A Well Deserved Retirement

After more than 28 years, Brunswick Town Historian Sharon Zankel has announced that she is retiring. 

Over the past two decades, Sharon has worked closely with the students from the Brittonkill School District, creating numerous award-winning programs, partnering with historians, artists, and musicians to bring Brunswick’s rich history to life, and has also worked closely with the Brunswick Historical Society on their exhibitions and programs. She has worked tirelessly to protect the built environment and rural landscape in the town including the cemeteries, particularly Forest Park Cemetery. For many years, she was the Region 5 coordinator for the Association of Public Historians of New York State, working on statewide issues in historic preservation. 

Sharon has shared her knowledge and expertise with her fellow historians here in Rensselaer County. On a personal note, Sharon has been a tremendous mentor and friend to me and I am grateful for the many years we have worked together. 

Tracy Broderick, who has served as President of the Brunswick Historical Society for 11 years will now serve as the Brunswick Town Historian. I wish Tracy the best of luck and look forward to working with her.

Sharon, best wishes on your well-deserved retirement and enjoy all those new projects you want to work on. We will miss you but I know you are only a phone call away!