The Columbia County Historical Society gives out the 2011 Columbia County Heritage Awards this Saturday to Stuyvesant historian Juanita Knott, Historic Hudson's Tim Dunleavey, the Hudson Opera House, and Philmont restuarant Local 111. “We are recognizing individuals who have shown a lifetime of dedication to preserving the history of the county and two organizations that have demonstrated the critical role historic preservation can play in community development and economic revitalization,” said CCHS Executive Director, Ann-Eliza Lewis in a press release. The Awards will be presented during the Society’s annual meeting this Sat. October 15 at 10 a.m. on the grounds of the Vanderpoel House of History, 16 Broad Street, Kinderhook. The Annual Meeting is followed at 12:30 by the CCHS Civil War Music and Dance Festival and the OK Fall Fest. More information on the winners of 2011 Columbia County Heritage Awards follow the link.



Biographies of the winners


Hudson Opera House, Hudson

Describing itself as a “multi-arts center”, the Hudson Opera House has clearly demonstrated how a historic building can be a vital force in a community. The imposing building is an anchor on Warren Street in Hudson. Built in 1855 to serve as Hudson City Hall, it was always at the center of the community with civic offices downstairs and a theater on the second floor. Many national figures spoke there including Susan B. Anthony and both Frederic Church and Sanford Gifford showed their paintings. The careful restoration of the building, which is the oldest surviving theater in New York State, is a continuing effort. Led by Executive Director Gary Schiro, programming at the opera house includes a vast range of arts activities that reflect the diversity of the Hudson community.



Local 111, Philmont

Local 111 is recognized for the stunning adaptive reuse of an abandoned garage on Main Street in the village of Philmont. Where local residents formerly went for car repair, they can now enjoy fine food prepared with local ingredients. Owners Linda Gatter and Max Dennis were inspired in part to undertake the transformation of the Schemerhorn’s Garage after hearing a lecture in the Philmont town hall on the revitalization of main streets. Local 111 is a fine example of the role historic preservation and adaptive reuse plays in economic revitalization of communities.



Juanita Knott, Stuyvesant Town Historian

Juanita Knott has been the historian for the town of Stuyvesant since 1996 and is a whirlwind of knowledge about her community. CCHS has chosen to recognize her this year in honor of the publication “Stories of Stuyvesant” which includes a history of the town of a book on the history of the town and a series of topical chapter that together form a comprehensive history of the community.



Timothy Dunleavy

Tim Dunleavy has been a tireless advocate for preserving the architectural history of Hudson for more than a decade. As the founder and president of Historic Hudson, he has raised awareness through a variety of educational programs, tours, and publications. Tim is also the leader of the movement to preserve The Dr Oliver Plumb Bronson House.



This year’s Columbia County Heritage Awards will be presented during the Society’s annual meeting, which will be held Saturday October 15th at 10 am on the grounds of the Vanderpoel House of History, 16 Broad Street, Kinderhook. The Annual Meeting is followed at 12:30 by the CCHS Civil War Music and Dance Festival and the OK Fall Fest. For more information on these vents, please visit the CCHS website, www.cchsny.org.