In celebration of Women’s History Month, Ulster County Clerk Nina Postupack proudly presents the latest addition to the “Historical Profiles” series in partnership with Friends of Historic Kingston and the Ulster County Historian. This month’s feature showcases the inspiring life and achievements of author, entertainer, businesswoman, and historian Sophie Miller. The display will be exhibited throughout March on the first floor of the Ulster County Office Building located at 244 Fair Street, Kingston.
Born in the Russian Empire in 1906, Sophie immigrated to the United States in 1908 as an infant with her parents Isaiah Ginzburg and Marie Kohan Ginzburg. By 1913 the Ginsburgs were living off Broadway in the Rondout section of Kingston where her father ran a pharmacy. As a young immigrant, Sophie learned about the world from behind the counter in her father’s shop and gained a deep appreciation and love for her adopted home of Kingston. After graduating from Kingston High School, Sophie eventually became a personality and host on Kingston’s new radio station WKNY in 1939. During World War II she organized benefits and entertainment programs for wounded soldiers recovering in regional veterans’ hospitals. Having witnessed incredible changes over the period of her youth, Sophie then transformed her passion for people and storytelling into a popular regular column called “Do You Remember?” for the Kingston Daily Freeman. Through her articles she introduced younger generations to their rich community history and preserved the memories and experiences of the old-timers she recalled from her youth. Prior to her death in 1967, she was witness to the devastation caused by Urban Renewal on the Rondout. While she was unable to stop the wrecking ball, she did leave behind a remarkable collection of community history, preserved through her foresight, that continues to benefit historians today.
“Sophie Miller’s life and work are a testament to the countless women chroniclers whose efforts to preserve and share community history often go unrecognized and unappreciated. Much of what we know about the vibrant neighborhoods and rich history of Kingston is thanks to Sophie Miller and the people she inspired through her writings and community involvement. The Ulster County Clerk’s Office is honored to shine a spotlight on her story and hope this will inspire others to recognize the women who continue to carry the great responsibilities of community chroniclers and preservationists.”
For further information about this or other outreach programs of the Ulster County Clerk’s Office, please contact County Clerk Nina Postupack at (845) 340-3040 or countyclerk@co.ulster.ny.us or visit us on Facebook.