Meet the Historical Society
We are a team of dedicated volunteers committed to uncovering and preserving Port Chester’s history, sharing our discoveries, and celebrating the people, places, and events that have shaped our community.
Members of the Historical Society meet at Michael’s Pizza, 2019
Our Mission
The Port Chester Historical Society has always been housed in the Bush Lyon Homestead, which dates from approximately 1760 and was lived in continuously until the 1990s. We have seen our ups and downs and the Society became essentially defunct for about 25 years, during which the care and maintenance of the Homestead and the collections suffered. In 2018, a local Girl Scout helped to rejuvenate both the Historical Society and interest in the Homestead. That same year, a local Boy Scout started to inventory the contents of the Homestead as a public project. That was all it took - we have been operating consistently ever since! The COVID-19 pandemic definitely put a damper on some of our efforts and events, but we have also bounced back from that. The Society is committed to the protection and preservation of historic sites in the village and plans educational and community-based activities and events for all age groups. Members are committed to increasing the understanding of local history in all its complexity. The motto of the Society is “Uncover, Share, Celebrate.”
Diversity Equity & Inclusion Statement
We are located in a diverse community which we want to engage and serve. We strive to create an environment where different voices and perspectives are valued because they can improve and enrich our work; our definition of diversity is broad. History has frequently excluded some groups and underrepresented others; we work towards addressing all barriers to full inclusion as we find them. Our programs and events are put together with an eye to both respecting the traditions, experiences, and heritages of our community and presenting the story of our community’s history in diverse and inclusive ways.
Executive Board
Jordan Allen, President
Kikki Short, Vice President
Toni Sacco, Treasurer
Carolee Brakewood, Secretary
Mike DeVittorio, Director
Lou Russo, Director
Joanne Bellantoni, Director
Norm Davis, Director Emeritus
Paul Zaccagnino, Director Emeritus
Brian Kerr, Director Emeritus