DCHS Updated Online Activities
by Bill Jeffway, Executive Director, Dutchess County Historical Society
We hope and trust that you, your family, friends and colleagues are all well at this difficult time. History informs us that we do well to keep our eye on the horizon and have a plan for a happy and healthy post-COVID-19 world, equal to a rigorous plan of preparedness for getting through it now. In that spirit, I’d like to offer an update!
No programs April or May. While we are able to operate a good deal remotely (Clinton House is no longer open), we are postponing any programs or events scheduled for April and May, including the Annual Meeting. June is the best-case time frame for a return to such gatherings. But like everyone else, we will be guided by the advice of experts.
For the Immediate Term. We have been quietly building our online capabilities and you are invited to spend time exploring them! Click on any of the images below. The first takes you to the “homepage:”
A Rare Gem! We intended to show this recently discovered 4-minute training film from 1917 at our Annual Meeting. Just as the US was entering WWI and food was becoming scarce, it features three Poughkeepsie women . Courtesy of the Eastman Museum. I have to ask you to not duplicate or take screen grabs out of respect for the Museum’s request. We did pay a fee for its showing, so we encourage you to view it! But, please, with this caveat to avoid any duplication. The password is: Nina
Digital Bookshelf growing. Both Google and DCHS are in the process of digitizing our Yearbooks. Take advantage of the searchable subject index or search the books directly as you would with any online search. This is not yet complete, but has a good portion:
DCHS policy is that the three most recent Yearbooks are password protected for members/donors/supporters. I am able to share the two most recent (Part I & II on WWI) at this link with password: armistice
End of Summer Programming/Exhibition on Track. Progress continues on the development of our major exhibition and talks for the end of summer (September 5 through 27 at Barrett Art Center) which features the restored paintings, and legacy, of one of the country’s best artists, LaGrange’s Caroline Morgan Clowes. Info at:
I plan to reach out by email a bit more frequently than in the past to direct your attention to things that may be of interest. Of course let me know if you are finding them useful or how they could be of more interest.
You will find us on Facebook and an emerging presence on Instagram.
Please feel free to email me with questions: Click Here To Email Bill
