Bedford Historian Brings Past to Life

BEDFORD, N.Y. — Did you know that Bedford was considered a Connecticut town during the 17th century? Or that an area of Katonah was once underwater? 

As the executive director of the Bedford Historical Society, Evelyne Ryan keeps those little-known facts alive for local residents.

“What’s unique about Bedford is that it’s a historic village but it’s also a living village,” she said.

By that, Ryan means that many of the buildings that have stood for centuries as town landmarks are still open for public use. For example, you might not know that the Bedford Free Library was once the site of the Bedford Academy, one of Westchester’s first classical schools, from 1809 until 1902. And what is now used as the post office was actually built as a harness shop.

Ryan says her goal for the Bedford Historical Society is to teach everyone about the local history.

That’s why, through the educational tours and programs it hosts for adults and children, students can feel what it was like to be taught lessons by a 19th-century schoolmarm in the one-room schoolhouse on Pound Ridge Road, or see what an original jail cell looked like at the Bedford Court House and Museum.

“It’s important for Bedford to maintain its historic character, because it’s part of what brings people here,” she said. “What we do is share that history with people who visit.”

As for her own history, Ryan came to the Bedford Historical Society 15 years ago as a part-time employee. Back then, she was looking for a way to re-enter the work force after leaving her career in the arts management department at Sotheby’s New York to raise her children.

“There’s something about Bedford that even though you’re only an hour away out of New York City, there’s a feeling of it being more rural. It makes you feel like you’re in a small town,” she said. 

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