After 25 years, Stockbridge prepares to pass Bedford’s history forward

BEDFORD, N.Y. - As Bedford’s official historian, John Stockbridge has passionately preserved the township’s remarkable past. These days, his focus is also on the future.

At year’s end, after 25 years as guardian of Bedford's oral and written history, Stockbridge will prepare to turn those duties over to the next Town Historian. In January, as historian emeritus, he will continue to work on special projects, including oral histories.

The search for his successor begins now, with the Town Board hoping to vote the appointment in January.

Supervisor Ellen Calves told the board’s Sept. 22 meeting that she and Stockbridge “have been in discussion for a couple of years now about a transition.”

Later, she praised his tenure as the historian. “John has brought Bedford’s history to the forefront in so many ways throughout his term with a combination of scholarship, curiosity, wit and great enthusiasm for the people and places that make Bedford what it is,” she said.

“A major contribution John has made to the town was his involvement in historic building preservation and the formation of the Historic Building Preservation Commission,” Calves said. That five-member commission identifies historic buildings and creates a law and process to preserve the historic elements of those buildings when they’re undergoing change.

At the meeting, the Town Board appointed Jay Adolf to serve the remainder of Stockbridge’s three-year commission term. The board also reappointed John Sullivan, an architect and nine-year commission veteran, to another three-year term. Both will serve until Aug. 10, 2029.

In brief remarks at the September meeting, Stockbridge offered “many, many thanks to the Town Board for support of the historian’s office and for the whole effort of historic preservation in Bedford.”

“We are a very unique town, very, very interesting, wonderful, historic town,” he said, “and to have the Town Board understand that, support it, back it, give encouragement to it, understand it, is very much what I want to say to you guys. Thank you.”

Calves said the formal search for Stockbridge’s successor begins this month. “The town will post a job description and start taking applications,” she said.

Whoever is chosen will almost immediately assume guidance of a year-long effort—undertaken by Stockbridge and Lynn Ryan, former executive director of the Bedford Historical Society, with the help of some volunteers—to organize, catalog and digitize resources in the town historian’s office.

“Given the additional scope of this work and the time and expertise John has contributed to the project,” Calves recommended, and the Town Board authorized, a one-time stipend of $5,000.

Stockbridge plans to remain active in his emeritus role in the new year. “John would like to continue to work on some special projects in 2027, including the oral histories project, which preserves the stories of generations of Bedford residents and provides a window into Bedford’s past,” the supervisor said.

“We will recognize John’s legacy as town historian at our Town Board meeting on Dec. 15,” she noted, saying it will include a reception and recognition event. “We will have a lot more to say [about him and his contributions at that time],” Calves promised. “And we will bring cookies.”

CONSERVATION APPOINTMENT

Bradley Frederick was named to the Conservation Board, replacing Lynn Becker, who resigned in July. He will fill the remainder of Becker’s two-year term, which expires on Jan. 20, 2028.

Frederick brings to the board extensive experience and knowledge of both invasive and locally native plant species, Calves said in recommending his appointment.

An advisory panel, the nine-member Conservation Board makes recommendations on proposed projects, plans and policies that impact the environmental efforts of town government and the community.