Village Historian

Joyce Sharrock Cole is a historian, genealogist, writer, curator, and emerging playwright who serves as the appointed Village Historian for the Village of Ossining. Since beginning her public history work in 2017, she has focused on uncovering and sharing the often-overlooked stories that shape our community’s identity.

Appointed in 2020, Joyce has used her genealogical research and public programming to connect Ossining residents to their personal and collective histories. She leads lectures, exhibits, and projects that bring the past to life, drawing from archival materials, oral histories, and lived experiences. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she helped document the stories and responses of the Ossining community to preserve this critical moment in local history.

She is the author of Captured Legacy: Uncovering the Untold Stories of Ossining’s Black Community and the curator of the award-winning Black History & Culture exhibit at Bethany Arts Community. Her creative work also includes historically based plays that use theater to deepen public understanding of local history.

Joyce is currently completing her Master of Arts in History from Eastern Washington University. She also holds a Certificate in Genealogical Research from Boston University and a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Management from Mercy College, graduating magna cum laude.

She is the co-founder of the Little Bertie County Genealogical Society of Ossining and the Ossining Juneteenth Council, and serves on the boards of the Westchester County Historical Society, westchester County African-American Advisory Board, Bethany Arts Community, Historic Hudson Valley's African American Advisory Board, and the Historic Jug Tavern.

Her work has earned recognition from the New York State Governor, U.S. Congress, and other state and local institutions for her contributions to community memory, historical research, and cultural preservation.