09/23/2026
Our town and village historian is the BEST! Congratulations, Rob!
I am incredibly honored to be the recipient of the 2026 Julia Reinstein Career Achievement Award from the Government-Appointed Historians of Western New York, the organization that represents town, village and county historians from the 11 counties and Seneca Nations of Western New York.
The award, the association’s highest honor, was presented during the organization’s annual conference last weekend.
Since 1989, the award has been presented annually to a municipal historian from Western New York in recognition of his or her historical leadership in the region and distinguished service to fellow historians. The award is named for its first recipient, Julia Reinstein, the longtime Cheektowaga town historian who was a driving force behind organizing the historians and historical societies in Erie County and across New York State. (You might recognize her name from all the other contributions she made to Cheektowaga and the region!)
To this day, municipal historians in Western New York strive to emulate the passion, professionalism and dedication of Julia Reinstein, which makes this recognition from my peers all the more special. I am honored to be in the esteemed company of these previous recipients: https://www.gahwny.org/reinstein-award.
Thank you to my fellow town, village and county historians (including Livingston County Historian and GAHWNY President Holly Watson, with whom I am pictured), the residents of the Town of Aurora and Village of East Aurora for entrusting me with the Historian's Office, and to everyone who continues to keep the preservation and study of local history alive.
With Gratitude,
Robert,
Town and Village Historian
