We had a great meeting on August 25th when we hosted historian, storyteller, and documentary filmmaker Jon Scott Bennett. The importance of social media was stressed as a means of collecting stories, making connections, and educating people of all ages to get excited about history. He showed us reels and videos from his work and explained that he uses YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, and X to share his content, making history exciting, entertaining, and available to everyone.
As Mr. Bennett relayed, we live in a region brimming with history, that we may know little about. He has done extensive research and has made two excellent documentaries including one on the Pound Ridge Massacre and another on the legend of the Leatherman. The five part docuseries on the Peekskill Riots are particularly interesting. If you are unaware of this important piece of Hudson Valley history, you can see the series on YouTube or on his website www.jonscottbennett.com.
Jon is currently giving historic tours with the New York Boat Company out of Peekskill on Sunday afternoons. The 2-hour ride goes up the Hudson River to West Point and back and through October. To book go to www.nyboatco.com.
Lance Seung, Jon Scott Bennett with President, Ron Klieverik
