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.

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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.

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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.

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Now Streaming: ScarsTales

We’re thrilled to announce the launch of ScarsTales, uncovering the untold, unexpected, and occasionally scandalous stories behind Scarsdale’s past—bringing new dimension to familiar places and moments.

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In the premiere episode of ScarsTales, host Lori Rothman is joined by fellow Scarsdale Historical Society trustees and village historians Jordan Copeland and Leslie Chang to introduce the podcast and share two of their favorite local history discoveries.

Coming Soon: ScarsTales

We’re thrilled to announce that the Scarsdale Historical Society is launching ScarsTales, a brand-new podcast that brings the village’s history to life in an entirely new way. Through smart storytelling, lively conversation, and even a few behind-the-scenes laughs, we’ll be uncovering the untold, unexpected, and sometimes surprising stories that shaped Scarsdale.

Hosted by journalist and Society trustee Lori Rothman, ScarsTales will feature engaging conversations with our two Village Historians, Jordan Copeland and Leslie Chang, as well as other special guests.

be the first to Hear it

Members will be the first to hear ScarsTales, with early access ahead of the public launch. Become a member here.

19th Century School Board Notebooks Discovered and Digitized

The Scarsdale Historical Society, in partnership with the Scarsdale Public Schools and Scarsdale Public Library, has re-discovered and digitized a collection of school board minute books dating as far back as the 1860s. The books are providing valuable material for the Historical Society’s upcoming documentary on the history of the Scarsdale schools, set to premiere in December. 

The existence of the notebooks was referenced in old articles and books from 50 years ago, but neither the Historical Society nor the Scarsdale Public Library knew of their current whereabouts. One of the earliest members of the school board, Judge William Mercer, originally donated them to the district in 1925. He was a member of the board for 25 years, and the chair for 20 of those years.

An article from 1925 referencing the long-unseen record books. Judge Mercer, one of the earliest school trustees, gifted them to the Board of Education 100 years ago.

On a hunt to find them, the Historical Society reached out to Honoré Adams, District Clerk and Executive Assistant to the Superintendent, who ultimately found them in district storage with the help of District’s Records Retention and Disposition Officer, Annabelle Allamby.

Honoré Adams, District Clerk, Executive Assistant to the Superintendent, and hero behind the rediscovery of the minute books.

There are 7 notebooks from the years 1868-1928, largely handwritten. They offer a rare glimpse into the district’s earliest days — a time of oil lamps, tight budgets, and even the occasional stray farm animal wandering onto the grounds. Together, the books trace the humble origins of a district that would grow into one of the nation’s most respected.

The earliest school board minute book, dating back to 1867.

Now fully digitized, transcribed, and searchable online, the minute books are accessible to the public through the library’s Digital Collection on the New York Heritage website. “We are privileged to host these historic files and make them accessible to the public,” stated Elizabeth Bermel, Director of Scarsdale Public Library. The digitization project was funded by a grant provided by the Historical Society, with all three organizations collaborating closely to preserve the fragile originals. 

"This project is exactly in keeping with our mission to preserve and share Scarsdale’s history," said Randy Guggenheimer, President of the Scarsdale Historical Society. "We are grateful to collaborate with the Scarsdale Public Schools and Scarsdale Library, continuing the village’s long tradition of community-minded spirit and collective effort."

“Our students can learn so much from this initiative,” said Drew Patrick, Superintendent of Scarsdale Public Schools. “It’s a real-life lesson on the power of primary sources, and how history is best understood through the records of those who lived it.”

To access to the digitized books, visit click here.

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