Yorktown Historical Society
P. O. Box 355
Yorktown Heights, NY 10598
Web site: www.yorktownhistory.org

Preserve the Past - Enlighten the Future
For immediate release

Contact: Judy Shepard
Via phone: (914) 528-3655
Via e-mail: jshep3655@juno.com

October 9, 2000

Yorktown Historical Society Establishes Yorktown Memory Day, Weaving the Fabric of Our Community through Oral Histories and Memorabilia

Yorktown Heights, NY - Oral history is an important element in the living history available to us today. The Yorktown Historical Society hopes to encounter much more of it at Yorktown Memory Day, which is scheduled for November 4, 2000, from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., at the Field Home/Holy Comforter on Catherine Street in Yorktown. Come on by and share your recollections.

The event will provide an opportunity for Yorktowners to share memorabilia, antiques, photos, post cards, and documents that may have been packed away in boxes in attics and basements for years. Before these items are lost forever, the Yorktown Historical Society hopes to encourage Yorktown residents to pull them out and put them on display for others to enjoy. For those who are new to the area, Yorktown Memory Day offers an opportunity to learn about the Town's history.

Do you remember growing up in Yorktown, or the first day you opened your Yorktown business? If you do, then you should participate in Yorktown Memory Day. Monica Doherty, chair of the program committee, noted, "Yorktown Memory Day is a great opportunity to keep in touch with the past while educating the present generation about our heritage."

Oral histories from those who have lived in the community for 50 or more years are being sought. There are many seniors who have wonderful memories of how the town looked in the 30's, 40's, and 50's before rapid development changed the community from local farms, small intimate communities and summer homes to a populous suburban community.

Individuals who wish to donate an oral history can make a tape at home, or come to the event and tape their story with the help of a volunteer.

There are many Yorktown businesses, which were started more than 25 years ago that can showcase its history and success by displaying memorabilia or artifacts related to its business. We are planning to highlight Yorktown's oldest businesses so make sure you share your history. After all if no one knows about it, then it really is history - gone forever.

Students are invited to prepare and display special projects. Businesses, organizations and individuals are all welcome to share their history on November 4th. Tables will be available for displays.

You can also help the Society with in-kind donations. If you have scanners, copy machines or tape recorders, then the Yorktown Historical Society would greatly appreciate it to ensure we have enough equipment on hand to help archive the displays expected from Yorktown residents past and present. If you would like to volunteer-or if you have items to display-please contact Judy Shepard.

The Yorktown Historical Society is a 288-member, all-volunteer, incorporated educational organization that was established in 1976, to bring together those people interested in the history of the Yorktown area. Our mission is to foster public awareness and pride in preserving Yorktown's historical, agricultural, and cultural heritage. The Yorktown Historical Society received its Charter from the Board of Regents of The University of the State of New York on September 25, 1980.

Feature writer, Linda Kiederer, unravels the fabric of our community's local history in our latest feature story, "Tapestry" on the Yorktown Historical Society's web site. To learn more about our activities, please visit the Society's web site at www.yorktownhistory.org.

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Facts:

With Yorktown Memory Day, you also have a chance to join our organization or sponsor our program in a number of ways.

Sponsors, benefactors, donors, and contributors will be noted in our program materials. Here are some options:

1. With a sponsorship contribution of $500 you will become a business member of the Society and we will include an electronic banner for one year on our web site.

2. With a benefactor contribution of $250 you will become a business member of the Society and we will include an electronic banner for six months on our web site.

3. With a donor contribution of $150 you will become a business member of the Society and we will include an electronic banner for three months on our web site.

4. With a contribution of $100 you will become a business member of the Society.

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