Learn More About This Local Historical Society and Museum

by Cheyenne Dorsagno

Many of us never think about the fact that we’re living artifacts of history. Usually, we think that we’re not significant enough to count. But our most vital local institutions are dedicated to celebrating us!

The Little Falls Historical Society Old Bank Building Museum is an exemplary communal resource for personal meaning. In 1970, it became recognized in the National Registry of Historic Places; this was part of their effort to curtail becoming 14 parking places for a bank.

“A core group of Little Falls historical preservationists 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.”

Thankfully, the preservationists came to the rescue.

Now, Jeff has a mindset of preservation after teaching history for over thirty years.

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

He lives and breathes local history, and he doesn’t do it alone!

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

During our conversation, he took a lot of time and care in honoring the collective effort that makes the Society possible. He described it as a “selfless creative force” that makes decisions collectively, unanimously, uncritically, democratically, and conscientiously. So, each of Jeff’s quote attributions should be imagined as a group statement. And of course, the board is entirely composed of residents of Little Falls. Many vital participants (past and present) are cited 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.

This cause is an enormous effort.

“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 or breaking their arms – never blowing up their heads with ego and never patting themselves on the back.

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

In the core of the Society’s activity and identity, it’s obvious that people feel privileged to honor the public. That means that you yourself are worth remembering. Your memory is worthwhile.

Jeff described the mission as one of “sacrosanct” (untouchable) importance. He said that the relationship between the Society and the community is mutually exciting.

We found that one simple expression summed it up nicely: it takes a village.

Jeff and his wife Pat debated over this proverb’s exact historical origin (be it African or Native American – it’s African). Regardless, it’s obvious that, over time, people have refined wisdom into these succinct, poignant proverbs. On the timeline of history, we’ve each lent a hand in carrying forth the enduring truths of humanity.

Then, another expression came up: it’s a labor of love.

Don’t gloss over Jeff’s meaning because of his use of a quote you’ve heard before! Again, what’s familiar is often what’s most important. Thus my favorite cliche: it’s a cliche for a reason.

Thankfully, Jeff never tires of keeping the past relevant. The Society is trying to interest young people in becoming involved as members and directors.

He expressed the Society’s mission as properly caring for their nearly 200-year-old building and its contents in order to “tell the Little Falls story” and “contribute to the fabric of the community.” He credited his drive to an appreciation and love of local history.

For example, their military exhibit highlighted Little Falls’ involvement in every war since the Civil War. These legendary moments in time are composed of “everyday” people from small towns. Revisiting these events in hindsight can change the narrative, personally and at large. Jeff said that, in particular, Vietnam veterans and their families were “deeply touched” by the exhibit, as they bore the brunt of the public’s distaste for the war. This was a far cry from the respect and status that many veterans likely dream they will earn after having served. Even veterans from outside the area came to finally have an opportunity for recognition and to converse with others who shared their experiences.

The Little Falls Historical Society maintains the significance of not only current locals, but also of those past.

Case in point, the former “Colored Burial Ground” in Church Street Cemetery 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 to secure the donation of a 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, even if you don’t see your day of recognition while you’re alive, there are always people fighting to get you there eventually.

Some of the Society’s other history-honoring activities include cemetery tours, restoration of deteriorated historical markers, and participation in the SUNY Oneonta-Cooperstown Museum Studies graduate program (which assisted with a virtual tour series of important Little Falls sites) building on the historical society’s Historic Entry project for 6 or 7 years. People that want some help digging up evidence of interest can submit a research request to the Society. And locals are welcome to pitch ideas on how to honor Little Falls.

Patriots Day

On May 17, 2025, at 11 AM, the Little Falls Historical Society will be celebrating Patriots Day with an event at General Nicholas Herkimer’s home. This is a NYS Historic Site, because General Herkimer led the Tryon County militia at the Battle of Oriskany during the American Revolution.

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

With all of these efforts, the Society evokes a transcendent aura.

“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.”

CURRENT BOARD DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS

DIRECTORS

Louis Baum
Jeffrey Gressler (President)
Laura Laubenthal
Gail Potter
Missy Smith (Vice President)
Pat Stock
Maryanne Terzi

OTHER OFFICERS

Anita Dulak – Secretary
David Krutz – Treasurer

MEMBERSHIP CO-CHAIRPERSONS

Louis Baum
Pat Frezza-Gressler