Friday, June 19, 2026 | 6:00pm to 9:00pm
A cocktail party dedicated to advancing our educational mission and honoring
extraordinary individuals who have made lasting contributions to our community.
Venue: the Historic Boathouse
105 Market Street, Wappingers Falls NY 12590
This year, we honor Rosemary & Denny Evaul and Dani Masterson. Rosemary and Denny are recognized for their decades of cultural, educational, and civic leadership in Wappinger, inspiring generations through their work with Masque & Mime, County Players, Friends of Grinnell Library, and other community organizations. We also proudly recognize Dani Masterson for her extraordinary dedication to veterans, including organizing Wreaths Across America Day locally and sounding TAPS at more than 5,000 military funerals nationwide. Through her work in theater, first responder training, and with Magic Wheelchair, Dani continues to bring service, creativity, and compassion to the community.
Featuring
Abundant hot & cold hors d'oeuvres and drink from Simply Gourmet
Upbeat Music by Bryan Lammers and The Blend
*Cocktail Attire Requested*
Scroll down to see photos from last year's event.
Honoring
Rosemary & Denny Evaul and Dani Masterson
for their long-time and diverse contributions to the Wappinger community. Through their cultural, educational and civic engagement, they bring magic to our lives!
Location
The historic Wappingers Falls Boathouse
(105 Market Street)
Previously the Box Factory, this building was built in the late 19th century for the construction of wooden crate shipping containers for calico fabric produced at the Dutchess Bleachery. Lumber arrived here from barges coming up the Hudson River to the Wappingers Creek. That lumber was then crafted into shipping crates; the manufactured textile goods were shipped to markets from there.
The Dutchess Bleachery and associated buildings have had many names in the past: Dutchess Print Works; Garner Print Works; the Dutchess Bleachery. Established in 1830, the Dutchess Print Works was one of the first calico printing and dyeing companies in America. In the 1890’s, Garner Print Works and Co. was the largest manufacturer of printed fabrics in the world and exhibited their fabrics at all the major exhibitions of the day.
BECOME A SPONSOR
Your sponsorship and support allows us to raise crucial funds that allow us to sustain multi-generational educational programs and expand access to our collections. This year in particular, the event supports our Rev250 program Wappinger Revolutionary Roots: History, Heroes, and Hidden Places and the continued restoration of the 1741 Mesier Homestead, ensuring its historic interior is accurate and open to the public.
Last Year's Gala
The Spirit of Mesier Celebrates Midsummer
A wonderful evening was enjoyed by all at last year's cocktail gala. Guests savored abundant food and drink from Simply Gourmet, beautiful florals from Sabellico's Greenhouse, and lively music by Bryan Lammers and The Blend. We honored Kristin Catalano and County Players and celebrated Wappinger150. Scroll through our gallery to enjoy some photos of the event. Photo credit: Allie Bopp
Thank you to our sponsors, donors, volunteers, and guests—your support helps us continue preserving and celebrating our local history.
