SPOTLIGHT AWARD
2026 Spotlight Award:
Scarsdale Historical Society
Scarsdale Historical Society Board
Rear L to R standing: Lori Rothman Kaplan, Dana Matsushita,
Deidre Michael, Treasurer, Deborah Skolnik, Secretary, Shivi Bansal
Front L to R sitting: May Cowan, Jordan Copeland, Vice President, Randy Guggenheimer, President, Leslie Chang, Social Media, Christine Weston
Not pictured: Karen Ceske, Seth Kaller, Lesley Shearer
The 2026 Spotlight Award is presented to the Scarsdale Historical Society (SHS) for its innovative work in "bringing together Village residents to celebrate our rich history." This dedicated, all-volunteer organization has redefined historic preservation, creating cohesion and a "sense of place" through a multi-faceted and innovative journey.
Established in 1973, SHS is changing the way people think about the past by making history accessible, relevant, and meaningfully woven into everyday life:
As Scarsdale Foundation President Seema Jaggi noted, their creative storytelling "brings Scarsdale’s vibrant history to life for today’s residents." The Society’s work ensures that history is not just preserved, but actively shared through strong community engagement.
By highlighting underrepresented narratives and celebrating the unique heritage of our various neighborhoods, the Scarsdale Historical Society fosters a more inclusive understanding of our village and inspires a deep sense of pride and belonging.
"At a time when the importance of connections and community cannot be overstated, the Scarsdale Historical Society has brought our shared past to light, creating cohesion and pride in our remarkable village."
- Pam Fuehrer, Bowl Committee Chair
Established in 1973, SHS is changing the way people think about the past by making history accessible, relevant, and meaningfully woven into everyday life:
- Groundbreaking Media: SHS has produced 12 professionally- made documentaries exploring everything from downtown's history to the "Forgotten Railway." in Heathcote. These standing-room-only screenings at the Scarsdale Library foster deep engagement through expert-led panel discussions.
- Digital Connectivity: With a robust social media presence of over 6,600 followers, SHS bridges generations, reconnecting former residents and helping newcomers quickly develop a sense of belonging.
- Preserving the Record: In partnership with the Scarsdale Library, SHS digitized the Scarsdale Inquirer (1901-1977) and preserves vital historic records and photographs, ensuring Scarsdale’s story is safeguarded for the future.
- Unifying Force: From digital archives to the new ScarsTales podcast, SHS uses technology to explore local stories, creating a "unifying force" that celebrates the diversity of Scarsdale’s neighborhoods.
- Community Grantmaking: SHS awards grants to local organizations that advance local history work, such as digitizing historic school records for the Scarsdale Public Schools and a new Revolutionary-era museum being created in nearby Hartsdale.
As Scarsdale Foundation President Seema Jaggi noted, their creative storytelling "brings Scarsdale’s vibrant history to life for today’s residents." The Society’s work ensures that history is not just preserved, but actively shared through strong community engagement.
By highlighting underrepresented narratives and celebrating the unique heritage of our various neighborhoods, the Scarsdale Historical Society fosters a more inclusive understanding of our village and inspires a deep sense of pride and belonging.
"At a time when the importance of connections and community cannot be overstated, the Scarsdale Historical Society has brought our shared past to light, creating cohesion and pride in our remarkable village."
- Pam Fuehrer, Bowl Committee Chair