FISHKILL – Fishkill resident Ronald Greene will be honored next month with the first Hudson River Heritage Award for his years of historical research to uncover the story of the Zion Pilgrim M.E. Church of Baxtertown, now confirmed to be a stop on the Underground Railroad.
The Fishkill Democratic Committee will present Greene with the honor at a dinner on Sunday, May 19.
Greene, is an ordained, licensed clinical social worker and president of Greene Resources Services Inc., a consulting firm.
His research, over a span of three years, led to historical documents on file at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
The foundations of the church are on Greene's residential property. Prior to his research, there were a number of historical references, but many questions remained about Baxtertown as a vibrant African-American township during the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Greene's research brought this story to light, with a focus on the church's role as being instrumental in facilitating the Freedom Seekers Movement. After courageous journeys north, formerly enslaved men and women finally made their way to freedom through Baxtertown.
Currently, Greene is working closely with the New York State Office of Historic Preservation on a National Register of Historic Places listing for the church site, and to further national recognition.
The Fishkill Democratic Committee will present Greene with the honor at a dinner on Sunday, May 19.
Greene, is an ordained, licensed clinical social worker and president of Greene Resources Services Inc., a consulting firm.
His research, over a span of three years, led to historical documents on file at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
The foundations of the church are on Greene's residential property. Prior to his research, there were a number of historical references, but many questions remained about Baxtertown as a vibrant African-American township during the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Greene's research brought this story to light, with a focus on the church's role as being instrumental in facilitating the Freedom Seekers Movement. After courageous journeys north, formerly enslaved men and women finally made their way to freedom through Baxtertown.
Currently, Greene is working closely with the New York State Office of Historic Preservation on a National Register of Historic Places listing for the church site, and to further national recognition.
Greene's “enormous dedication has led to the recognition of a great chapter in our town's history,” said Fishkill Democratic Chairman Kevin McCarthy. “This is exciting not only for Fishkill, but for the entire Hudson River Valley, New York State and the nation.”
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