Washington’s Headquarters Hosts General’s Lady

By Jennifer L. Warren

NEWBURGH – Colette Fulton’s passion for history runs deep, and its impact has been felt by and inspired countless people.

Its roots can be traced back to when she was a little girl, growing up in New Windsor, where she was mesmerized by the beauty of the awe-inspiring Temple Hill Monument. It’s evident in her eyes when she talks about the importance of our youth knowing, even memorizing the Constitution, and it resonates when you hear about how she and former Cornwall Town Historian, Janet Dempsey, dedicated an inordinate amount of time indexing the first 100 years (spanning 1873-1973) of Cornwall Local publications, making it conveniently accessible in its own special card catalogue.

Colette C. Fulton, the 2023 recipient of The General’s Lady honor, offers remarks at Sunday’s reception, held at Washington’s Headquarters State Historic Park in the City of Newburgh.
Colette C. Fulton, the 2023 recipient of The General’s Lady honor, offers remarks at Sunday’s reception, held at Washington’s Headquarters State Historic Park in the City of Newburgh.

For all these reasons, and so many more, the former Cornwall-on Hudson Village Historian of 37 years, Fulton, who has authored the Arcadia book images of America Cornwall-on-Hudson and co-authored Images from the Past 1788-1920, Town of Cornwall, was presented with the distinction of The 2023 Martha Washington Woman of History Award, by the Washington’s Headquarter State Historic Site. The accolade, honoring General George Washington’s wife, Martha, is part of an annual tradition, paying tribute to a local historical figure possessing traits-visions similar to the inaugural First Lady.

“This year’s honoree, Colette Fulton, is a wonderful example of someone who has a genuine love of history and a willingness to share it with others,” said Elyse Goldberg, Historic Site Manager, as she welcomed guests in to Sunday’s Ceremony, inside the historic Headquarters, in a room enveloped with large portraits of George and Martha. “It’s really what this award is all about, someone who had qualities like Martha.”

Intentionally set in March, Woman’s History Month, the Liberty Street, City of Newburgh- based Washington Headquarters Ceremony, also serves as a salute to the intelligence, determination, grace and contributions of women. True to that theme, Tiffanie Sutton, who in addition to being a full-time elementary school teacher is also a part-time historical interpreter at Knox’s Headquarters State Historic Site and the New Windsor Cantonment State Historic Site, initiated the ceremony with a detailed presentation on a woman, Lucy Knox (1756-1824), who she frequently portrays. Providing intriguing, researched tidbits on the trailblazer qualities Knox possessed. Sutton elaborated upon her refusal to cower to her family’s disapproval to marry her husband, Henry, unwavering support she provided him during his military career (including that of general in the Continental Army) and incredible ability to persevere through a life riddled with hardships.

Tiffanie Sutton, who relayed extensive research on a historical figure, Lucy Knox, who she portrays as a part-time historical interpreter at Knox’s Headquarters State Historic Site and the New Windsor Cantonment State Historic Site, at Sunday’s The General’s Ladies event, held at Washington’s Headquarters State Historic Site.
Tiffanie Sutton, who relayed extensive research on a historical figure, Lucy Knox, who she portrays as a part-time historical interpreter at Knox’s Headquarters State Historic Site and the New Windsor Cantonment State Historic Site, at Sunday’s The General’s Ladies event, held at Washington’s Headquarters State Historic Site.

“I chose the word resolution for my talk on Lucy today,” said Sutton. “She stood strong and determined in a life of controversy and was resolute throughout.”

Following Sutton’s informative, powerful segment, Goldberg returned to the front podium, presenting Fulton with the circular engraved plaque, officially honoring her as the 2023 Martha Washington Woman of History recipient. Sutton, who now joins a long list of esteemed women holding this distinction, was nominated by a past recipient of the honor, Mary McTamaney; former Cornwall-on-Hudson Mayor, Brendan Coyne; and dedicated Cornwall Historical Society member as well as major contributor to the Friends of the Cornwall Library, Jane Harkinson, the latter who spoke about her tireless efforts directed at the indexing as well as assembling of photos of Cornwall for the two books she is involved in authoring

“The photos tell a real story about Cornwall,” said Harkinson about the diligent work of her good friend, Sutton. “She never tires of history, and has a lifetime passion for it.”

That love affair with history quickly surfaced when Sutton came to the podium to offer some remarks. Her opening words immediately alluded to her falling in love with a local historical statue, The Temple Hill Monument, a spot she frequently visited and admired with her siblings, and remains a pivotal piece of her life. From there, the attraction to all things past only intensified over time.

“This is all such a joy for me,” said a visibly touched Sutton, who also founded the Cornwall Historical Society in 1999 and continues to archive at the Cornwall Public Library as well as be involved in an array of community organizations, including the Orange County Historical Society, and does reenactments at the New Windsor Cantonment and the Last Encampment. “We have a responsibility now to make sure our children are told history correctly, and we maintain our principles.” She added, “This award means so much to me because we are continuing to recognize our local history, where so much of our history was made, such as the Society of Cincinnati and where Washington developed the Military Badge of Honor which became the Purple Heart; those are the things we have to work hard to keep alive.”

Print Friendly, PDF & Email