A true Renaissance man, George C. Whipple III is known for his multifaceted contributions as a journalist, employment lawyer, philanthropist, and even a farmer. Among his many passions, George holds a deep reverence for the rich history of Putnam County, where his family has lived for three generations.

In anticipation of America’s 250th anniversary of independence, George Whipple, alongside former New York Governor George Pataki and L. Danielle Cylich, President of the Whipple Foundation for the Preservation of Putnam County, co-founded the Revolutionary Putnam County 250 Fund through the Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley. This donor advised fund was created to commemorate the nation’s semiquincentennial and to inspire civic pride and historical awareness.

“The 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding is more than just a milestone, it’s an opportunity to reflect on where we’ve come from and recommit to the ideals that continue to shape our democracy,” George shared.

Putnam County’s own story is deeply woven into the fabric of America’s fight for independence. As part of the strategic Highlands region, it played a vital role in controlling access along the Hudson River during the War for Independence, helping to prevent the British from traveling upriver and dividing the colonies. Many Putnam residents contributed grit and ingenuity to the fight for liberty, including 16-year-old Sybil Ludington, who rode nearly 40 miles through the dark to warn of the Redcoats’ presence in nearby Danbury, Connecticut; and the great Sachem Daniel Nimham and his son Abraham, who fought and died at the Battle of Kingsbridge.

Grants from the fund will support interactive experiences, educational initiatives, and community events that bring the spirit of 1776 to life, ensuring future generations understand and appreciate the sacrifices and triumphs that shaped our nation’s independence.

“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to engage our community in the story of our nation’s founding,” George said. “With the Revolutionary Putnam County 250 Fund, I wanted to ensure that our local communities could mark this occasion with pride, purpose, and a sense of shared history.”

George’s philanthropic legacy is well recognized. He has received numerous honors for his civic, environmental, and historic preservation efforts, including Gold and Bronze medals from the Sons of the American Revolution; the Entrepreneur Spirit Award from the Putnam County Chamber of Commerce; the Rotary International Service Above Self Award presented by the Lake Mahopac Rotary Club; as well as awards from The Putnam County Courier, the Hudson Valley Association, and the Regional Historical Service Award from the Lower Hudson Conference.

For his ongoing commitment to creating a brighter future for our region, the Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley proudly celebrated George Whipple as the Putnam County honoree at the 2025 Garden Party.