HURLEYVILLE, NY — Each year, the Sullivan County Historical Society (SCHS) presents individuals or groups with the History Maker and History Preserver awards. The honorees for these awards symbolize the stated mission of the society: The preservation of Sullivan County history for the enlightenment of future generations. 

These awards will be presented at the society’s annual meeting and awards dinner on Sunday, October 19 at Casa Mia.

The primary role of a town historian is to be a resource for gathering and preserving local historical information. Equally as important, though, is the town historian’s outreach into the community and the necessity of sharing this information with local residents and fostering a community’s pride in its historical heritage. During her 28 years as town historian for the Town of Neversink, Carol Smythe facilitated this sharing of historical information through means of her Searching for Our Roots articles in the Townsman newspaper. She initiated local, historically themed events to which residents came to share genealogical and historical records. Along with like-minded fellow residents, she helped bring to fruition a local, modern museum that celebrates the area’s unique history. Through her dedication to the preservation of local history, the Sullivan County Historical Society posthumously honors Carol Smythe as its history preserver for the year 2025.

For 20 years, Aileen Gunther served the residents of Sullivan County as a representative of the New York State Assembly’s 100th district. During her tenure, Gunther was a strong advocate for the people she represented. As a result of this advocacy, she was successful in garnering state taxpayer monies into her district in the form of funding for local schools, fire companies, libraries and environmental conservation issues. 

Prior to going to Albany, Gunther worked for 25 years as a nurse. This experience made health care an important aspect to her legislative work, leading to a 12-year stint as chairman on the Assembly’s Mental Health Committee. 

Gunther’s successful work in representing the people of Sullivan County within the legislative halls of Albany has led the Sullivan County Historical Society to nominate her as its 2025 recipient for its History Maker award.

Each year, the SCHS asks people to advertise in the annual Dinner Journal, a publication produced to honor the year’s award recipients. In years past, generosity has been the society’s crucial source for operating funds. With interest in the county’s history now at an all-time high, work at the museum has expanded, including an increase in museum visits, inquiries for research and society events. 

This work, along with the storage of archival material, maintaining the displays and day-to-day upkeep of the building is all done by dedicated volunteers. They give their time, effort and even personal funds to make genealogical and historical archival records available to the public for research and exhibits. However, the continual increase in operational expenses strains our limited resources. Therefore, we again ask for much-needed support. To place an ad in this year’s journal,  or to make a dinner reservation, email info@scnyhistory.org.  

“We urgently need your financial support to continue our mission of preserving Sullivan County’s remarkable history and making it available to the public. As always, we thank you for your support,” the historical society said.

Learn more by calling 845/434-8044.