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Harrison Remembers Website

Posted on: June 25, 2015 - 10:04am

Harrison Remembers

http://harrisonpl.org/harrison-remembers/


The Harrison Public Library has a strong commitment to the local community.  Not only does the library house a collection of books covering local history, but it has assumed a role in research, preservation and the teaching of local history.  The library takes seriously its responsibility to raise the community’s awareness of our heritage through frequent displays and programs. When the Richard E. Halperin Memorial Library Building closed for renovations in September 2014, the Harrison Library took the opportunity to expand the institution's role in presenting local history in a most unique way. 

 

A partnership was formed between the Charles Dawson History Center and the Harrison Public Library and financially supported by the town of Harrison to research two subjects of local historical importance.  The first project explored the history of the Hills, one of the earliest African-American communities in New York. The book Freedom Journey: Black Civil War Soldiers and The Hills Community by Hartwick College Professor and former town Historian Edythe Quinn was the catalyst and primary tool used to explore this subject. The second project recounts the history of the Parsons School, founded by J.E. Parsons. The book Memories of Parsons: and a Brief History of Parsons Memorial School written by Gene Westmoreland was generously provided by its author for use.

 

These two collections became the framework for Harrison Remembers

http://harrisonpl.org/harrison-remembers, a website that displays digital collections on historical topics relevant to the Town of Harrison. The website will also provide an infrastructure so that anyone can create collections in the future. A physical exhibit for the Parsons collection will be hosted at the newly renovated library in September and October. Visitations have already been scheduled for students from the Harrison School District. The display includes original documents and artifacts from the Charles Dawson History Center and an interactive display showcasing the Harrison Remembers website.

 

Two programs featuring the collections are planned at the library in September. On Saturday September19, Professor Edythe Quinn, author of Freedom Journey: Black Civil War Soldiers and The Hills Community, will offer a lively and informative talk on the Hills Community. Her talk will be accompanied by a live performance of traditional Hills hymns and songs.  On Monday evening, September 21, author Gene Westmoreland will speak at the library about his book and the history of Parsons Memorial School.

 

The library is planning additional future local history projects including Memory Circles in which residents share memories of Harrison and a StoryCorps program involving Harrison High School students as interviewers. Please go to the library website harrisonpl.org for more information or call (914) 835-0324.