Submitted by Amie Alden, Livingston County Historian

I would like to thank all those who made the 2009 Fall Meeting of the Government Appointed Historians of Western New York held at the Star Theatre in Dansville on Saturday, October 3rd a huge success! More than eighty historians and guests from ten counties throughout western New York traveled to Livingston County to participate in this event and the community welcomed all with open arms.

Special thanks to Chuck and Edgar Schmidt for allowing us to spend the entire day in their beautifully restored “Grand Lady” movie house and to Dom Chimento and Darlene Kelley who served us a tasty lunch at the Old Madrid. Also our thanks go to Jason Howard at Jack’s Place who provided the hearty morning refreshments and Alice Burdick who helped with the details so the day would run smoothly.

The historians were very impressed with reception they received from North Dansville Town Supervisor Dennis Mahus, Dansville Mayor Bill Dixon, Chamber of Commerce President Cynthia Oswald, County Tourism Director Lisa Burns, the Dansville Chamber of Commerce representative Susan DeMuth, and Mary Jo Marks who conducted the tour of the 1st Chapter of the American Red Cross.

Additionally I would like to recognize all the town historians and volunteers from my office who helped out by answering questions and providing information to all who attended. Our speakers were very well received and in addition to the Schmidts included: Kathryn Hollinger of the Genesee Valley Council on the Arts and James Somerville, retired History professor at SUNY Geneseo and John Ketwig, author and Vietnam Veteran who traveled from New Jersey to attend.

Livingston County is so privileged to have the support of county and town officials and so many dedicated individuals who respect their heritage and are willing to donate time, energy and creativity to ensure that our history is celebrated and preserved. Thanks to them, it makes my job very rewarding.

Tagged as: Dansville area, Geneseo-Groveland, Mount Morris