Warwick Town Board names Richard Hull as new town historian

Warwick — Dr. Richard Hill certainly knows his history. He has been a professor of history at New York University for over 40 years, specializing in African history. Now, he is bringing his expertise home and stepping into a new role right here in Warwick. The Town Board named Hull town historian last month. He follows the late Florence Tate, who held the job for many years. Hull has written a history of Warwick called People of the Valleys: A History of the Valleys of the Town of Warwick, New York 1700-1976 with an update in 2005 called People of the Valleys Revisited: A History of the Valleys of the Town of Warwick, New York 1700-2005. In his new position, Hull says his duties will fall into three broad categories: reveal and interpret Warwick’s past through research, writing, and public presentations; identify and promote the preservation of historic sites; and work with the various local historical societies, local educators, and elected officials. “Warwick is a dynamic, progressive community because it has always had a pride and deep appreciation of its past, an understanding of the roots of our contemporary problems and challenges, and the wisdom to move forward in a responsible way,” said Hull. “As I see it, the town historian connects the past with the future and thus helps to sustain a viable present.” Hull does see his role rooted as much in the present as it is in the past. “As new municipal policies are shaped, the town historian has a responsibility to participate in their construction and articulation,” he told the Town Board. “Studying history simply for the sake of public entertainment is sterile. History must enlighten a community. It must be seen as a map and a critical navigational tool. A community with an understanding of its legacy tends to be a community that is comprised of responsible and visionary citizens. Democracies are built and flourish on historical foundations. A community without a sense of its history is a community without an identity and without pride and self-confidence.” Hull also outlined what the job does not entail, including being an archivist, archeologist, or genealogist. “But [a historian] should serve to reveal the collective memory of our community so that policies implemented by our town officials and members of our various boards and commissions are not made in a vacuum,” he said. “History has shown that the most effective policies in government are those that are crafted within a broad context. Surely, we can learn from the mistakes and successes of our predecessors.” And, although Hull’s expertise is in studying and documenting the past, he is looking to the future and our schools to continue the strong bond between past and present. “We need to make stronger connections between the Town Hall, our libraries, our local historical societies and our schools,” he said. “And I firmly believe that it is the responsibility of the town historian to build those vital networks.” Town of Warwick Supervisor Michael Sweeton said he was very happy to have Hull as the town’s historian. “It is wonderful that Dr. Hull would take this position,” said Sweeton. “We are very pleased to have him.”