Horace Greeley Grad Virginia Kathryn Hefti Honored at Historical Society Gala

When Horace Greeley graduate, and Anne Hutchinson-Bronxville Chapter DAR Member, Virginia Kathryn Hefti, 90, was told that the Eastchester Historical Society wanted to honor her at its Annual Fall Fundraiser, she could never have expected so very many honors from so very many different people.

The gala festivities at the 1835 Marble Schoolhouse - a Greek Revival-Style Schoolhouse Listed on the National Register of Historic Places - were kicked off with:

1.) Eastchester Town Historian, Richard Forliano, presenting Hefti with the inaugural Eastchester Historical Society Covenant Award in recognition of her lifelong contributions to the promotion of American History education and research; her lifelong support of historic preservation; her academic contributions to the archival integrity of American History and to celebrate her ancestors who were among the most influential families who helped to settle the town in 1664.

Honors continued with 2.) Eastchester Town Supervisor Anthony S. Colavita presenting Hefti with a Town Proclamation in recognition of her lifelong contributions to local civic and historic efforts and declaring it Virginia Hefti Day, throughout the town.

Next up was 3.) Westchester County Legislator, Sheila Marcotte, who presented Hefti with a County Proclamation from the Westchester County Board of Legislators in recognition of her many achievements and declaring it Virginia Hefti Day, throughout the County of Westchester.

The honors for Hefti were capped off with 4.) New York State Senator Jeffrey D. Klein presenting the Horace Greeley graduate with a New York State Certificate of Merit from the New York State Senate, in recognition of Hefti’s lifelong contributions to civic and historic causes, throughout New York State.

A direct descendant of Henry Fowler, the progenitor of one of the town’s founding families, Hefti - whose august roster of ancestors rank among the most influential families in the history of New York State (e.g. Fish, Fowler, Thorne, Bowne, Reynolds, et al) - was also honored at the James Reynolds Day in Somers this past May and at the Bronxville Field Club in December.

If you were unable to attend the Historical Society’s Annual Fundraiser, but would like to show your support for the Historical Society’s efforts, contributions can be made directly to the Eastchester Historical Society in honor of Horace Greeley Graduate Virginia Kathryn Hefti. For more information about the Historical Society or to make a tax-deductible contribution, please call the Society at 914-309-6947 or email the Society at marbleschoolhouse@yahoo.com.

Photos courtesy of Anne Hutchinson-Bronxville Chapter National Society Daughters of the American Revolution and Historical Society Curator Lissa Halen.