Castelli Appointed as County Historian
Scottish philosopher and historian David Hume once said, “The advantages found in history seem to be of three kinds, as it amuses the fancy, as it improves the understanding, and as it strengthens virtue.” History helps the past to not repeat itself and offers us a perspective of where we came from, and essentially, where we are going.
As the county heads into its bicentennial celebrating the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812 and the formation of Putnam County this coming January, it will be with the help of Denis Castelli, who was appointed as historian by former county executive Paul Eldridge earlier last month.
“Moving forward with this appointment now is critical since we are actively organizing numerous activities related to our upcoming Bicentennial celebration,” Paul Eldridge wrote in an appointment letter addressed to the clerk of the Putnam County Legislature Chris Marrone. “I know that Mr. Castelli will provide great ideas, energy and leadership during and after this crucial time period in our history.”
Dating back to the pre-Revolutionary War era, Castelli believes the county is filled with rich history and that his role as historian will be tied to educating people about how Putnam connects to pivotal events that helped shaped the United States.
“History is very much tied into Putnam County and all of these things coming together I think is a wonderful opportunity for education in the Putnam County community,” Castelli said. “These interesting anniversaries provide a great opportunity to educate the youth of the county and many adults about the Revolutionary War era of our nation and the role of our Putnam ancestors in the formation of this nation.”
Brewster’s historian since 2005, Castelli retired from his computer-programming profession in 1999. With his newly founded free time, he began researching the history and genealogy of the Victorian-style house that he began living in 11 years earlier. This interest then spread to his family lineage, and using special genealogy software called“Brother’s Keeper,” Castelli was able to track his ancestors back to when they arrived to the United States at Ellis Island.
“It’s hard for me once I start something to stop,” Castelli said. “After I retired I had time on my hands, and I have to say, I had more free time when I was working than I have now. It’s not a complaint, I love it, and I’m 65 years old and I feel like a kid.”
Almost 13 years since Castelli’s retired, he finds himself encompassed by the historical composition of Putnam County and how it relates to specific time periods. As county historian, Castelli will manage and schedule the staff and volunteers at the historian’s office, improve accessibility to historical and genealogical information to researchers visiting the archives and conduct meetings with Putnam County historians, curators and archivists from the six towns and three villages in Putnam—all of which will be centered around what’s occurred and is occurring within the county’s borders.
Castelli was chosen from “among 15 excellent candidates” who applied, and has begun to make his own history as Putnam’s historian, which was effective immediately on Oct. 12.
“All of my background in local history, as Brewster historian since 2006, as a member of local organization as board member of the Southeast Museum, help to provide background and understanding of our community,” Castelli said.
Adam has worked in the local news industry for the past two decades in Westchester County and the broader Hudson Valley. Read more from Adam’s author bio here.