Archive In an Envelope - History of The Drowned Towns

By Mary A. Crisafulli

DELHI - Archive in an Envelope, the name is intriguing on its own. The program was produced by the Delaware County Historical Association (DCHA) through an education grant from Catskill Watershed Corporation (CWC). All one has to do to participate is email dchadelhi@gmail.com or call 607-746-3849 and request a copy. Copies of the DCHA archival documents are sent right to the homes of participants or school districts.

"We liked the idea of increasing accessibility to the site (DCHA)," said Educator Samantha Misa, "and expanding reach." During the global pandemic, Misa explained that mailings were very popular. DCHA started the program in 2023 and plans to make it an annual event. "We have a lot to offer here," said Misa. It's a great way to integrate historic materials into classrooms and homes, she added.

Archives reveal the tale of the drowned towns in the New York City Watershed. Since the grant for the program is through CWC, Misa said it was fitting to highlight the Watershed system. Each document was chosen to fit together as a unit, she explained. They tell a nice story of before, during, and aftermath of the reservoir project.

The design of the envelope has been beautifully executed to immerse people in the life of a historian. Misa said the goal was to replicate what historians do in the archives - picking through a variety of tactile diverse documents to craft a narrative. Records come in all ways on paper that are rough, thick, thin, or stained, "it's a very sensory experience," she said with a laugh.

In picking through the envelope one will find photos, postcards, watershed reports, news articles, and fishing recommendations. Misa indulged me in speculation on why the fishing guide from 1967 would cost a wapping $1. At the time a dollar would be something to think about spending. Misa suspects the packet would have made for a handy field guide marketed to tourists and visitors unfamiliar with the area and regulations. Or, Misa continued, it might have been sold as a fundraiser item. For those who have the packet, it's important to know the fishing guide provided is a small portion of the actual guide which is about a dozen pages.

One of the news articles discusses the relocation of burial sights, which is a topic of interest for people. The article notes the reimbursement amounts from NYC for moving burials. The fees do not include out-of-county relocation. We again speculated regarding forgotten graves that might have been washed under the reservoirs. "There are stories of those who refused to drink the water and would say 'its the broth of their ancestors,'" Misa said. The documents could spark many talking points for those reviewing them.

Student packets are tailored to nudge students to think deeply and get analytical with the topic, explained Misa. Many schools have participated, even ones in the NYC boroughs.

Misa thought to cap the envelopes at 250 but they have already exceeded this number. "We have gotten a really good response and are happy to continue handing them out if people are asking," she said. Documents can be requested until Jan. 1.

Misa encourages participants to fill out the attached survey and send it back so they can improve the program and track success. While the program is funded by a CWC grant, DCHA is always accepting donations to support the association. Donations can be sent via PayPal by visiting dcha-ny.org or mailed to DCHA 46549 State Highway 10, Delhi.