Annual Benefit Committee

Putnam History Museum’s Annual Gala: Sunday, November 24th


We are delighted to announce our upcoming Annual Gala on Sunday, November 24, 2024, an event dedicated to celebrating Putnam County’s history and the exceptional individuals who work to preserve and enhance our local communities.

Each year, the General Israel Putnam Trailblazer Award is presented to individuals whose leadership has made a major impact in the community and set a path forward for others to follow.

This year, we have the special honor of recognizing Seamus Carroll and Marie Wieck, a couple whose commitment to community and innovation exemplifies the spirit of this award.


Seamus and Marie have been pillars of the Cold Spring community for nearly four decades. They discovered Cold Spring in 1985, choosing it as the perfect midway point between their careers in Poughkeepsie and Rockland County. Over the past 40 years, they have raised their daughters, Claire and Grace, here and have made substantial contributions to local and national non-profits, influencing positive change both locally and beyond.

Marie has served on the boards of Charity Navigator, the Anita Borg Institute, Society of Women Engineers, National Association of Female Executives, Columbia University Board of Visitors, and the Haldane Technology Committee. Seamus’ past and present charitable endeavors include: the Hudson Highlands Land Trust, Haldane School Foundation, Land to Learn, St. Mary’s Community Board, Haldane Arts Committee, Guiding Eyes for the Blind, Philipstown Garden Club, and the Cornell Cooperative Extension.

Marie and Seamus believe in leaving a place better than you find it and hope that their efforts over the years have had a positive impact on the community they love to call home. We are proud to honor them for their unwavering dedication and service.

We invite you to join the Benefit Committee for this significant event.

The Gala is PHM’s largest annual fundraising event, and the support of the Benefit Committee is essential to its success. Your participation helps ensure that the PHM continues to thrive, and that the history of our region is preserved for future generations.

All Benefit Committee members will be acknowledged during the event, in the program, and through various publicity channels. To become a member of the Benefit Committee, please complete the form below.

If you have any questions, please contact PHM Executive Director Cassie Ward at director@putnamhistorymuseum.org or 845-265-4010, ext. 11.

We look forward to celebrating with you and honoring Seamus Carroll and Marie Wieck with the Trailblazer Award. Thank you for your consideration and continued support.

Sincerely,

Mark Forlow                   Cassie Ward
Board Chair                    Executive Director