-
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 11th annual Dutchess Tourism Awards of Distinction on Wednesday, November 13, 2024, 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.
William P. Tatum III, PhD, Dutchess County Department of History: Established by New York State Law and the Dutchess County Charter, the Department of History is responsible for coordinating the Dutchess County History Community, developing and delivering research-based programs, and conducting archival access projects in collaboration with Dutchess County Clerk Brad Kendall. The Department also partners with Dutchess Tourism to connect visitors and residents with compelling stories from our 340 years of history.
Martha Barry, Alumnae House: Alumnae House: The Inn at Vassar College opened in 1924. Over its century-long legacy, Alumnae House has served as a timeless home and central hub for Vassar alums, students, their families, and the entire college and local community. Alumnae House is dedicated to providing a welcoming environment where relationships are formed or rekindled and community-building thrives. Our uniquely appointed guest rooms, which are open to the public, offer modern amenities while preserving the historic ambiance of the inn. The iconic spaces on the first floor provide a gracious venue for events, large and small, including weddings, celebrations, meetings, and fundraisers. Alumnae House is a bridge between the Vassar campus, the local community, and the world as we welcome guests from all over the globe to Dutchess County.
Tara Grieb, Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome: The Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome is a living history museum and attraction of early aviation. Flying 38 airshows a year with over 70 planes in the collection, we are globally recognized as a premier collection and display of early aircraft. There is no better way to learn than to see, hear and feel it for yourself! Now in our 66th season, the Aerodrome is a unique gem in Dutchess County and the Hudson Valley.
William P. Tatum III, PhD, Dutchess County Department of History: Through our primary source research, digging into maps, deeds, court records, newspapers, and other historical material, we identify compelling stories that have been lost to time. Through programming, including our flagship Tavern Trail series, we present these stories in a manner calculated to appeal to diverse audiences and to increase general interest in Dutchess County's past.
Martha Barry, Alumnae House: Alumnae House has had a very rich history since its opening in 1924. We hosted a large Centennial Celebration on April 4, 2024, at Alumnae House with over 400 attendees from near and far. All Vassar alums, students, and employees, as well as many local community members, friends, dignitaries, and vendors, were invited to the party. Many elements of the celebration harkened back to the original 1924 dedication of Alumnae House. There was a procession from campus crossing Raymond Avenue and marching up to the House. A cappella groups, tap dancers, brass musicians, clowns, and pianists performed throughout the evening. Displays included an installation of the original dedicatory scrolls, historical pictures, documents, and correspondence, and 1920s garments. Food reminiscent of the old Pub menus, including the famous Vassar Devils and Vassar Angels desserts, was served. The celebratory program at the end of the event included several speakers, a reading of the poem Alma Mater written for the anniversary, and a toast to the next 100 years. Favors included a 26-page commemorative booklet detailing the history of Alumnae House, a bookmark, and a chocolate bar made especially for this event. Commemorative books are placed in every guest room, and guests are encouraged to take them. The displays from the celebration are often put up for various groups staying at Alumnae House or for those having events at Alumnae House. A video of the celebration is also featured on the Alumnae House website. We will continue to tell the story of Alumnae House as guests stay at the inn or locals wander in to see this iconic building. The VQ, Vassar's alumnae/i magazine with a distribution of over 39,000, also featured a 16-page article in its Fall/Winter 2023 edition.
Tara Grieb, Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome: Our adventure-filled airshows give guests a chance to see early aviation develop live in front of them. Daring skilled flying, family-friendly stories and characters and interesting demonstrations abound in our two-hour airshows each weekend. We offer guests the chance to experience it themselves with our barnstorming rides and lighthouse tours. We also offer camps, field trips and other special events.
William P. Tatum III, PhD, Dutchess County Department of History: Our biggest challenge has been breaking through the mould of academic history to reach our public audiences where they are: outside the doors of lecture halls and usually not thinking about the past at all. Through trial and error combined with careful reflection, we have developed a model that answers the “so what” questions of the story’s overall significance and keeps attendees coming back for more. Through this process, the Tavern Trail has played a vital role in shaping our understanding of what elements of Dutchess County’s deep past most appeal to current audiences.
Martha Barry, Alumnae House: The biggest challenge was researching all of the information about the founding of Alumnae House and its history, then making sure that it was accurate and presented in a way that was easy for people to understand and grasp. A team of employees and volunteers collaborated to get this work done. With alums all over the world, we told the story of Alumnae House through the VQ magazine. For those who could not attend the Centennial celebration, we provided the "sizzle" video on our website and offered to mail the commemorative booklets to anyone who requested one. For those in the local community, many of whom are regular clients, we personally reached out via phone calls, emails, and printed invitations. We offer to share the history of Alumnae House with any group having an event here as many people are naturally interested in the history of the building upon entering it. For those yet to come, we have the booklets available, we have displays throughout the House, and the staff is well-versed to tell the story about Alumnae House. Ultimately, we just had to figure out who would be interested in this milestone anniversary of Alumnae House and meet them wherever they were — whether it was in person, through a website, or via printed material.
Tara Grieb, Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome: Our biggest challenge is sharing what we do with the masses so that more people (outside of aviation lovers) know who we are, what we do and what we offer. Our second biggest challenge is funding the operation so that we can continue to educate and entertain.
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
