I am pleased to again be asked to serve as Town Historian. I served in that capacity 30 years ago when I filled (or tried to fill) the shoes of the long-serving Anita Washburn. She had been an excellent resource as I worked on research for the Keene Valley Library publication, Keene and Keene Valley -Two Hamlets in History. (Copies still available for sale at the Keene Valley Library.)
At the moment, all of the archives that had been housed in the fireproof room at the Keene Public Library are stored in the Keene Valley Library Archives Room. One of my projects will be to reorganize these materials before they move on to a more permanent home. I will also be making myself available to help (or at least try to help) anyone with an interest in their own historical research. Finally, I as Town Historian and the staff at the Keene Valley Library Archives Room (Elizabeth Rogers and Margaret Hawthorn) are always interested in seeing any new historical material that residents might want to donate.
Items we would accept include photos, letters, manuscripts, and clippings, provided they are unique and not already included in the Archives collections. Items should in some way add to the history of Keene and should ideally be dated with any people or places in photos identified.
I can be reached at tgoodwin12942@gmail.com. The Town of Keene Historical Society also has a Facebook page at: Town of Keene Historical Society. On this page, one can post photos that need identification and ask for help. One can also leave a message at the Town Hall (518-576-4444) or at the Keene Valley Library (518-576-4335). I look forward to hearing from you.