About Us
The locust trees that hold memories of homesteads long gone. The rivers along which indigenous Muhhekunneuw peoples lived and drew sustenance. The farms that once nourished a community and fed a metropolis. The soul-stirring landscapes that inspired painters of the Hudson River School. In Columbia County, every place tells a story.
Our mission is to preserve, interpret and present the history and culture of Columbia County, New York, for its residents and visitors, and to encourage understanding, knowledge, and preservation of the county’s heritage and culture by advocating conservation of historic lands and buildings, the acquisition of objects and documents, the operation of one or more museums, and the sponsorship of research, publications, exhibitions and educational programming.
Columbia County Historical Society is a 501(c)(3) cultural education organization founded in 1916 and chartered by the Board of Regents, New York State Department of Education.
STAFF
Lisa Weilbacker, Executive Director
Kristy King, Director of Administration
Greg Pettyjohn, Director of Finance
Jim Benton, Senior Historian
Katherine Hilliard, Senior Docent Administrator
Part-time Staff, Docents, Volunteers:
Sarah Alterio, Jennifer Crichton, Cheyenne Dunham, Connelly Holmes, Nicholas Nasser, Shannon Ragone, Carrie Rodgers, Ann Scharoun
Annual Reports
DEI Statement
Columbia County Historical Society is committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment that celebrates the rich tapestry of our community’s history. We recognize that our shared past is shaped by individuals from various backgrounds, perspectives and experiences, and we are dedicated to reflecting that diversity in all aspects of our organization.
We acknowledge that achieving true diversity, equity, and inclusion is an ongoing process that requires continuous learning, self-reflection, and adaptation to ensure that our practices evolve with the changing needs of our community.
We are committed to promoting diversity and inclusion in our leaders, members, staff, and patrons, in our programming, both in content and curatorial participation, and in the stories we tell about our communities, Columbia County, New York and beyond.
Annual Reports:
Support CCHS
Your tax-deductible donation to the Columbia County Historical Society helps ensure our local history is preserved for generations to come. Learn about all the ways you can support our mission.
