Peter Pan in the Catskills and Other Historical Essays

Since way before Rip Van Winkle slept through the founding of the nation, magic’s been alive in The Mountains. Here, seventies-era flower children created soul-stirring theater. Here, creative imagination conjured a talking pig. Here, Peter Pan rose from the flat page to fly. Extraordinary characters, extraordinary places, extraordinary things, all here in 33 essays, by 28 writers. Peter Pan in the Catskills and Other Historical Essays sings the varied historical song of these Catskill Mountains we cherish.

Among these beautifully illustrated pages you’ll find illuminating and engaging essays on geology, painting, birds, railroads, and baseball, as well as John Burroughs, Maude Adams, Buffalo Bill, Walter R. Brooks, and Revolutionary War hero Timothy Murphy. The essays originally appeared in the much-beloved Catskill Tri-County Historical Views. A portion of the profits from its publication supports the Gilboa Museum.

Praise for Peter Pan in the Catskills:

“This collection of articles from the Catskill Tri-County Historical Views journal is a true delight for anyone interested in the history, culture, and natural world of New York’s Catskill Mountains. Broad in topical reach, yet focused geographically on the legendary Catskills region, this volume is a fine example of the creative and engaging work that is done within the realm of local public history. I highly recommend Peter Pan in the Catskills: And Other Historical Essays to anyone with an interest in New York State’s unique history.” —Devin R. Lander, New York State Historian, Head of Museum Chartering, Co-Editor, New York History, Co-host and lead researcher, A New York Minute in History podcast

“This beautifully illustrated collection captures virtually every aspect of Catskill history and lore, and reminds us that what Washington Irving knew is still true today, that there is magic in our mountains.” —Leslie T. Sharpe, Author, The Quarry Fox and Other Critters of the Wild Catskills

“The Catskills have shaped my life and work, and this collection beautifully reflects the same deep love I feel for these mountains, their communities, and their future. In these essays, the region’s rich cultural, historic, and natural stories are brought to life, revealing how the Catskills have long inspired imagination, resilience, and a powerful sense of place. It is a joy and an honor to celebrate this work, which so thoughtfully preserves and shares the many voices and histories of the Catskills.” —Jeff Senterman, Executive Director, Catskill Center for Conservation and Development

“A rich, place-rooted anthology, Peter Pan in the Catskills and Other Historical Essays gathers 33 pieces drawn from the Catskill Tri-County Historical Views, spanning geology, folklore, politics, and everyday life in the mountain region. Edited by Bill Birns, the collection moves fluidly from Ice Age landscapes to Revolutionary-era tensions, from literary origin stories like “Rip Van Winkle” to local figures both celebrated and forgotten. The essays function as a kind of cultural collage—each self-contained, yet collectively forming a portrait of a region where history feels close at hand. It’s both an invitation to curiosity and a testament to the Catskills’ enduring imaginative pull.” –Chronogram Magazine

“A curated anthology presenting historical delights to the reader. Peter Pan is an excellent addition to any home library whose owner revels in learning about the magic of the mountains…. The brilliance of this collection is its variety, which directly reflects the region and its wide appeal throughout history.” –Catskill Mountain Foundation Regional Guide