Local historians present ‘Fifty People who shaped Orange County’ program on April 27
Highland Mills. Historical societies or town/village historians from Chester, Cornwall, Greenwood Lake, Goshen, Harriman, Highland Falls, Monroe, Tuxedo, Warwick and Woodbury will all share histories of influential individuals from their communities.
Florida /
| 13 Apr 2025 | 02:15
Woodbury Historical Society President Alex Prizgintas with historical documents. Photo provided.
The Woodbury Historical Society is hosting a program on “Fifty People who Shaped Orange County,” on Sunday, April 27, from noon to 4 p.m.
The event will bring together twelve local organizations, each of which will share stories of community members that have developed Orange County into what it is today.
“History and community have been shaped by the hearts and hands of those who have dedicated themselves to our region,” said Alex Prizgintas, who leads the Woodbury Historical Society.
This year, historical societies or town/village historians from Chester, Cornwall, Greenwood Lake, Goshen, Harriman, Highland Falls, Monroe, Tuxedo, Warwick and Woodbury, in addition to the Orange County Genealogical Society and the Orange County Archaeological Chapter, will all share histories of influential individuals from their communities.
“Last year, we launched the debut of this theme with a focus on fifty items instead of people, to great success,” said Prizgintas. “Beyond the marvelous collections of artifacts that were contributed by each group, what was perhaps more impactful were the connections made between members of each organization and the general public. As the future of local history preservation in Orange County depends more and more on the success of historical societies and the efforts of town historians, promoting such engaging events is paramount to ensuring strong community bonds.”
“Fifty People who Shaped Orange County” will take place at the Town of Woodbury Senior Center, 16 County Route 105, Highland Mills.
This event is open to the public and light food as well as refreshments will be served while attendees view exhibits.
For more information, contact the Woodbury Historical Society at 845-928-6770 or email woodbury1889@optonline.net.
Four of the 50 people who shaped Orange County
The individuals chosen reflect a wide array of life and diversity:
Politicians such as William H. Seward, President Lincoln’s Secretary of State, who was born in the Village of Florida.
Industrialists like E.H. Harriman of today’s Village of Harriman.
Entertainers such as Gypsy Rose Lee who once lived in Highland Mills.
Social activists like Harriet Terry who founded the nation’s first African American sorority and once lived in Cornwall.