Liberty Town Historian Named State Finalist in National 250th Anniversary Project

Town Historian and middle school history teacher, Kort Wheeler, has his eyes on bringing Liberty back into the limelight. Wheeler was named the town historian for Liberty a year ago, and his essay was chosen by the National Association of Towns Builders of America in their “How Towns Have Shaped Our Country” project.

The project aims to promote the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, and Wheeler is one of six finalists from New York that were chosen.

Wheeler believes acceptance is the number one reason why Liberty is a quintessential American town.

“The acceptance factor is what separates liberty from other towns. Groups that were not necessarily welcome with open arms in other parts of the country were welcomed here,” said Wheeler.

His essay touches on the ‘Borscht Belt’ and how pivotal establishments like Grossingers Hotel and Golf were for the entertainment industry.

“So many entertainers started here. A lot of its roots came from the Catskills and Liberty.”

Wheeler grew up in the town he lives in today and can even trace his lineage all the way back to the Mayflower. Starting as a golf teacher, his wife was influential in guiding his career to teaching in an academic setting.

Wheeler remembers shopping on Main Street with his dad on Christmas Eve in downtown Liberty and says today Liberty is a bit different.

“You can still go fishing. The accessibility with our parks have gotten better. Your perspectives change as you get older,” said Wheeler.

The 250th anniversary of the country has been marked by civil unrest in Minnesota and other parts of the country with an Immigration Control Enforcement presence. Wheeler believes his students are being affected by the current attack on civil liberties in the United States.

“It makes teaching certain parts of history easier because of the current conditions.”

Wheeler sent his essay to help put Liberty back on the map and wanted the judges and readers of his essay to understand that Liberty has not gone away.