The "Orange County Roots Project" is based on an exhibition of photographs that depict the people, trades and crafts that have existed in Orange County over the last century and still exist today.  The original photographs were exhibited in 2009 and 2010 at the Executive Suite Gallery, Orange County Government Center, Goshen, NY; Lycian Centre Galleries, Sugar Loaf, NY; Fieldstone Gallery - Brotherhood Winery, Washingtonville, NY and the BOCES Educational Facility, Goshen, NY.  This project was made possible, in part, with funds from Orange County Tourism and the County of Orange.  It was also supported, in part, by the Monroe Animal Hospital in Monroe, NY.  The photographs were taken and printed primarily using a 2008 County of Orange Grant.  This project was then expanded into an “Orange County Roots Photojournalism Workshop, Website & Book" using a 2010 County of Orange Grant with continued support from the Monroe Animal Hospital and an additional grant from the Orange County Historian.

 

This endeavor preserves in images the culture, work ethic and the people that still labor in a manner as they have for many generations.  Much of this is rapidly disappearing as farms turn into housing developments and malls.  It is unique in that it focuses more on the people themselves rather than similar projects that have just depicted the buildings and landscapes of old Orange County.  This project includes both rural and urban activities.  It is also distinctive in that a variety of avocations and skills are depicted.  It includes images from Ace Farm in Monroe, Bellvale Farms in Warwick, Brotherhood Winery in Washingtonville, Monroe Shoe Repair in Monroe, Quaker Creek Store in Goshen, Roe's Orchards in Chester and Scheuermann Farms in Warwick.  My intent is to encourage the general public to learn our common local history, as it is still being practiced today.

 

Photographs by

Kenneth Lipston

Email: Ken@LipstonPhotographics.com

Phone: 845-928-9601

 

Click on the images below to view the photographs, book & artist’s statement