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Small historical societies abound in New York State, but the John
Thurman Historical Society stands out in its efforts to showcase the
history of the Town of Thurman. The organization is only 35 years old,
faltered in the 80s, and has been back in full force since 1996 with
a core group of over 40 members. JTHS was organized to discover and
collect, publicize and protect the history of the Town of Thurman.
They have collaborated with Warren County Parks and Recreation to
commemorate a 1946 train wreck, which was carrying camp children.
Miraculously all of the children were spared. In 2001 they created a
memorial honoring all Thurman veterans who have served this country.
During the past few years, they have devoted much of their time to an
oral history project, the revitalization of their annual house tour,
and the presentation and growth of their September Fiddlers Jamboree.
The oral history project was developed to archive the stories of times
past and to collect them before they are lost. Initially, JTHS
received a grant from the ARTS INITIATIVE program in 1998 to begin the
process. A number of stories were gathered that year, and the project
continues to be a work in progress.
JTHS presents an Annual Fiddlers Jamboree, which began as a
one-day event has now expanded to three days, all due to the energies
of devoted members of the Society.
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