Smith Stepping Down as Broome County Historian

The man who has served as the city of Binghamton and the Broome County historian for decades is resigning from the posts.

Gerald Smith says he'll be leaving the historian positions as he retires from the Broome County Public Library. He says his final day on the job will be January 24.

Smith started work for what was then the BInghamton Public Library in March 1978.

Over the years, he has served in a variety of positions at the library, both at its original location on Exchange Street and after it moved to its current building on Court Street.

Smith last year was recognized for distinguished service by the New York Academy of History with its Herbert H. Lehman Prize. He's been both the city and county historian for more than three decades.

The 64-year-old Smith says he's stepping down from the library and historian jobs due to health reasons. But he plans to continue writing a column for the Press & Sun-Bulletin and teaching at SUNY Broome Community College.

Smith also will remain a regular monthly guest on WNBF Radio's Binghamton Now program. His next appearance is scheduled for January 11 from 10 to 11 a.m.

Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com

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