CAIRO — The Town of Cairo has a new historian, and he is a familiar face with deep roots in the community.
Donald J. Jackson, a Cairo native and graduate of Cairo-Durham High School’s Class of 2016, was officially elected as the town’s new historian on July 15. He takes over the position following the retirement of former Town Historian Robert Uzzilia.
For Jackson, the opportunity represents a chance to give back to the community that helped shape his lifelong interest in history.
“I am a Cairo local and a Cairo-Durham graduate,” Jackson said. “My interest in history spans across many different areas, but is largely connected to my love of this area.”
After graduating high school, Jackson continued his education at Queens College, CUNY, where he initially studied political science before deciding to pursue a double major in art history. He graduated with his bachelor’s degree in 2019.
Following college, Jackson set his sights on a career in the museum field, combining his interests in history, art and cultural preservation. He returned to Greene County and worked as a curatorial assistant at the Greene County Historical Society under Shelby Mattice.
That experience helped strengthen his appreciation for the history of the region and the connections between Greene County’s past, art and culture.
Jackson later returned to New York City, where he worked at the Queens Museum with both the curatorial and education teams. While there, he researched and developed historical content focused on the New York City water system and its important connection to the Catskill region.
“The history of the New York City water system is closely tied to our Catskills region,” Jackson said, noting the importance of understanding how local communities have influenced and been influenced by larger historical events.
Jackson continued his studies at the Fashion Institute of Technology, earning his master’s degree in museological studies with a specialization in fashion history. His master’s thesis, completed in 2024, examined the Catskill resort industry and explored the experiences of minority and immigrant communities in New York City, including the clothing they wore while vacationing in the Catskills.
Although his research interests have covered a wide range of topics, Jackson said his work has always been connected to a desire to better understand the history of the area he calls home.
As town historian, Jackson hopes to make Cairo’s history more accessible to residents, researchers and anyone interested in learning more about the community.
“Once we get everything up to date on the website and email, I look forward to answering people’s questions and directing them places where they would be able to find more information,” Jackson said.
Beyond answering historical inquiries, Jackson hopes to find new ways to engage residents with Cairo’s past, especially younger generations.
“I would definitely like to use the role to find ways to further engage the local population, especially the youth, with the unique history of our area,” he said.
Jackson learned about the historian position through the Cairo Development Foundation and applied through the town’s website. He was invited to attend a recent town board meeting, where he introduced himself and shared his background with members of the board, including Town Supervisor Deb Boggins and Councilman JR Vandenburgh.
