Eastchester Historian Richard Forliano Photo by Lissa Halen
At a recent conference held in Port Jefferson, NY, Richard Forliano, Historian for the Town of Eastchester, received the APHNYS Award for Excellence in Promoting Local History. Forliano was recognized for his decades of work in interpreting and saving the Town’s rich history.
Dick was appointed Eastchester Town Historian in 1988, while he also taught American History at Eastchester Junior and Senior High for many years. After retiring in 2003, he devoted himself full-time to local history, and succeeded through passion and innovative programs in making it interesting and significant to audiences at every level.
All his initiatives and accomplishments are woven into the fabric of community service, as we described in the many letters we received from his colleagues and friends. His recent activities have included his ongoing fight to save Ward House, a significant site in Westchester County’s Revolutionary War history.
“I was delighted to witness the presentation of this most deserved award to Eastchester Historian Dick Forliano. His love of history has touched and inspired thousands of his Eastchester residents and students over the years to appreciate and love local history truly. Well done, APHNYS! You couldn’t have honored a more worthy person,” said Yonkers Historian Mary Hoar.