The DuBois Family Association (DBFA) was formed
in 1966, to preserve and purchase the DuBois Fort, the homestead of a grandson
of Louis DuBois, a patentee of New Paltz. In 1968 the DuBois Fort was purchased
from the DuBois descendants of Dr. John Dingman's family with funds raised by
the DBFA and given to the Huguenot Historical Society.
The DuBois Family Association formation
also dedicated itself to assemble and publish the genealogy of the DuBois
family. From 1968 to 1984 Ruth and William Heidgerd assembled and published 20
volumes of family history.
This comprehensive, detailed genealogy stands out for
the richness of anecdotal information, and its exemplary letter/number system.
Researchers agree that this system is still the easiest one to use.
The Association's Genealogist, Catherine
Smith, has added new information and corrected errors. The Association has
reedited the volumes which are
available on CD. Volunteers are putting the files into a
usable data base.
In June 1996, the DuBois
Family Association incorporated as a 501c(3) not for profit corporation with
the State of New York.
The Association continues
to preserve and advance Huguenot heritage with educational programs at
its reunion the third weekend in October every two years.
Although no longer affiliated under HHS, the Association continues to work
closely with HHS and its programs to preserve the Huguenot heritage and the
historic houses.
Funds raised by the DBFA are
used to preserve, restore and repair not only the DuBois Fort but also the other
houses in the Historic District.
