A Revolutionary ScarsTales is Here!

In this Revolutionary-themed episode of ScarsTales, Lori Rothman, Leslie Chang, and Jordan Copeland explore Scarsdale’s Revolutionary War-era history as the nation approaches the 250th anniversary of American independence. The conversation reframes Scarsdale not as the site of major battlefield glory, but as a community caught in the dangerous “neutral ground” between British forces in New York City and Patriot forces to the north. Jordan explains how local families endured raids, displacement, stolen livestock, and the daily instability of war.

The episode also looks at everyday life in early Scarsdale, from farming and hog management to road maintenance and communal responsibilities. A major section addresses Scarsdale’s history of slavery, including the role enslaved people played in building the town and the limited records that remain. Leslie then discusses the Historical Society’s oral history initiative and the search for recordings from a similar 1980s project. The episode closes with a preview of upcoming Revolutionary War-themed events, including Tavern 250 at Wayside Cottage.

We hope you’ll subscribe, rate, and review to help these stories reach more listeners.

TUNE IN

Toast 250! at Wayside Cottage - Sunday, June 14th

Wayside Cottage is the place to be on Sunday, June 14th, from 2 - 6 PM! 

Hosted by RW250 and the Junior League of Central Westchester, this lively Revolutionary-era tavern experience celebrates the Semiquincentennial (1776-2026) and the 325th anniversary of Scarsdale with music and merriment for all ages.

At Scarsdale Village’s oldest landmark, we’ll celebrate where the Varian family faced ever-present danger from Loyalist and British attacks during the Revolutionary War years.

FEATURING

Visits from: Martha Washington ★ British General Howe ★ Patriot Col. John Glover ★ …and More

Music by The Liberty Three

Games Hosted by Philipse Manor Hall

Quill Pen Writing

Weaving Demonstrations

Musket Drills with the 5th New York Regiment

Wayside Cottage Tours

Recognition of Witness Stones Project Honoring Those Once Enslaved

American Revolution Trivia—The Westchester Edition! (4:00 PM)

Tavern Fare and Libations for Purchase at the Captain Lawrence Food Truck

Colonial Sweets, Including Flag Day Treats for Kids

---

FREE ADMISSION

📆 Date: Sunday, June 14
2:00 - 6:00 PM
Wayside Cottage at 1039 Post Road, Scarsdale, NY

All Ages Welcome

Episode 3 of ScarsTales is Here!

In this episode of ScarsTales, hosts Laurie Rothman, Leslie Chang, and Jordan Copeland explore two deeply interconnected narratives: the founding and evolution of the Scarsdale Historical Society and the historical experience of Jewish residents in Scarsdale, New York.

The discussion traces how historic preservation efforts emerged in response to the demolition of a landmark home in the mid-20th century, ultimately leading to the establishment of the Scarsdale Historical Society in 1973. The episode also examines shifting community dynamics, including early Jewish settlement, social barriers, and key turning points that fostered greater inclusion.

Blending archival research, personal anecdotes, and cultural analysis, the episode highlights how local history reflects broader societal trends—and why preserving it remains essential today.

We hope you’ll subscribe, rate, and review to help these stories reach more listeners.

TUNE IN

Recap: The Scarsdale Bowl & Our Spotlight Award

What a night at the Scarsdale Bowl Dinner. We’re still taking it all in—and so grateful to the Scarsdale Foundation for recognizing our volunteer work in such a meaningful way.

Scarsdale Historical Trustees in attendance for the evening. Credit: Andi Schreiber

From the moment the evening began, there was a real sense of community in the room—neighbors, friends, and supporters all coming together to celebrate service and impact.

Scarsdale Historical Society Trustees with Special guests. Front l to r: Lori Rothman, Jordan Copeland, Dan Glauber (Local History Librarian, Scarsdale Public Library), Deborah Skolnik, Lesley Topping (Filmmaker). Back l to r: Christine Weston, Leslie Chang, Randy Guggenhimer, May Cowan, Shivi Bansal, Marc Cheshire (Communications) and Peter Blier. Credit: Andi Schreiber

Receiving the Spotlight Award was truly an honor, and one we share with our entire board. We especially missed those who couldn’t be there with us in person—they were very much part of this moment. We were delighted to be joined by three key collaborators who contribute meaningfully to our work: Dan Glauber (Local History Librarian from Scarsdale Public Library), filmmaker Lesley Topping, and Marc Cheshire (Communications).

We were also honored to be recognized alongside the night’s top honoree, the incredible Terri Simon, whose contributions continue to inspire so many in our community.

Bowl winner Terri Simon with Scarsdale Bowl Committee Chair, Pam Fuehrer. Credit: Andi Schreiber

And beyond the recognition, what made the evening even more meaningful was its purpose: supporting scholarships for those in need. It’s a reminder of what can happen when a community comes together with generosity and intention.

Credit: Andi Schreiber

Thank you again to the Scarsdale Foundation for a memorable evening—and to everyone who makes this work possible. We’re proud to be part of a community that shows up for one another.

Our President Randy Guggenheimer when he accepted the Spotlight Award from Pam Feuhrer. Credit: Andi Schreiber

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

WATCH NOW: A History of Jewish People in Scarsdale

A History of Jewish People in Scarsdale traces the community's Jewish history from a marginal presence with limited civic participation to full integration within Scarsdale's social and civic life. Drawing on original research and incorporating broader historical context, Village Historian and Scarsdale Historical Society Vice President Jordan Copeland examines why Scarsdale attracted a significant Jewish population, how Scarsdale's Jewish settlement differed from neighboring communities, and the obstacles Jewish residents faced along the way, offering a nuanced account of both progress and challenge.

Recorded on Monday, April 6 | 7:00 PM. The event was co-sponsored by the Scarsdale Public Library.

Episode 2 of ScarsTales is Here!

One-room schoolhouses, overcrowded classrooms, forward-thinking educational models, and a hunt for old school records - this episode offers additional historical context and stories connected to the Scarsdale Schools and our documentary, From the First Schoolhouse: A Scarsdale Story, directed and edited by Lesley Topping and produced by the Scarsdale Historical Society.

We hope you’ll subscribe, rate, and review to help these stories reach more listeners.

TUNE IN