About The Sheridan, New York Historical
Society
The Sheridan Historical Society was chartered by the New York State
Board of Regents in June 2000 as a private, non-profit educational
corporation working to promote a greater knowledge of and appreciation
for the history of Sheridan, New York. The society is an all-volunteer
organization headed by its volunteer officers and Board of Trustees.
Our Mission
As stated in our Constitution, the purpose of the historical society
is “to cultivate a greater knowledge of and appreciation
for the history of Sheridan, New York, and its environs, from the
earliest history of the land and its first inhabitants to the evolving
history of the modern town and its people.” In keeping with
this mission, the society:
- Encourages original historical research
- Gathers, preserves,
displays and makes available for study various artifacts, books,
papers, photographs, and other records
and materials
that have been created or used in Sheridan, or are otherwise
relevant to the history or life of the community
- Sponsors interpretive exhibits, public programs, and related
outreach projects aimed at sharing with the community and
passing on to future
generations an understanding of Sheridan’s history and
its place in larger historical contexts
- Advocates the preservation
and marking of historic sites and structures located in the
town
Youngsters from the Sheridan Youth Recreation Program investigate
some early 1900s tools at a historical society summer outreach program.
Meetings & Events
Regular meetings are held at 7 p.m. the last Monday of each month
in the Sheridan Town Hall. New members are always welcome. Periodically,
the society also hosts speakers and other special events. For more
information about upcoming meetings or events, click here. The annual
meeting is held the last Monday evening in January for the purpose
of electing officers and organizing for the year ahead.
The Sheridan Historical Center
Located on the second
floor of the Sheridan Town Hall where the Independent Order of the
Odd Fellows used to meet, the Sheridan Historical
Center serves as the headquarters for the society. The space is made
available to the society by a generous lease agreement with the Town
of Sheridan. The Center houses the society’s historical collection,
much of which is on display. Special exhibit panels created for the
town’s bicentennial celebration in 2004 are displayed near
the entrance. “The Earliest Years: Sheridan to 1827” tells
the story of Sheridan’s settlement and the incorporation of
the town in 1827. Selected information is also available for beginning
genealogists and students researching local history.
The Historical Center is open seasonally, from 1 to 4 p.m. on the
second and fourth Sundays of July and August, or by appointment.
Additional hours are scheduled throughout the year for special events.
There is no charge for admission. The Town Hall is located on the
corner of Route 20 and Center Road in Sheridan.
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At left, a parlor vignette
fronts a display of various Victorian artifacts, clothing,
and memorabilia located
in the rear of the Historical Center. Visitors to the Center
may also learn about the settlement and incorporation of the
Town of Sheridan in “The Earliest Years” exhibit,
which was prepared for the town’s bicentennial celebration
in the summer of 2004. Pictured at right is the introductory
panel for this exhibit. |
2005 Society Officers:
President: Richard Langworthy
Vice President: Lisa Romano
Secretary: Mary Langworthy
Treasurer: Dale Mirth
Trustees
Virginia T. Becker (Chair)
Edwin Hamlet
Traci Langworthy (Clerk)
Betty Logan
Jim Tofil
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From left are historical society officers Richard Langworthy,
president; Mary Langworthy, secretary; Dale Mirth, treasurer;
and Lisa Romano, vice president. |
Now and Then Newsletter
The society publishes a
newsletter called Now and Then twice a year for society members and
interested members of the public. Each
issue features at least one article of original local historical
research. Past issues also have included remembrances of long-time
Sheridan residents and photographs from the society’s collection.
For More Information
For more information about
any of the society’s activities,
membership, or the Sheridan Historical Center, please call 672-2201
or stop by one of the society’s regular monthly meetings noted
above. You also may address your comments or questions to our officers
at:
Sheridan Historical Society
P.O. Box 95
Sheridan, New York 14135
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