Howard Kroplick Leaves His Town Historian Position After 7 & 1/2 Years
On June 3rd, I informed North Hempstead Town Supervisor Judi Bosworth of my decision to leave my position as town historian.
In a June 17th email to my North Hempstead colleagues, I wrote:
Striving to achieve a better balance in my life, I have decided to resign from several of my board of trustee/director positions and also leave my town historian position by the end of June. Two weeks ago, I met with Town Supervisor Bosworth and informed her of my plans.
For over seven years, it has been a real honor to work with you to preserve and restore the amazing history of our town.
I would like to thank Supervisor Bosworth for this opportunity and all of her support.
Enjoy,
Howard
Supervisor Bosworth responded to the email:
Howard, we are all so grateful for your commitment to our town and its historic preservation. You have given so generously of your time and talents.
Our town and its residents have benefited greatly from your efforts. I will always be grateful to you.
Wishing you happiness in your quest for a better balance!
Warm regards,
Judi
One of my highlights over the last 7 1/2 years occurred in 2016 when I was awarded the Edmund J. Winslow Local Government Historian Award for Excellence by the Association of Public Historian of New York State. This award is given to one New York historian each year. Although leaving several boards and transitioning to advisory boards, I will continue to serve as the President of the Roslyn Landmark Society, focusing on the restoration of the historic Roslyn Grist Mill.
Last Tuesday, Supervisor Bosworth and North Hempstead town officials honored me with a proclamation and my very own historic marker.
It was a great run and lots of fun!
Enjoy,
Howard Kroplick
All photos courtesy of the Town of North Hempstead.
Above photo (left to right): Council Member Lee Seeman, Receiver of Taxes Charles Berman,Council Member Angelo Ferrara, Town Clerk Wayne Wink, Roz Kroplick, Town Supervisor Judi Bosworth, Council Member Peter Zuckerman, Council Member Vivian Russell, Council Member Dina DeGiorgio and Council Member Veronica Lurvey.
The presentation of a special "historic marker"by Supervisor Bosworth, Carole Trottere and Rebecca Cheng.
The historic marker (mounted on cardboard) will have a place of honor in my home office.
Comments
Thank you for all the hard work and dedicated hours you gave to preserving the history of your county. Best Wishes and I hope you enjoy your freedom and more time to explore and discover new things about the area that you love.
Howard, well deserved! Thanks for the memories and all that you have done to preserve the fabulous history throughout the Town of North Hempstead. Where will this Historical Marker be placed? All the best in your future endeavors, Frank
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Howard Kroplick
In my office, the marker is mounted on cardboard!
Well done Howard…
Big loss for North Hempstead.
You did so many things for the town.
Such a genuine gesture of your colleague’s to leave you with a signed and sealed Letter of Proclamation along with your own Historical Marker, Howard. It comes as no surprise that you are highly regarded by all.
You are an inspiration to many for your respect for the history that surrounds you - the Long Island Motor Parkway, the autos that ran the race, your enthusiasm and to share your love for vintage automobiles, to the documentation of the Town of North Hempstead history. Job well done and to be proud of.
Good job Howard!
The dedication, enthusiasm and skill that Howard has devoted to the Town Historian position is immense. Our town owes him an enormous debt of gratitude. And besides that he is just such a nice guy.
Thank you Howard!
Congratulations Howard… Job will done… awesome sign… It was fun!!
Sincerely
John
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Howard Kroplick
John, you are always my right-hand guy! Thanks!
Good luck to the Town of North Hempstead. It’s not going to be easy to replace Howard with his amazing knowledge and passion for LI history.
You do great work Howard. Thank you.
My wife ( maiden - Paula Ventimiglia ) remembers Wayne Wink from Uniondale High School Class of 1984.
Still President of L.I. Motor Parkway Preservation Society, I hope??
More quality time with your sweetie Roz hopefully??
The historical marker in your office?, not in your ‘Trophy Room’ with your many other
awards?? BE WELL HOWARD!!
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Howard Kroplick
Yes, still president of the Long Island Motor Parkway Preservation Society.
We’ll miss you in that capacity, Howard.
JF Purcell
Nassau County Photo Archives
Natalie Naylor:
Howard,
I’m sorry that you’ve resigned as Historian of North Hempstead Town. You’ve been an excellent town historian and leader in the Long Island history community as well. I hope you’ll continue to lend your talents to the Roslyn Landmark Society (I have no doubts that you’ll continue with the Vanderbilt Cup Races).
Natalie
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Howard Kroplick
Natalie, yes, I am still president of the Roslyn Landmark Society and still posting away on this website.
Bill Murray:
Howard, after reading your latest newsletter, I hope all is well with your/family’s health. The LI Community needs you! If there is anything I can do to help you, please let me know. Bill Murray (Long Island Motor Touring Club (LIMTC)
PS throughout the preceding years I have enjoyed parking my 1929 REO next to your Work Of Art at various shows - whether it be your Vanderbilt racer, mustang prototype, Chrysler, ...(OK Tucker too) what I enjoyed most was listening to you describe the vehicle of interest, your talks at the Bethpage library, etc. (someday I hope to visit your garage…as well)
Yes, you have also trained your staff (wow and to think one of them has recently retired) to fill in when you could not make the show…
I & others truly appreciate all you have done for the local community…again, hope all is well with you & yours, Bill
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Howard Kroplick
Bill, thanks for the kind words and offer.
Not to worry, I am in excellent health as I celebrated my 70th birthday in May… Just need more family and “me” time.
Walt Gosden:
Hi Howard
I just read your post about stepping down as Town of North Hempstead Historian. I can well understand your decision with all you are involved with the LIMP association and the Roslyn Landmarks Society as President. You mentioned when we were at lunch you were trying to step back and have a more balanced life. Bravo for you, and sincere thanks for all you have done and inspired others to do for preservation.
Walt
John P:
Congrats on your impressive run as town historian. Better balance is a worthy goal, especially at our age.
I hope there aren’t any health issues lurking behind your decision…
JRP
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John, knock on wood, I am in excellent health! This May while celebrating my 70th birthday, a woman in her 30s tried to guess my age. I told her to give an honest guess and not to be concerned about hurting my feelings. She responded” You are 43 years old!” I told her “You are a little off, since I have been married for 47 years!!”
Well done Howard
Happy to hear that you are making some changes to enjoy time with your family Howard. You have contributed so much to several organizations and you can be proud of your many contributions. Also happy to hear that you will continue to lead the Long Island Motor Parkway group.
Congratulations Howard on receiving the rewards, they’re most deserving for all that you do. I often wonder how you cover all the bases between family, events, the cars, society….. sorta like Steven Seagal – the one man army. This is not an ending but a fresh start to a new beginning. Congrats
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Howard Kroplick
Frank, there is only so much time in one day. The key is use it wisely and with the right people!
Congratulations Howard. Everything you’ve been involved with has been known for quality and high standards. That’s mainly due to you. Glad to see you’re “shifting gears” and going to enjoy some carpe dime time.
This is for Roz—-I just want to thank you for your support of Howard in all of his endeavors . I am Steve’s wife so I understand fully how necessary it is to spend more ‘together time” —ENJOY