An Ossining woman made history by becoming the village’s first African American historian.

Mayor Victoria Gearity promoted Joyce Sharrock-Cole from her former position on the village’s Historic Preservation Commission to historian.

“We had an opportunity to amplify the life of someone that we know is going to be such a terrific contributor to village government as our historian,” says Gearity.

Sharrock-Cole tells News 12 that she’s looking forward to her new role, saying in part, “It feels great to be able to learn more about the community, share what I’ve learned with the community, and galvanize the community to want to learn more.”

The Ossining woman says she’s focused on telling the story of the village’s past, but also the historic present moments, such as recently starting the Ossining COVID-19 Project.

“We’re going to reach out to the community and see how they’re getting through, and encourage them to document it for the future,” says Sharrock-Cole.

Furthermore, Sharrock-Cole hopes that her children and people who resemble her will view her as an inspiration.