An account of household transactions kept by a widow and mother in the early 1800’s serves as a treasure trove of information about the social and economic history of Ulster County, NY. Ann DeWitt Bevier kept an impressive account of her purchases and payments from 1802-1813. Her account book provides insights into everything from education to slavery, to Ulster County’s increasing links to a growing regional economy in the early 19th century. As much information as this document provides, it leaves us with many avenues for further study, for the most intriguing aspects of her account book may just be the unanswered questions it raises.

This presentation will be presented entirely online via a link provided after registration.

Natalie Serkowski DeStrange earned a Masters in American History from Fordham University and a Masters of Arts in Teaching from Bard College. She first “met” Ann while working on her Master’s Thesis at Fordham University. For the past 15 + years, she’s been teaching history at Rhinebeck High School and continuing to pursue her interest in local history.

$8 General Access

$5 Discounted Access for HHS members, seniors, students, active military personnel and their families, and veterans

This program is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.