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The Society is the principal repository for all aspects of Dutchess County history, although, for many years, the organization had no permanent home. In 1979, the Society signed a cooperative agreement with the State to operate the Governor Clinton House in Poughkeepsie as its headquarters. A second agreement was signed in 1989, and a third has recently been signed. The Society also operates the City-owned Glebe House in Poughkeepsie.
The Dutchess County Historical Society is known for its publications, educational outreach and collection of archival material, photographs and dimensional objects, inclusive of the entire County. A Yearbook of articles on local history has been published annually since 1914 and is the oldest continuously published annual in New York State. In addition, 14 books on local history bear the Society’s imprint. The Society has developed a series of history trunks based on the local history curriculum for use in the 4th and 7th grades and offers a school program at Glebe House for students. Collaborations with Catherine Street Community Center and Mid-Hudson Children’s Museum have broadened our audience. Exhibits, lectures, conferences and tours round out the programming for members of the Society and for the community at large.
Professional staff was added in 1982 – a director, followed by a curator. Subsequent directors and curators have updated and improved all aspects of the Society’s management of its unique resources. The Society has worked to maintain links with past traditions while encouraging professional growth, new technologies and innovative programs for new audiences. Following a Trustee retreat several years ago, the Board made diversity a priority – to be reflected in the Board itself, its membership and its programs.
Support for the Society comes from dues, gifts, grants and donations. In 2001, the Trustees voted to create an endowment to be administered by the Community Foundation and funded the endowment in 2002. Gifts to the Society are tax deductible as allowed by law.
