Making History: The 2004 New Paltz Weddings
June 29 @ 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm
Ulster County attracted global attention in 2004 when Mayor Jason West of New Paltz wedded 25 same-sex couples. The event not only made history, but it built a vibrant local LGBTQ community. Following a screening of the 2010 Stephanie Donnelly documentary “I Now Pronounce You Husband and Husband,” former Mayor West will be joined by participants in the New Paltz weddings – Mary Mendola, Joanne Still and Jay Blotcher — to recall that special day and its legacy in Ulster County.
This event is free, but seating is limited—please reserve your spot in advance.
We suggest a donation of $15 to support the Sunday Salon Series and the work of the Ulster County Historical Society. You can contribute online when you RSVP or donate at the event itself via cash, check, or credit card.
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Thank you for supporting local history and community programming!
Jason West served two terms as mayor of the village of New Paltz. He is currently Director of Sustainability for the city of Albany.
Jay Blotcher is a veteran LGBTQ and AIDS activist. He is a board member of the Gilbert Baker Foundation, named for the creator of the Rainbow Flag.
Mary Mendola has been an activist for queer rights since 1980. Her groundbreaking book The Mendola Report explored gay relationships as marriages. Mendola was an instructor at SUNY-FIT and SUNY-Ulster.
Joanne Still is a writer, social justice activist, musician, and teacher. She helped found the Lesbian Visibility Project in Ulster County in the 1990s. She facilitates a ukulele group at the Vet Center (HVNCVR) in Saugerties.