In a heartwarming display of historical preservation, a group of high school students in Poughkeepsie, New York, have successfully petitioned to install a historical marker honoring the quirky former occupant of a house on Delano Street. This unexpected recognition shines a light on the often-overlooked cultural figures who have left an indelible mark on the Hudson Valley region.

Uncovering the Forgotten Gems of Hudson Valley History

Reviving the Forgotten Narratives

The Hudson Valley is a region rich in history, home to numerous significant figures who have shaped the course of our nation. From the iconic George Washington to the influential Franklin D. Roosevelt, the area has long been a hub of historical significance. However, as the years have passed, many lesser-known but equally fascinating individuals have fallen through the cracks of the historical narrative. Two years ago, a group of students in Robert McHugh's AP History class at Arlington High School decided to change that. Recognizing the need to bring recognition to the overlooked cultural figures of the Hudson Valley, the students embarked on a quest to uncover the hidden gems of the region's history.

Petitioning for a Poughkeepsie Icon

After completing their AP History exam, the students had an additional month of school remaining. McHugh, who is actively involved with the historical society in Millbrook, saw this as an opportunity to engage his students in a meaningful project. He explained to the class that the historical markers scattered throughout the Hudson Valley, first installed by New York State in the 1930s, had largely focused on political and military figures, often neglecting the cultural and social contributions of marginalized individuals.Inspired by this revelation, the students set out to research historical figures in Dutchess County who deserved recognition. Their search led them to the story of Ed Wood, a film director born in the City of Poughkeepsie, known for his campy, low-budget sci-fi films of the 1950s. Wood's unique legacy and connection to the region made him the perfect candidate for the students' historical marker project.

Bringing Ed Wood's Legacy to Life

Ed Wood's filmography, though often criticized for its amateurish quality, has since gained a cult following and recognition as a unique and influential voice in the world of cinema. His most famous work, "Plan 9 from Outer Space," has been hailed as one of the worst movies ever made, yet it has also been celebrated for its enduring charm and the director's unwavering passion.The students at Arlington High School were determined to ensure that Wood's Poughkeepsie roots were not forgotten. After compiling extensive documentation about the filmmaker's childhood in the city, they received permission from the owners of his former home on Delano Street to apply for a historical marker.

A Marker for the Eccentric Auteur

The students' hard work and dedication paid off when they received approval from the Pomeroy Foundation, an organization that awards grants to community groups for the installation of historic markers. A sign commemorating Ed Wood's legacy will now be installed at his former Poughkeepsie residence, ensuring that his quirky and often overlooked contributions to the world of cinema are forever etched into the fabric of the Hudson Valley's history.The students' efforts have not stopped there. They have also secured funding for markers honoring other significant historical figures and sites in the region, including historic one-room schoolhouses in Beacon and LaGrange, the Poughkeepsie Almshouse, the Dutchess Turnpike, and the baseball player Eddie Collins, known as "Cocky," who hailed from Millerton.

Preserving the Unique Tapestry of Hudson Valley History

The story of the Arlington High School students' successful campaign to honor Ed Wood's legacy in Poughkeepsie serves as a testament to the power of grassroots historical preservation. By shining a light on the often-overlooked cultural figures and events that have shaped the Hudson Valley, these students have not only brought recognition to a quirky filmmaker but have also contributed to the ongoing effort to preserve the rich and diverse tapestry of the region's history.As the community gathers to witness the unveiling of the historical marker on Delano Street, it is a moment to celebrate the enduring spirit of the Hudson Valley and the determination of its residents to ensure that all voices, no matter how unconventional, are heard and remembered.