Holly Watson (left) is the new President of the Government Appointed Historians of Western New York organization. Photo provided by Livingston County.
The Government Appointed Historians of Western New York (GAHWNY) has named Livingston County Historian Holly Watson as its new president.
Watson has been a long-time member of GAHWNY, most recently serving as the organization’s secretary for the last four years. Her appointment comes as the group celebrates its 16th year of offering educational programming, resources, and support to town, village, county, and tribal historians in the region. As president, Watson said she looks to further her professional development while continuing to work closely with her peers throughout Western New York.
“I have enjoyed connecting with historians across our region and sharing ideas during my four years as secretary of GAHWNY,” said Watson. “As the next president of the organization, I look forward to continuing to support my peers, whether they are just starting out or are already experienced public officials. From my position as Livingston County historian, I am proud to be able to use my lived professional experience to offer guidance and information to other historians. While the role of GAHWNY president is ancillary to my full-time work with the county, connecting with others in the field is always rewarding and educational.”
Since becoming county historian, Watson has addressed the Historian Office’s unprocessed collections while updating its extensive inventory. She routinely assists patrons in the research center and by email and has indexed thousands of records with the goal of enhancing the office’s online searchable database. Watson regularly presents her work in public forums, most recently offering a series of programs aimed at uncovering the history of the Livingston County Poorhouse Cemeteries.
Founded in 2008, GAHWNY is dedicated to the promotion, research, interpretation and preservation of history relating to the western portion of New York State. The professional development and networking organization was cofounded by Livingston County’s former county historian, Amie Alden. GAHWNY currently offers an annual day-long conference, as well as a web and social media presence. It recognizes career milestones of the region’s historians and supports the work of history students through an annual scholarship.
To find online resources, request research help, or explore Livingston County history, visit the Livingston County Historian’s Office online or call 585-243-7955
