Local Historian Sue Gardner Named Martha Washington Woman of History

Local historian Sue Gardner has been named the 2021 Martha Washington Woman of History by Washington’s Headquarters State Historic Site in Newburgh. This award is given annually to a woman who has made a contribution to the history of the Hudson Valley through education, promotion, or preservation. The honor was inspired by Martha Washington, who resided in the Hudson Valley with her husband during the last days of the Revolutionary War.

Ms. Gardner is the Deputy Historian for the Town of Warwick and Local History Librarian for the Albert Wisner Public Library.  She is author of, “Pure Necessity: Revolution at Warwick”, which won the Greater Hudson Heritage Network’s Award for Excellence last year.  

Gardner has also coordinated the Friends of Hathorn historical society since its founding in 2014.  She notes that, “This is truly an honor, and is humbling because many women work very hard over many years to preserve and promote our region’s historical heritage.  I would never have been able to succeed in my efforts without all those who have helped me over the years to research and honor Warwick’s Founding Veterans and their wives and families.”

An award ceremony is being planned and will take place in March during Women’s History Month in accordance with current pandemic restrictions.  For more information about the award, contact Washington’s Headquarters Historic Site manager Elyse B. Goldberg, email elyse.goldberg@parks.ny.gov, or phone 845-562-1195.

Local historian, Sue Gardner, has been named the 2021 Martha Washington Woman of History by Washington Headquarters State Historic Site in Newburgh, NY.