Jim Heron, Ph.D.
Jim Heron
Jim Heron, Ph.D. is a retired Episcopal Priest who serves on the staff of The Beacon Institute as Project Historian. At the request of John Cronin, Jim began researching the history of Denning's Point in August of 2004 with the initial goal of publishing a short historical pamphlet to provide background information for visitors to Denning's Point. However, the results of his research revealed a history so unexpectedly rich and in some cases so astonishing that the entire Beacon Institute project became infused with Denning's Point's colorful past and a book was born. Jim's findings were often dramatic. Two of the more stunning surprises were the proof of prehistoric habitation on the Point and the proof that Alexander Hamilton had not only resided on the Point but wrote significant letters and editorials whose themes found their way into the Constitution while he he was living there. Washington's visits to Denning's Point were already part of its history but even there surprises were revealed. But most of all, Jim uncovered the story of the people who walked Denning's Point throughout her history — from prehistoric humans, Native Americans, European settlers, Revolutionary War soldiers, extravagant owners of the 1800s, industrial barons, to recent salvation by way of the purchase of Denning's Point by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation.
Jim’s book, Denning’s Point, A Hudson River History was released on October 14, 2006.
