Fishkill Historical Society Celebrates 50th Anniversary

Written by Susan Campriello Poughkeepsie Journal For more check out the papers website www.poughkeepsiejournal.com or subscribe to it as I do. FISHKILL — In 1960, Shirley “Trotsie” Mathews began working to lay the groundwork to form the Fishkill Historical Society and to save the Van Wyck Homestead, which was slated for demolition to make way for a cloverleaf ramp off Interstate 84. The homestead had been requisitioned as a Continental Army “officers headquarters” during the Revolutionary War and was assigned to the Fishkill Supply Depot, and was visited by George Washington, according to the now 50-year-old society. Mathews said the interest she found showed “that the people of Fishkill felt it was worth saving.” The society, which gathers and preserves resources related to Fishkill’s history and the homestead, incorporated in 1962. It begins celebrating its 50th anniversary this month. Joey Cavaccini, a 12-year-old member from Wappinger, will help kick off the celebration by presenting a history of the organization, complete with photographs and interviews with some of the group’s founding members. His presentation will be at 3 p.m. April 29 in Fishkill’s Van Wyck Hall. Cavaccini said he learned through the project the challenges the group faced as it worked to persuade the state Department of Transportation to spare the building. “It was really hard to save the house,” he said. Other planned anniversary events include a kickoff reception Friday at Fishkill’s Piano Piano Wine Bar, a tour of three historic churches and about a dozen historic homes in Fishkill and Beacon in May, a children’s quilting workshop in June and a portrayal of the life of Revolutionary War spy Enoch Crosby in September. Society President Steven Lynch said he set a fundraising goal this year of $50,000. The society spends on average about $21,000 in restoration expenses, insurance, supplies and printing, among other needs, he said, adding that major, and costly, repairs are needed every few years. Mathews wants to see youth involvement in the society increase. “If they don’t get interested (...) there won’t be a future,” she said. More information about the Fishkill Historical Society, along with a list of society events, can be found at www.fishkillhistoricalsociety.org. Susan Campriello: scampriell@poughkee.gannett.com, 845-451-4518, Twitter: @SusanCPJ.