited to learn about the region's rich past while each organization was able to learn from fellow historians and attendees alike.
”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,’” explained Woodbury Historical Society President Alex Prizgintas. “Including everything from a subway token to the iconic Greek paper coffee cups used at diners. I loved how history could be portrayed and preserved through objects; some disposable.”
Represented that day were 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. Each society participating this year brought treasured artifacts and remarkable stories.
”Each group contributed a maximum of 10 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 shared history of Orange County is heavily woven between its municipalities and now, more than ever, we must protect, preserve, and publish our history while engaging with a collaborative spirit. We hope all attendees walked away learning a little more about their communities and the groups that help preserve our history.”
For more information on each of the participating organizations, see their websites below:
Chester Historical Society: www.chesterhistoricalsociety.com
Cornwall Historical Society: www.cornwallhistoricalsocietym...
Harriman Village Historian: www.villageofharriman.org/vil...
Highlands Historical Society: highlands-ny.gov/About-Highla...
Monroe Historical Society: www.monroehistoryny.org
Orange County Archaeological Chapter: sites.google.com/site/ioccnys...
Orange County Genealogical Society: ocgsny.org
Tuxedo Historical Society: www.tuxedohistoricalsociety.org
Warwick Historical Society: www.warwickhistory.org
Woodbury Historical Society: woodburyhistoricalsociety.org
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More on Alex Prizgintas:
Website: alexprizgintas.com
Facebook: / alex.prizgintas
Instagram: / alexprizgintas

[@jiahuiphillipzou-oq8ue]

Love this video and event. Keep them coming please !!!

[@viktorprizgintas1536]

What a great first effort! I'm looking forward to planning next year's "50 Items." Maybe 100 items that tell the story?