-
Things to Do
-
Plan
-
About
Nominees for the Storytelling Award of Distinction have demonstrated a unique perspective and ability to connect with visitors when sharing the site’s history, heritage and culture. Join Dutchess Tourism in celebrating all the honorees at the 10th annual Dutchess Tourism Awards of Distinction on Wednesday, November 1, 2023, at The Henry A. Wallace Center at the FDR Presidential Library and Home in Hyde Park. Read more about the event and purchase tickets here.
Read on to learn more about each Storytelling Award of Distinction finalist.
Geoff Benton and the Interpretative Staff, Clermont State Historic Site: In 2021, Clermont State Historic Site, home to seven generations of the Livingston family and the hundreds of men and women who lived and worked on the estate, joined New York State’s Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation’s “Our Whole History” initiative, which aims to explore Indigenous, Black, LGBTQ+, and other stories still untold by historic sites throughout the state. “Our Whole History” seeks to bring a more balanced historic narrative to public awareness, enriching both our state’s history and the stories we share throughout the Parks and Sites. Through on-going research and new interpretations, Clermont seeks to create a more inclusive environment, more reflective of our multicultural past, and welcoming to all.
Pamela O’Brien, The Art Effect at the Trolley Barn Gallery: Located on Middle Main Street in downtown Poughkeepsie, the Trolley Barn Gallery is the first-ever youth-led art gallery in New York State. Young people, ages 14–19, in The Art Effect’s curatorial workforce development program learn about careers in the arts through hands-on gallery management, curatorial practices, exhibition design and installation. They also network through field trips and collaborations with esteemed guest artists and curators. The Trolley Barn Gallery is a destination for tourists and locals alike who want a fresh take on contemporary art filtered through the lens of Poughkeepsie’s youth.
Tara Grieb, Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome: The Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome is a living history museum of early aviation. Started in 1958 by Cole Palen, we educate and entertain showcasing aviation from the pioneer through the Lindbergh era. As a nonprofit organization, we strive to bring guests to the aerodrome as tourists, as students and as enthusiasts.
Geoff Benton and the Interpretative Staff, Clermont State Historic Site: In-depth research into Clermont’s extensive collections and primary sources led to the creation of a new Visitor Center exhibit. This transformative exhibit, written with the assistance of a community advisory group and representatives from Indigenous communities, including the Stockbridge-Munsee, tells the story of Clermont from a whole new perspective. We discuss the lives of the enslaved men and women owned by the Livingstons; 26 have been identified by name so far. The exhibit reveals untold stories of the Indigenous communities living on the land before the Livingstons. A dialogic tour of the mansion was developed that expands on these untold stories, stimulating a discussion between the tour guide and the visitors as they learn the history of the family, the enslaved men and women, and servants that lived/worked at Clermont. These changes are also reflected in our Harvesting History Teaching Garden, with students planting indigenous crops using historic methods and staff researching the plants that may have been cultivated by northern enslaved persons.
Pamela O’Brien, The Art Effect at the Trolley Barn Gallery: The Art Effect empowers youth to develop their creative voice to shape their futures and bring about positive social change. Through youth-generated themes, the Trolley Barn Gallery invites local, regional, and national artists working at all levels to participate in exhibitions and programs that resonate with and reflect Poughkeepsie’s diverse communities. “Quiet as it’s kept” features work in a variety of media by 25 artists who identify as Black in a wide-ranging multigenerational exhibition that celebrates the diversity of the contemporary Black experience. Co-curated by youth with Hudson Valley artist Ransome and gallerist Janice Bond of ART IS BOND Gallery in Houston, the show lets loose artists who have often been “kept quiet" by established art world systems.
Tara Grieb, Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome: There are a variety of ways that we tell the story. From group tours and our youth aviation program to our airshows and our other special events, we want people to understand how unique the Aerodrome is. Nowhere else can you see so many cars and planes. We do 36 shows a year, weather permitting. When at a show, you are immersed in the sights, smells, and sounds of vintage aviation. We offer biplane rides so that our guests can experience the thrill of early flight themselves as they view the beautiful Hudson Valley. We also tell our story by helping other groups (films, documentaries, student groups, etc.) utilize our amazing collection in a variety of ways, from filming a show or movie to gaining hands-on experience with the restoration and care of these amazing planes and cars.
Geoff Benton and the Interpretative Staff, Clermont State Historic Site: The single biggest challenge in this new way of storytelling has been engaging our visitors in conversation on the tour. Some visitors are reluctant to participate in a dialog and others have shared that we are disrespecting certain historic figures by telling stories that were traditionally overlooked. It has been a learning experience for the staff, finding a way to bring our visitors into the conversation, as we strive to bring all those that lived and worked here to the forefront of Clermont’s story.
Pamela O’Brien, The Art Effect at the Trolley Barn Gallery: The biggest challenge we face in telling our story — and the opportunity we love most — is softening resistance from adults who underestimate the depth of the creativity, passion, and wisdom the youth we work with have to offer. Youth in Poughkeepsie and the Mid-Hudson region have important things to say about their individual and collective futures, leadership, and community. We have learned that by empowering their voices, they speak eloquently about the world they hope to live in and create. “Quiet as it’s kept” is also about softening the resistance, but from established art institutions that have historically tokenized Black existence. This exhibition of contemporary Black art explores the depths of the Black experience and translates its complex visual dialect.
Tara Grieb, Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome: Our biggest challenge is how to advertise. People don't read newspapers or watch commercials like they used to. Social media seems to be the one constant vehicle to spread the word about any organization at this time. Another challenge is how people spend their time. People often book a variety of events or locations to visit within a single day. Families are going in several different directions each day and time is spent differently than it used to be. We are learning to offer different things in addition to our airshows. We started a Wednesday night event for locals with food trucks, bands, and biplane rides. We are working on being available for corporate retreats and other special events, and we are looking at other ways to host and entertain people.
Covid-19 Information 
Our top priority is the safety, health, and wellbeing of our community, its residents and visitors.
Information for visitors & residents Information & Resources
