Click here to view and follow their Instagram — an astoundingly steady, meticulous, and characteristic resource of their work, new findings, and exclusive material.

Town Historian & FOHG Trustee, Thomas Shannon, created the mission to:

“Collect, preserve and share the artifacts and the oral, documentary, personal and physical histories of the communities of Columbia County.

The history of Columbia County remains alive in the memories of its older citizens, in official and family documents, in artifacts and buildings and other monuments still standing on the landscape. The goal of the Department is to keep this history alive by recording these memories, researching and interpreting these documents, collecting these artifacts, and by visiting, exploring and photographing these buildings and other landmarks before they are lost.

By involving local people and institutions in its work, the Department aims to foster a sense of pride in the community and in our collective past and future” (source).

With Thomas Shannon’s help, FOHG is better able to connect with the community, historical attractions, schools, and surrounding towns. With the Town’s History Department, we hope to strengthen our missions and grow with other organizations like the Germantown Library, Germantown Fire Department, The Livingston History Barn, The Palatine Farmstead, Olana State Historic Site, Clermont State Historic Site, American Museum of Firefighting, Germantown Central School, Columbia-Greene Community College, Bard College, Columbia County Historical Society Museum & Library, Martin Van Buren National Historic Site, Shaker Museum and Library, Mount Lebanon Shaker Village, Van Hoesen House Historical Foundation, Hudson-Mohawk Vernacular Architecture, Town of Germantown, Town of Livingston, Town of Gallatin, & the Town of Clermont.