Hudson Area Library’s History Room Committee, as part of its Local History Speaker Series, is pleased to present The History of Hudson’s Ukrainian Community with guest speakers Reverend Richard Washburn and Rosa Pfeil.
The history of the Ukrainian community in Columbia County dates from the 19th century when immigrants from western Ukraine moved to this area. Learn about why they settled here and how they developed a community in Hudson. Both Washburn and Pfeil will discuss the 200 year history of the Ukrainian churches in Hudson, as well as Ukrainian heritage, traditions and holiday celebrations that are still observed.
Reverend Washburn is a Hudson native and an ordained deacon in permanent service to the Catholic Church. Having over 26 years of public service within the NY State development and technology fields, he is currently the Chairman of the Columbia County Board of Ethics based in Hudson. He also serves as Chaplain to the Hudson Police Department, Greenport Fire Department, and multiple civil and community organizations in the county. Many know Richard for his frequent columns in the Hudson River Sampler.
Rosa Pfeil emigrated as a young child with her Ukrainian parents in 1950 and has lived in Hudson since. She attended local schools and belonged to the St. Nicholas Greek Catholic Church and then the later renamed St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church. In the past decade, she has been very active with the Ladies Sodality organization within the church and is involved with local fundraising and food and bake sales.
This presentation will be held in the Community Room on the first floor of the Hudson Area Library, with wheelchair access. Admission is free and open to the public. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
The History Room Committee’s Local History Speaker Series offers free monthly talks on diverse topics related to the history of Hudson, Greenport, Stockport, and Columbia County. The Hudson Area Library’s History Room houses a special collection that pertains to the history of the City of Hudson, as well as Columbia County and New York State. The History Room is open to the public on Saturdays from 10am-12pm, and by appointment.
The Hudson Area Library is located at 51 North Fifth St. in Hudson, NY. The mission of the Hudson Area Library is to enrich the quality of life in the chartered service area by providing educational, recreational, aesthetic, cultural and informational programs, services, and materials to all our citizens. For more information: hudsonarealibrary.org or call (518) 828-1792.
