The Saratoga County History Center Board of Trustees is pleased to announce the winners of the fourth annual Saratoga County Public History Awards.  The award recognizes individuals that have made a significant contribution to extending knowledge and understanding of the history of Saratoga County. A celebratory event will be held at Brookside Museum on Tuesday, September 30, beginning at 6 pm with a reception on the front porch of the Museum, 21 Fairground Ave, Ballston Spa.

The 2025 recipients of the award are Anne Clothier, Assistant to the Saratoga County Historian, and Russ Van Dervoort, Waterford Town Historian.

They were selected by a committee of previous winners Carol Godette and Jim Richmond, joined by Willam Allerdice, Vice Chair of the History Center’s Board of Trustees, Michelle Isopo, Director of the Saratoga Room at the Saratoga Springs Public Library, and Lynda Bryan, Halfmoon Town Historian.

Anne Clothier currently serves as Assistant to the Saratoga County Historian where she plays a leading role in the Saratoga 250 initiative, designing programs and presenting living history at a wide range of community events. Previous to her 2024 appointment, Anne was Director of Education at Brookside Museum where she created multiple hands-on school and senior programs. and has also worked at the Shaker Heritage Society, and the Farmer’s Museum in Cooperstown. Charlene DuBuque, current Education Director at Brookside, praised Anne’s selection for this award, saying “Anne is an engaging historian who has spent her life not only preserving history, but also bringing it to life as a reenactor and living historian. Her recently published book. Overhearing History brings the early years of the Revolution to life for a new generation.”

Russ Van Dervoort, Waterford Town Historian since 2018, has dedicated his life to sharing the history of his community. Central to his achievements has been the gathering and retelling of the stories of Waterford.  As President of the Waterford Canal and Towpath Society since 2005, he has made the canals that weave through Waterford the centerpiece of his contributions. “It is not an empty statement to say that the Champlain Canal runs through Russ’ veins, as for over 100 years his Van Dervoort line has lived and worked on the canals in Waterford” says Dave Waite who has worked with Russ on several video projects. Van Dervoort has written numerous articles and several books, most recently Dear Mother, I am the only one left!, based on the Civil War Letters of Waterford resident Charles Shepard.

The public is encouraged to honor Anne and Russ by joining in the September 30 celebration.

Register HERE