The Oswego County Board of Trustees would like to cordially invite you to our 2024 Annual Meeting. This year, we will be voting to approve a new set of Board Bylaws. These new bylaws will make our organization compliant with the Not-For-Profit laws of New York State. Additionally, the OCHS Nominating Committee is recommending the nomination of two new board members. Below, you will find a brief introduction to the individuals recommended for the board, as well as the final draft of our to-be-approved bylaws.

Following the meeting, Michael Pittavino will be presenting on Recreational Maritime History in Oswego. Boating, sailing, and paddling are popular, time-honored pastimes that have offered relaxation, adventure, and a connection to nature for generations in Oswego, NY.  Through material culture, images, and context, Pittavino’s talk takes a closer look at the history of marine-based recreation in Oswego.  From the founding of the Oswego Yacht Club in 1881 through the rise of the local charter fishing industry in the 1970s, trends will be examined to provide a big picture look at how a community has interacted with its waterfront for over 150 years.  “I’m excited to engage with the community and share my passion for both history and boating”, Pittavino said, “and I hope to encourage those in attendance to head out and explore Oswego’s endless recreational opportunities”.   

As curator of the H. Lee White Maritime Museum, Pittavino has worked for over a decade in the preservation of regional maritime history, heritage, and culture.  He is the author of Lighthouses and Life Saving at Oswego and has been recreationally boating eastern Lake Ontario for 25 years.

Meet the Nominees!

Alanna Ossa is the Department Chair and NAGPRA Coordinator of the Anthropology Department at SUNY Oswego. She has over 20 years of experience in Cultural Resource Management and Historic Preservation. Additionally, she spearheaded the 2022 Richardson-Bates House Archaeological Field School, where students conducted a six week dig under her supervision.

Dan Ruddy is a retired Electrical Engineer who worked at the Fitzpatrick Nuclear Powerplant for most of his career. Recruited by late board member Neal Johnson, Dan has worked as a volunteer at OCHS for three years. He currently serves the historical society as a volunteer Facilities Manager.