Every year the Newburgh Historical Society presents individuals in the community with the Ruttenber award to recognize then for outstanding work with relation to preserving and celebrating Newburgh's history. Past winners have included Anne Coon, Pat Favata, Gene Embler, and Colin Faulds.

Some history...

Edward .M. Ruttenber (1825 - 1909) was a Newburgh publisher, a very active figure in local history, and our most respected local historian. He served as President of the Newburgh Historical Society 1892-1894. He also served our society in other capacities in subsequent years and was a frequent contributor of monographs published in the annual Historical Society publication of Historical Papers. Ruttenber is most well known for his well regarded and extraordinarily valuable local history books including History of the Town of Newburgh in 1859, History of Indian Tribes of Hudson's River, 1872 (two volumes), History of the County of Orange, 1875 and the History of the Town of New Windsor in 1911, published by our Historical Society posthumously.

It is through the tireless work of Edward Ruttenber that we know our community's story as well as we do. He served his community and in his name we the Board of Managers of the Historical Society of Newburgh Bay and the Highlands have established the E.M. Ruttenber award to be awarded annually to citizens of our community who have distinguished themselves through service to the community of Newburgh and it's history.

This year's winners...

This year, the Newburgh Historical Society is proud to present Tom Hughes and Don Herron with the Ruttenber Award.

Tom Hughes has been the Historic Site Manager at George Washington's Headquarters for 24 years. In his work at the Headquarters, collaboration with community groups and volunteerism, Mr. Hughes has always been a champion for the historic preservation and promotion of Newburgh.

Don Herron, a native of Texas, has embraced the history, architecture and culture of Newburgh and made it his home. Mr. Herron resides in and lovingly maintains the historic 1840 Clinton-Dey House. An artist and writer he has written and recorded many essays about Newburgh. Over the years, Mr. Herron has generously donated his time and talent to myriad Newburgh groups, designing t-shirts for Habitat, illustrating tour booklets and event invitations and volunteering for the Art Auction for the Historical Society to name but a few. Mr. Herron has truly been an asset to the city.

Congratulations to both Tom and Don! We are proud to present you with this year's award!!!