Village Historian

Joyce Sharrock Cole is a lifelong resident of the Village of Ossining; her earliest documented relative migrated to the region in 1900, when the village was known as Sing Sing.  

Driven by her passion for genealogy and local research, Joyce is an advocate for all people to learn about their family and local history, as it fosters a better understanding of themselves and the community that has shaped them. Earning her BS in Organizational Management from Mercy College and certification as a Genealogical Researcher from Boston University, she is now a founding member and lead researcher of the Little Bertie County Genealogical Society, which facilitates the Ossining Public Library Genealogy Group. Throughout her work, she has curated numerous presentations at such locations as the Ossining Public Library, The Ossining Historical Society, The Ossining Rotary Club, Park School and The Historic Hope Plantation in Bertie County North Carolina. 

Joyce has developed a genealogical program called D.I.G. (Discovering in Genealogy)  and D.I.G.me (Discovering in Genealogy me) which is designed to promote self-discovery through genealogical research. These concepts can be utilized to galvanize residents/students to participate in local research efforts by discovering how they and/or their family has contributed to it. Participation will potentially evoke nostalgia for some, promote connectedness with the village for others and start community conversations about our shared history, cultural similarities, differences and ultimately give a sense of pride for knowing our legacy and where one fits into it as a whole. 

Joyce is proud to give back to the community in which she was raised. Educated in the Ossining School District, her first job was as a Counselor in Training (CIT) with the Ossining Parks and Recreation Department, at the age of 13. Now, she serves as a member of the Ossining Historic Preservation Commission and has worked for Westchester County for the past 23 years. 

Throughout her work, she has curated numerous presentations at such locations as the Ossining Public Library, The Ossining Historical Society, The Ossining Rotary Club, Park School and The Historic Hope Plantation in Bertie County North Carolina. 

Married for 20 years, Joyce is the mother of three children (all of whom were educated in the Ossining School District) and grandmother to one.

Staff Contacts

Name Title
Joyce Cole Village Historian