The Little Nine Partners Historical Society, the group which preserves and shares the history of Pine Plains, is entering a busy year. Having received a $13,000 grant from Dutchess County, the members are moving forward on several projects at the Graham-Brush House; they continue the public presentation of the history of indigenous peoples in our area; we may hear more about the railroads that served the town for decades; and, the society will do its part to illuminate the 200-year history and celebrate the bicentennial of the founding of the town of Pine Plains.
Applying for the grant from the county, which was open to all historical societies and museums in Dutchess County, the LNPHS was hoping to get funds to update and add to their audio visual equipment. The generous grant they received is allowing them to also address problems at the Eighteenth Century Graham-Brush House, which sits beside the public parking lot on North Main Street, next to Peck’s. The issues include a tree that needs to come down, a ramp that must be installed to make the site accessible and a powder post beetle problem that has to be dealt with. They would also like to install an interpretive sign for the front yard, describing the life and significance of the historical building. Along with that work, Bob Hedges has been doing interior plastering and carpentry to repair the second floor, paid for by a generous donation from a society member.
After a well-attended event at the Community Center on Dec. 3, 2022 (see our related story), the local historical society hopes to present two more programs featuring Sachem Hawk Storm of the Schaghticoke Nation. The first would focus on the history of Shekomeko, and the second would be geared toward captivating kids.
In the works also is an event that will bring to life Pine Plains in the time of the railroads, with John Henry Low presenting.
All this is during the 200th year. After a directive came down from New York State on March 26 forming the town of Pine Plains, the first town meeting was held April 1, 1823.
LNPHS will kick off the events of the Bicentennial festivities on March 4, 2023 with a premiere screening at The Stissing Center of “Our Farms, Our Farmers”, a 22-minute video produced by the society about the remaining Pine Plains farms (see our story next issue). Dyan Wapnick, the president of LNPHS, has suggested that the bicentennial events wrap up on Ag Fair weekend, bookending the celebration of an agricultural community. Wapnick is hoping that other organizations are planning activities. The Community Day Committee may take the lead, although the town could step in to do so, being that it is a town event.
This paper will continue to publish news of the 200th year birthday celebration.