The County Historian plays a vital role in preserving and promoting Ulster County’s rich history. By coordinating the work of town historians and local historical societies, the County Historian ensures a cohesive approach to historic preservation and acts as an advocate for our collective heritage. This position fulfills Ulster County’s commitment, as outlined in New York State Law 57.07, to maintain a full-time historian, dedicated to interpreting the past through research, writing, teaching, and public presentations. The County Historian also provides guidance for those researching topics related to Ulster County history, serving as a central contact for public historians, the community, and institutions preserving our local stories.

Additionally, the County Historian oversees the Matthewis Persen House, a historic site and museum in Kingston’s Stockade District. This preserved home serves as a museum and lecture space, hosting an annual schedule of engaging events, which can be viewed at https://clerk.ulstercountyny.gov/archives/persen-house. Our office is also available for public lectures and presentations on a range of historical topics—please email us for the current list of offerings. We look forward to sharing Ulster County’s history with you!

 

Edward L. Moran III, County Historian

Eddie Moran currently serves as the appointed Historian for Ulster County, NY. Eddie graduated with a B.A. in history from SUNY New Paltz in the Spring of 2020, and began work as a tour guide at Historic Huguenot Street in New Paltz while still a student in 2017. He managed guided tours and historical interpretation full-time at Historic Huguenot Street beginning in 2022, and was appointed Ulster County Historian in September 2024. He is a lifelong resident of the New Paltz area, and a descendant of the town’s Huguenot and Dutch colonizers.

 

 

 

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