Edward Moran III has been appointed Historian for the County of Ulster. Moran is a 2020 graduate of SUNY New Paltz with a BA in History. He was previously employed at Historic Huguenot Street where he served first as a tour guide starting in 2017 before transitioning to the role of Tour and Interpretation Manager in 2022.
He is a lifelong resident of the Wallkill Valley, and a descendant of the region’s Huguenot and Dutch colonizers.
“The role of County Historian has existed as an unfunded mandate in New York State law since 1919” stated Acting County Clerk Taylor Bruck. “With the passage of Ulster County Proposition 2 in November of 2024, the responsibility for appointing and supervising the County Historian has become the purview of the County Clerk.”
“During my time at Historic Huguenot Street, I was fortunate to carry forward a legacy of research and public programming on each of the diverse cultural groups who called New Paltz Home. These include Esopus Native Americans, enslaved and free African-Americans, and European colonists. Our county is awash with historical resources testifying to the experiences of these groups and others,” Moran said in an announcement sent to the press.
“Despite this, the attention and infrastructure of the history community was for too long dedicated almost exclusively to the stories, experiences, and possessions of European residents and their descendants. I’m proud to facilitate bringing forth the stories of enslaved and marginalized residents whose impact on our county was previously overlooked, and to facilitate programs in venues where residents may confront that history with thoughtfulness and context.”
Moran said that current research projects he was undertaking include documenting references to enslaved Africans and Native Americans in the mid-18th century account book of Louis Bevier Jr of Marbletown; the experiences of two enslaved Africans named Anthony and Susanna in 17th century New York; and the story of Jack and Betty, first enslaved Africans to have been recorded in New Paltz.”
The County Historian coordinates the work of town historians and local historical societies; is an advocate for local history and historic preservation; interprets the past through research, writing, teaching and public presentations; and provides guidance in research on topics dealing with Ulster County history.
Bruck replaces former Ulster County Historian Geoffrey Miller, who was appointed in 2016 by Ulster County’s first County Executive Mike Hein and confirmed by the county legislature.
Moran, who goes by Eddie, can be reached via email at countyhistorian@co.ulster.ny.us or reached via phone at the Ulster County Records Center at (845) 340-3415.
Photo provided.
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