What’s that in the middle of the official Orange County seal - an orange tree?
How did THAT get there? There aren’t orange trees within 800 miles of here.
“I researched it, and there weren’t even orange trees in Florida back in 1683,” says Johanna Yaun, the Orange County historian.
The county, one of New York’s original 12 counties, was formed in 1683 and named after the Prince of Orange, who eventually became King William III of England.
On a regular basis, Yaun speaks to elementary school students about the seal and even has them design and color their own seals.
She walks back into her office and lugs out a seal press from the past. It must weigh 50 pounds.

Orange County Historian Johanna Yaun explained that this is the first step in the process to deciding how to preserve the ruins.
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“[This] is the county’s initial chance to gather as much information as we can, so we know what to do and can make those changes,” said Yaun.

From a network of bootleggers operating secret distilleries during Prohibition to Urban Renewal erasing important landmarks in the ‘60s and ‘70s, Orange County Historian Johanna Yaun discussed the forgotten history of Newburgh during a recent talk at Mount Saint Mary College’s Desmond Campus for Adult Enrichment. ​

Most 845LIFE subjects are about living people. This one, however, is not.
Claudius Smith has been dead for almost 238 years, hanged in front of a crowd at the original Orange County Courthouse on Jan. 22, 1779.
Last week, the Orange County Historian’s Office unveiled a “Legend and Lore” marker in front of the 1841 courthouse – which replaced the original courthouse on the same site.
“There are lots of rumors and myths about Claudius Smith,” says Johanna Yaun, county historian.
“Which is why it’s a Legend and Lore marker and not a historical marker. Because everybody has a different story about him.”

County receives recognition for Historic Tavern Trail series, which featured local history discussions in historic restaurants

GOSHEN — Orange County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus announced that the County’s Historian’s Office has been recognized by the American Association for State and Local History with an Award of Merit for last year’s Historic Tavern Trail series.

“I’m proud of the contributions that our historian, Johanna Yaun, has made to the economic vitality of Orange County,” Neuhaus said. “The Tavern Trail series promoted the county’s rich history and some of its diverse eateries. I commend Johanna on being recognized by her peers for this innovative initiative.”

A cross-promotion between the Orange County historian, tourism and economic development, the Tavern Trail events included a cocktail hour, a dinner featuring local food and friendly discussions of local history in a historic restaurant or tavern. The series was held last April through October at seven locations.

The American Association for State and Local History will present 48 national awards this year, honoring people, projects, exhibits and publications. Presentation of the awards will be made at a banquet during the group's annual meeting on Sept. 8 in Austin, Texas.

“The Tavern Trail received a wonderful response from our hosts and attendees,” Yaun said in the county's press release announcing the award. “It provided each establishment with exposure while highlighting Orange County’s rich history in a friendly setting. We are certainly proud of this recognition and enjoyed collaborating with Matt Kierstead and Milestone Heritage Consulting on the events.”

“In 1919, New York passed a law that every municipality must have a historian,” she says. “In 1933 it was amended to include counties as well, making us the only state in the nation to mandate it.”
“Originally it was for public education and record keeping, but the reality is that 100 years later, a lot of time is now spent using history to help tourism and supporting the local economies.”
“So my approach to history is a little different,” she says.

GOSHEN – Village of Florida resident Robert Milby has been named Orange County’s Poet Laureate for 2017-2019.

In that role, Milby’s duties will include creating pieces of literature in poetic forms to commemorate Orange County events, its people and places.

Milby, 47, is the author of five poetry books and has hosted events throughout the county since 1995. He began writing poetry in 1987 as a student at James I. O’Neill High School in Highland Falls.

He hosts poetry series at the Mudd Puddle Café in New Paltz, Florida Public Library and Noble Coffee Roasters in Campbell Hall.

“Orange County has a diverse population who all contribute to the fabric of our county,” said County Historian Johanna Yaun. “We believe Mr. Milby will represent our community well and give voice to it through his poetry.”