Roxbury's heritage tourism program wins prestigious state award
The Town of Roxbury is one of only five recipients statewide to be honored with a 2007 New York State Historic Preservation Award. At a at a gala ceremony in Albany last Thursday, Roxbury received the "Community Achievement Award," and State Park Department officials lauded the small township "for its variety of creative approaches to integrating historic preservation into the everyday life of the community."
"The Town of Roxbury has made impressive progress developing a comprehensive educational, economic and social program that draws upon its history," said New York State Parks Commissioner Carol Ash in presenting the award to Town Supervisor Tom Hynes and Community Resources Director Peg Ellsworth, adding "These efforts serve as a model for other communities in the region and across the state."
For Roxbury, this hard-won laurel comes after a decade's work on heritage tourism programs, restoration of its historic Kirkside Park, creation of an authentic 19th-century style vintage base ball team, the Roxbury Nine, and its ever expanding "Turn of the Century Days" festivities celebrated every Labor Day.
"This award really recognizes the dedication and sweat equity of nearly everyone in our hamlet," noted Parks Director Peg Ellsworth, adding "Heritage tourism can only thrive where there is a deep well of affection for our town's rich history among those who live and work here." Roxbury was also named a Preserve America Community by the White House in 2005 in recognition of the high quality of its heritage tourism and educational efforts.
In Roxbury, the "good old days" are a lot of fun and serious business, too. This year, with the help of a "Preserve America" grant, the Parks Department expanded its traditonal Labor Day events into "Railride into Yesteryear," an immersive "time travel" experience. Visitors arrived by train on several holiday Saturdays, just as they would have 100 years ago. Once in Roxbury, they spent an entire afternoon in 19th century mountain life, complete with vintage base ball, horse-drawn carriages, traditional foods, exhibits and crafts, period fashion, and walking tours of the historic hamlet. Even the entertainment, from puppet shows to roaming minstrels, was authentically Victorian.
"Heritage tourism is the perfect fit for Roxbury, where business development must be eco-friendly to protect the watershed and our visitors are eager to experience and learn about Catskills folkways even while they relax," noted Ellsworth. "This year we were thrilled to collaborate with the Delaware and Ulster Railroad, since the train was such an integral part of 19th century life, and to grow the educational component of our program as never before. In addition to bringing in more visitors each year, we're raising a new crop of history scholars and researchers."
To find out more about heritage tourism in Roxbury, visit the visiting Roxbury section of this site or call 607 326-3722.
HISTORY MARCHES ON! — The Town of Roxbury has won a prestigious
award from the New York State Historic Preservation office for its creative
efforts to bring history to life with its heritage tourism programs,
like Turn of the Century Days and the Roxbury Nine vintage base ball
team. State officials were particulary impressed with how Roxbury integrates
educational opportunities for local student docents, who assist in all
phases of researching and implementing Roxbury's heritage tourism programs
and events. |
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