The Historical Society, Inc., a private not-for-profit organization founded in 1889, is dedicated to the study and appreciation of all aspects of the history of Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow, through educational programs, research, archeological projects, preservation advocacy and the collection and preservation of fine arts, decorative arts, archeological objects, printed and manuscript materials and maps, costumes and weaponry, and historic artifacts related to the heritage of Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow.
The major operation units of the Society are: the Jacob Odell landmark house, the museum collections, library (including maps and photographs), archeological workshop, public programs, publications, administrative services and historical architectural preservation programs.
The audience served by the Society’s programs includes residents, school and college students and visitors to the community, businesses and governmental agencies in the area, members of the Society, scholars of the history and pre-history of the community, scholars of American history, art historians and the general public.
The purposes of the Society are: (1) to collect and preserve artifacts, objects, publications, photographs and other documentary materials related to local, ethnic and family history; prior to and after European settlement; (2) to disseminate information about the history of the community through exhibits, educational programs and publications based on the Society’s collections; (3) to maintain a research library of past and current literature on the history of the community; and (4) to encourage the preservation of the archeological, historical, and architectural heritage of Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow.
To achieve these purposes the Society carries out a broad program of activities including: maintenance of a museum and library at the Jacob Odell House at One Grove Street; permanent, changing and traveling exhibits, educational programs; lectures; publications; preservation of the Society’s collections and archival materials; research on the history of Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow; landmark identifications; and cooperation with other local historical societies and organizations.
Adopted by the Board of Trustees at the February 2005 meeting.
