Honoring You at the Local Historical Society

We’re living artifacts of history. Many figure that they’re not significant. But our historical institutions dedicate themselves to celebrating us! 

Take, for example, The Little Falls Historical Society Old Bank Building Museum. It’s an exemplary outlet for any of us to realize our value. In 1970, it joined the National Registry of Historic Places. This move foiled a plan to turn the Museum into 14 parking places for a bank. 

“The museum fought like hell,” said Jeff Gressler, President of the Little Falls Historical Society Museum. “In the 60’s, it was like, everything’s gotta go, we want new.” 

Thank goodness the preservationists saved the day!

Jeff also values preservation; after all, he taught history for over thirty years.

“I’m not in the present tense,” he joked. 

His mind is always on local history, and it’s not only him that thinks this way!

“I’m the president, but I might as well not be,” said Jeff. 

As we spoke, Jeff was mindful to honor the group effort that makes the Society possible. He called it as a “selfless creative force”. The team is a collective. Every decision is unanimous. They work without criticism. Their moves are conscientious. Their approach is democratic. So, whenever you see a Jeff quotation, you can picture it as a group statement by the entire board. The board being a group of Little Falls residents, of course. Check out the leading participants on the Society’s website.

“Make sure you mention Ginny Rogers for her wonderful work on the website,” said Jeff of the Society’s website designer and manager.

With all these moving parts, it’s obvious that many people dedicate a lot of work to this cause.

“We’re just a really tight group of people who deeply respect one another,” he said.

Jeff said that they’re all mindful of never swelling their hats nor breaking their arms. In other words, never inflating their egos nor patting themselves on the back.

Jeff’s humility continued: “We’re just current caretakers, the placeholders of the gift that was handed to us by our go-befores.”

It’s become obvious that people feel privileged to honor the public. So, you’re worth remembering. Your memory is worthwhile.

Jeff propped up the mission as one of “sacrosanct” (untouchable) importance. The relationship between the Society and the community is rewarding for both.

Then, we came to a timeless expression: it takes a village.

Jeff and his wife Pat debated over this proverb’s historical origin (be it African or Native American – it’s African). Either way, these punchy proverbs pack a lot of wisdom. These expressions remain relevant and timeless because they’re simple truths.

So, it was natural to evoke another proverb: it’s a labor of love.

Don’t overlook this quote because it’s so familiar! This familiarity is a clue to its importance. Thus my favorite cliche: it’s a cliche for a reason.

The good news is that Jeff never tires of keeping the past relevant. To maintain this dedication, The Society is looking for young people to become members and directors.

Jeff described the Society’s mission as caring for the almost 200-year-old building and its contents. Thus, they can “tell the Little Falls story” and “contribute to the fabric of the community.” He’s driven by an appreciation of local history.

For example, their military exhibit highlighted Little Falls’ involvement in every war since the Civil War. These legendary moments involve “everyday” people from small towns. Hindsight can change the narrative, for an individual and for society. Like for Vietnam veterans and their families. They were “deeply touched” by the exhibit after dealing with the public’s opposition to the war. This wasn’t the respect that many veterans earn after service. Even veterans from outside the area came to finally get recognition and communicate with peers. 

Furthermore, The Little Falls Historical Society also maintains the significance of past locals. Such as with the former “Colored Burial Ground” in Church Street Cemetery. It is currently commemorated with a monument – a stone tree stump symbolizing “a life cut short”. In 2015, The Little Falls Historical Society partnered with then-City-Historian Edwin Vogt. They secured the donated monument from the Enea Family Funeral Home and Burdick Enea Memorials. The Society also identified the unmarked gravesites of 81 people. As the monument partly reads, “It is for us, the living, to rectify this wrong by granting this tribute of remembrance and respect.”

So, please know that even if you aren’t recognized now, people are fighting to find you.

The Society also honors history by touring cemeteries, restoring historical markers, and participating in the SUNY Oneonta-Cooperstown Museum Studies graduate program (which assisted with a virtual tour series of important Little Falls sites). They help the public dig up artifacts — you can submit a research request. And you’re invited to pitch ideas on how to honor Little Falls. 

“We always find a way to say yes,” said Jeff.

With this passion, the Society creates a powerful atmosphere.

“When I’m at the Museum, you can feel the presence of those people,” he said.

But to what end?

“We make community history more accessible for people,” said Jeff. “As we are educating and preserving, we are elevating people’s pride about their history.”