Alf Evers signing his book for a customer at Twine’s Catskill Bookshop on October 27, 1972. (Photo by Milton Wagenfohr)
The Historical Society of Woodstock will present an interview with noted author, poet and composer Ed Sanders on Thursday, February 18 at 7 p.m. to discuss his recently completed biography on the life and work of noted historian Alf Evers. Evers, whose major works included The Catskills: From Wilderness to Woodstock, Woodstock: History of an American Town and Kingston: City on the Hudson, has been recognized as one of the prominent regional historians in the country.
Sanders, who will be interviewed by Woodstock town historian Richard Heppner, worked closely with Evers during the latter part of his life and, in Alf Evers: An American Genius, has offered a detailed study on the evolution of a historian’s life – a historian who helped lay the foundation of how we view our collective past.
In addition to his preeminent works, Evers served as the first Woodstock town historian and led the Historical Society of Woodstock as its president for a number of years. With a number of children’s books also to his credit, Evers was a much-in-demand lecturer, guide and an early voice in the battle to preserve our environment.
Working in the years before the dawn of the Internet, Evers’ research efforts were remarkable by any standard. Through interviews, oral histories and a meticulous review of printed records, Evers maintained a lifelong curiosity in all areas of our local story – from folklore to cultural and social change to the everyday struggles of carving a life from the Catskill wilderness.
The Historical Society of the Woodstock invites you to join in this special presentation as we remember and reflect on the legacy of Alf Evers’ work and the gift of history that he bequeathed to us all.
To register for this Zoom conference, simply e-mail historicalsocietyofwoodstockny@gmail.com and put “Alf Evers” in the subject line. An invitation will be sent to you prior to the event. For further information, contact Richard Heppner at woodstockhistory@hvc.rr.com.