Highlights | Transcript | Photos
Kevin Kieff built a fondness for local history at an early age. An affinity for his hometown of Cape Vincent and learning about family lineage fostered a greater love for the North Country over time. From overseeing 24 New York State parks in four counties, to serving as a council member for the city of Watertown, Kevin has tried to help his community in a number of ways. In this conversation, he reflects on his life in Northern New York and shares several examples of giving that has made a meaningful difference to the region.
Participants:
Kevin A. Kieff
“The most important aspect of vibrant philanthropy in the community is that it really knits together the generations. I think it brings together so many different aspects of a community and the people that live in it, in a bit of a cohesive pattern that it wouldn’t have if it weren’t there.”
– Kevin A. Kieff
Highlights
-
1:25
Looking back at family history
-
7:15
An unexpected influencer
-
13:50
Protecting New York State parks
-
24:25
Favorite examples of philanthropy
Transcripts
Click Below to download a pdf of the Audio Transcripts from the podcast.
Photos
-
- Young students at Cape Vincent Central School. Circa 1897. Grace Johnson, Kevin’s grandmother, was in 1st grade. Grace is on the far right in the 2nd row.
-
- Kevin’s 131 Mullin St. home circa 1950s
-
- Audrey Dillenback Kieff. In her grandfather Dillenback’s milk wagon on the Dillenback farm in Chaumont. Circa 1921
-
- Kevin’s Great-Great Grandparents John + Mary Romans Reinbeck. Emigrated from Switzerland in 1848. Setlled in Cape Vincent
-
- Kevin begins the renovation of his Mullin St. home in 1997
-
- The Kieff family, in 2000, celebrating Kevin’s mother’s 80th birthday. Audrey Dillenback Kieff lived to the age of 95.
-
- Kevin’s Grandparents – Henry M. + Grace Johnson Kieff. Grace Kieff’s family recollections inspried her grandson’s passion for family genealogical research.
-
- Kevin’s Great Grandfather Fredrick Adolphus Johnson Emigrated from Sweden in 1870. Engaged as estate manager for Civil War General, Delos Bennett Sacket at his Cap Vincent estate. Served three generations of the Sacket Family for 52 years.
-
- Kevin’s Parents. Henry J. + Audrey Dillenback Kieff. Married Feb 5, 1946 one week after Henry returned from service in WWII. Henry was Fire Chief at Ft. Drum, Audrey was Librarian at Cape Vincent Community Library.
-
- Kevin’s Father Henry J. Kieff
-
- Kevin’s Father Henry J. Kieff. Served with the 11th Airborne in The Pacific Theater, World War II.
-
- Kevin’s Great Grandfather – David Dell Kieff Noted North Country Architect, Mayor of Watertown 1936-1940. Designed many Commercial Buildings + Roman Catholic Churches from 1890-1940 St. Anthony’s, St. Cyril’s – A-Bay, Holy Family, St. James – Gouverneur, Old Sacred Heart (burned), St. Peter’s – Lowville
