I am pleased to announce that I have started a new "historian exchange" program. Often public historians answer inquiries and research topics for newspaper articles, all while remaining in complete isolation. The idea, inspired by my fond memories of the school band exchanges, will build camaraderie, bring renewed interest in our local history and allow historians an opportunity the work together.
Several times a year I plan to offer a program to a neighboring township and in exchange, that township would then be hosted at Port Byron. The idea has been well received by historians from Liverpool, Owasco, Montezuma, Scipio and Victory.
Event programming remains a challenge for most rural libraries and historical societies. This will provide a wonderful opportunity where new educational and history presentations can come to each township with no cost to the host for the speaker. In this process, we will learn a little more about the history of our neighbors as well as many other topics.
Historians who are interested in participating should contact me so that we can schedule you. I look forward to visiting the many towns in our area and working with the various historians who keep history alive.
Plans for the program are in process.