As published May 1966 in a local newspaper

The Mid-Hudson District Branch of the APA was originally known as the Dutchess County Psychiatrical Society. Its first meeting was held in February 1933 at Hudson River State Hospital. There were 49 charter members. The first officers were Dr. Milton M. Grover, President; Dr. J.F. McNeil, Vice-President; Dr. Wirt C. Groom, Treasurer; and Dr. E.S. Steblen, Secretary. The Superintendents of the four state institutions in Dutchess County were appointed to form a constitution. The executive session was followed by a scientific session.

In November of that year, the members decided the Society would institute a mental hygiene program in Dutchess County. Several committees were appointed, but the movement died.

A golf tournament and a social meeting were held at the end of the year in 1934. In November 1937, a meeting at Hudson Valley State Hospital followed a day devoted to the study of insulin treatment.

In April 1942, the question was raised of having adequate material for the meetings. At that time the members decided to have one social and one scientific meeting a year to keep the Society alive.

In October 1953, the name was changed to Dutchess County Psychiatric Society. It was decided that the officers should no longer be limited to the staffs of psychiatric hospitals in the county, but should be opened to neuro-psychiatrists in private practice as well. The advisability of affiliation with the American Psychiatric Society was stresses, and all members were urged to join the APA.

In May of 1955, the Society became an affiliate of the APA. The members decided to have two scientific meetings in the fall, another in the spring, and a social affair in the spring. On April 18, 1956, the minutes were typed up for the first time and have been typed since.

In January 1957, the Society sent a letter to the governor calling his attention to the fact that New York State had lost its position as a leader in mental hygiene and in the matter of salaries for its psychiatrists.

In December 1957, the question of whether to remain an affiliate of the APA or to organize as a district branch was discussed. During successive meetings, committees were appointed a constitution drawn up. In April1960, the application for district branch status was approved by the New York State Assembly of District Branches. However, only those members of the Dutchess County Psychiatric Society that become APA members were considered members of the newly formed District Branch.

Around the same time, the Society also decided to give a $25.00 Savings Bond for the best exhibit in behavioral science and allied fields at the regional Science in Poughkeepsie.

May 1960, the first joint meeting of the Dutchess County Psychiatric Society and the Mid-Hudson District Branch of the APA was held. At a subsequent joint meeting in October of that same year, amendments to the constitution were made, and it was agreed that all members of the Dutchess County Psychiatric Society who were not members of the APA would become affiliates. The Society later voted to disband the transfer the funds in its treasury to the Mid-Hudson District Branch. At the second meeting of the District Branch, a history of the Society was read and submitted to the local paper for publication. In March of 1962, the District Branch, a history of the Society was read and submitted to the local paper for publication. In March 1962, the District Branch was certified to process new members. In October 1965, five honorary members were elected to the District Branch.

Meetings of the District Branch follow the format of a business meeting followed by scientific sessions, with refreshments, wither preceding or following the meeting. There are also a year-end social and a golf tournament. The Branch is active in many related community affairs and participates actively in the APA. There are now 95 members.