Briarcliff's Past Preserved by Historical Society

Briarcliff Manor celebrated its centennial nine years ago and its varied and interesting past—and people—have been carefully preserved by the Briarcliff Manor Scarborough Historical Society since 1974. And the recent flooding the facility experienced has barely slowed it down.

Although the collection has been growing throughout the years, it was only last year, after enduring a host of temporary locations, that the society found a permanent place to call home. Better yet, it is co-located with Briarcliff’s expanded .

Flaunting unique and historical locations is a particular specialty of the organization. If interested, you can flaunt too.

Like most organizations, the Society hosts annual meetings. But unlike most organizations, the meetings are held in varying village locations that maintain special historical appeal. Members have been treated to the luxury of the ballroom of the renowned Hudson Valley estate known as Beechwood. Or how about a Scarborough Road mansion that was also the setting of the Ridley Scott’s crime film American Gangster?

Since the society is always looking for new venues in which to host events, residents are enthusiastically encouraged to share sites for meetings or functions.

As Tom Vincent, co-president of the organization, pointed out, “Members are missing out when they don’t attend the meetings since they are held in places of historical interest...," adding, "and refreshments are served, too.”

Resident should also make room on their bookshelves, or perhaps Kindle, for the latest book chronicling Briarcliff Manor’s history.

Since anniversaries are for celebrating, Briarcliff plans to do just that next year. 2012 marks the 100th anniversary of the village and the 175th anniversary of the birth of Walter Law, the village’s founder.

What better way to fete a village than publishing a book recounting Briarcliff and Scarborough highlights through prose and photos?

Entitled Briarcliff Manor, NY: An American Original, the publication penned by members of the society is expected to hit shelves in November 2012.

And residents are welcome play an active part in providing content.

The society is promoting the "Great Briarcliff Photo Hunt." Participants are encouraged to hunt for and provide older photos from “in and around town.” Photo credit will be given to pictures selected for publication and several prizes will be awarded for “best pictures.” Further details are available at the library.

In the meantime residents should visit the collection which includes myriad Briarcliff Lodge memorabilia, silver, books, a fin de siècle ball gown, costumes and nurses uniforms from WWII, and glassware from the now defunct Briarcliff Farms Dairy.

The Historical Society also hosts events year round. Learn more about some coming up in the fall below.

In September, the society will hold a reception commemorating the 75th anniverary of Briarcliff Manor’s Hook and Ladder Fire Company.  Ample firefighting exhibits, films and refreshments will be on hand.

For those who might prefer sea over land, a three-hour tour (not to Gilligan’s Island) up the Hudson River will take place on October 9. Local historian Scott Craven, who Vincent claims, “is an expert on trivia and little known interesting facts,” will provide the narration as the multi-decked Commander makes its way from Peekskill to Cold Spring. Soft drinks, snacks and a cash bar will be open for business while cruising.

Interested in joining?

Several membership categories are offered…types range from individual to couples or family. Currently, five illustrious members have been designated as lifetime members. Karen Smith, a BMSHS officer pointed out, “These members are recognized for significant contribution and service to the society.”

Residents, friends and village fans are all encouraged to join.