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The Beacon Historical Society will present its tenth annual “Beacons of History” awards on Thursday, Nov. 5, 2026, to a business and a group of volunteers who have made substantial contributions to Beacon and helped to preserve its history and sense of community. The 2026 recognition will be presented to:

Organizational Honoree:

Mirbeau Inn & Spa Beacon

‍ ‍The exciting restoration and adaptive reuse of the Tioronda Estate was cause for great celebration this year! Built in 1859 by community benefactors Joseph and Eliza Howland, the home had been uninhabited for a quarter century before Mirbeau visionaries Linda and Gary Dower (who built their first inn and spa in their hometown of Skaneateles in 2000) purchased it for revitalization. Located on 64 mountainside acres, the property now features 72 guest rooms and a luxurious 25,000-square-foot spa.  The firm’s estimated $73 million  investment was the largest in our city’s history.  Tioronda was designed by noted 19th-century architects Frederick Clarke Withers and Richard Morris Hunt; importantly, many of its most significant features have been carefully restored. These include the Hunt Music Room and Terrace, as well as a massive 58-pipe musical organ installed in 1873. The landmark was also the location of the renowned Craig House Hospital from 1915 until 1999, when it was shuttered, awaiting a new destiny that finally arrived in 2026 thanks to Mirbeau.

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Individual Honorees:

‍ Beacon Historical Society Volunteers of Half a Century

‍ ‍On May 5, 1976, a group of 20 people interested in Beacon's history gathered at the Mount Gulian homestead to discuss formation of a historical society to preserve Beacon's heritage. Now, 50 years later, the dream of those charter members, all of whom have since passed away, has blossomed into a dynamic, active organization with a repository that holds tens of thousands of historical documents, photographs, books and artifacts. Displays, lectures and special events held throughout the years have also served to raise awareness of our city’s fascinating past. Thanks to thousands of members and the devotion of hundreds of volunteers through the last half century, the organization has made a difference in how the Beacon community remembers its past and sees its future. The evening will serve as the official 50th anniversary celebration for the Society. 

‍The cocktail party will be held at The Roundhouse as both a friend- and a fund-raiser for the Historical Society, which is headquartered at 61 Leonard Street. Members will receive invitations after Labor Day. Tickets are $75 per person, and sponsorship opportunities are available. Memorial donations, contributions and other means of financial support are most appreciated in order to assist the Society in paying for its headquarters expenses, establishing new displays and caring for its vast collection.

‍ “We hope that local businesses and residents will support this event to celebrate Beacon’s past and future,” said Historical Society President Denise VanBuren, noting that it is the Society’s single largest fundraiser this year. “In addition to  honoring outstanding award recipients, the proceeds will be used to assist our Society in celebrating the history of Beacon at a time when our city is experiencing a great deal of rebirth and change. Come join us – support the work we do as volunteers to preserve Beacon’s history.” All are welcome to attend, but reservations must be made and paid in advance for what is expected to be a sold-out event. Contact VanBuren for more information at BeaconHistorical@gmail.com.

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Hop on the Bus! Let’s Explore Beacon is a 32-page guidebook for young and adult readers alike. Take a ride from Mt. Beacon to the Hudson River with over 50 stops, at historic buildings and markers, statues and parks. Delightful illustrations and historic images capture the heart of Beacon, blending the past with the present. Engaging activities help children to understand the world around them and spark curiosity and exploration. Ages 7+

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