David “Skip” Griffiths
I was born in Utica, NY. I came to live in Red Hook at the age of one when my father was offered the position of Director of the Buildings and Grounds at Bard College. Growing up on a college campus is a whole lot different experience than growing up on a typical street in a small town. I had an idea what my college life would be like before I was old enough to attend college. I graduated from Red Hook Central School, graduating in the largest graduating class (230) at the time. After high school, I attended New England College in Henniker, NH. I stayed in New Hampshire for two years before taking off one semester. I came back to Red Hook and transferred to Bard. I finished up my Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science. I worked as a case manager for New Horizons Resources in Pleasant Valley, NY, for 31 years, advocating for individuals with cognitive disabilities.
While a student at Red Hook, American History became my favorite subject. My first historical event was in 1964 when my dad took me to meet an older man that flew in on a helicopter visiting Bard as the Commencement Speaker that year. The man I met was Dwight D. Eisenhower, the 34th President of the United States and Supreme Commander of the Allied Expeditionary Forces in World War ll.
I became enamored with the American Civil War at the age of nine. I began reading and studying the war at that time. For the past 25 plus years I have been a Civil War reenactor participating in battles and living histories as a member of the Fifth New York Volunteer Infantry, Duryee Zouaves. My civil war library includes over 350 books on all aspects of the war.
I have always wanted to be part of Historic Red Hook. When I retired, I was able to become a member. I began volunteering at the Story Studio, on the Collections Committee. I also volunteered to assist with the events held at the Elmendorph Inn. I look forward to assisting people discover the history of Red Hook.