The Catskill Chronicle

Hello:

Many of you know me in my role as the official Sullivan County Historian for the past 20 years, and/or as the author of Retrospect, the weekly newspaper column on local history I have been writing for more than 25 years. As a professional historian and historiographer, I know how important our past is and how critical it is to preserve and promote it. Unfortunately, for generations many people in this area have taken our history and our historic landmarks for granted and that casual attitude has diminished the appreciation current generations have for our past and allowed the monuments to our history to deteriorate. Furthermore, as a society, we no longer devote as much time and effort as we once did to teaching our children about the history of our country, let alone that of our region.

The time has come to reverse the tide.

Preserving and promoting our past is not only a good idea, it is essential for good citizenship. The study of history contributes to moral understanding and provides identity. And the promotion of our history to those outside our region, nurturing what has become known as heritage tourism, is good business for all of us.

I am pleased to announce that I am a co-founder and the first president of a new not-for-profit organization called The Delaware Company, named for the group of hardy Connecticut farmers who in 1755 overcame inestimable hardships to establish Cushetunk, the first permanent European settlement in the Upper Delaware River Valley. The Delaware Company’s mission is to promote and support the history and historic landmarks of the Upper Delaware River Valley through education, outreach and fundraising. While the group will function as a de facto “friends of” group for Fort Delaware Museum of Colonial History, the Minisink Battleground, and other historic landmarks, it will also sponsor presentations on historical topics, conduct narrated historical bus tours, and support and promote relevant historical programs sponsored by other organizations, such as the National Park Service.

The Delaware Company is in immediate need of funding to begin our important work.  Please consider making a tax deductible gift today.  You can mail your donation, made payable to The Delaware Company, to Katrina Chellis, Treasurer, P.O. Box 624 Jeffersonville, NY 12748. Your generosity is greatly appreciated, and your gift will be put to immediate use in helping us carry out our mission.

Thank you.

John Conway
Sullivan County Historian
www.sullivanretrospect.com