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AKIN HALL ASSOICATION
The Quaker Meeting House
Akin Hall
The Akin Free Library
Historical Society Musuem
The John Kane House
The Gunnison Natural History Museum
397 Old Quaker Hill Road
Pawling, NY 12564
845/855-5099
E-mail: the akinlibrary@earthlink.net
Mailing address:
PO Box 345
Pawling, NY 12564
Open: Winter, Sat & Sun 2-4, May-Oct Thu Sun 2-4
Call for information
AMENIA HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Mansard House
Route 22
Amenia, NY 12501
845/373-9376
Mailing address:
PO Box 22
Amenia, NY 12501
Open: By appointment
Admission: None
Not accessible to the disabled
Description: Small but dedicated membership meets in classic Victorian Mansard building.
Collections:
The history of Amenia and genealogical information. Collection at Amenia Library and Mansard House.
Research access: By written request. By appointment only.
Programs: Members’ presentations in local schools “On Main Street Amenia.” Harlem Valley Rail
Trail Exhibit displays and open house (Jun and Dec).
BARDAVON 1869 OPERA HOUSE
Bardavon Theater-Collingwood Opera House
35 Market Street
Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
845/473-5288
E-mail: etartaglia@bardavon.org
Web site: www.bardavon.org
Landmark Designation: National Register, 1978
Open: Mon-Fri, 9-5 & weekends by performance
Admission: Ranges from free to $175.00
Partially accessible to the disabled
Description:
The Bardavon Opera House is the oldest continuously operating theater in New York State. It opened on February 1, 1869 as the Collingwood Opera House. Renovated in 1923 to present movies, it now offers a spectrum of regional, national and international artists in dance, music and theater. The Theater hosts films, children’s Daytime Performance Series, and performances by the Hudson Valley Philharmonic.
Collections:
Archives document the history of the theater, management and performers. Printed materials produced by and about the theater. Visual materials, administration files, performance files and artifacts. Photographs. Playbills, newspaper articles, blueprints & 3-dimensial discoveries from Capital renovation.
Research access: By appointment only
Programs: Children’s Daytime performance Series.
In-school Arts-in-Education Residency. “45,655 Nights at The Opera” display located in the lobby.
Special events: Matinees and Music Senior Citizen program, including transportation
arrangements.
Guided tours by appointment, include slide presentation. Other community events include Celebration of Lights Parade and Fireworks, Hudson River Arts Festival, Kids Expo and Poughkeepsie Riverfront Amphitheater.
BARRET HOUSE GALLERIES and SCHOOL OF ART
Dutchess County Art Association
55 Noxon Street
Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
845/471-2550
Landmark Designation: National Register of Historic Places
Open: Thu & Fri 11-5, Sat 11-3; Tue & Wed by appointment
Admission: $3 suggested donation
Partially accessible to the disabled
Description: A Greek Revival townhouse built in 1820. The Dutchess County Art Association is a
not-for-profit arts organization established in 1934.
Collections: Thomas Weeks Barrett’s art works including approximately 60 paintings and over 500
works on paper from 1920-40; collection of family diaries and papers from 1820; photographs.
Research access: By appointment. On-site library/archives/research room
Programs: Guided tours by appointment only for groups; adult and children’s art classes and
workshops; three national juried exhibits annually; ongoing exhibits
Facilities: Car parking. Bus parking. Gallery. Private rental facilities
BEACON HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Howland Cultural Center
477 Main Street
Beacon, NY 12508
Mailing address:
PO Box 89
Beacon, NY 12508
Landmark designation: Listed on the National Register of Historic Places
Open: Thu 10-12, Sat 1-3
Admission: None
Not accessible to the disabled
Description:
The building was originally built as a library in 1872. The Society rents space for archives and has use of the Great Room for public meetings. The Society’s mission is to discover, obtain and preserve whatever relates to the history of Beacon and to foster awareness, appreciation and interest in local history.
Collections:
Several hundred photographs; archival materials; oral histories on videos of local men going to WW II (from original film); newspapers from 1852 to the present; maps.
Research access: By written request. On-site library/archives/research room.
Programs: Self-guided walking tours; school programs; slide shows; research.
CENTER FOR CURATOARIAL STUDIES
Bard College
Annandale-on-Hudson, NY 12504
E-mail: ccs@bard.edu
Web site: www.bard.edu/ccs
845/758-7598
Mailing address:
PO Box 5000
Annandale-on-Hudson, NY 12504-5000
Open: Wed-Sun 1–5
Admission: None
Accessible to the disabled
Description: 9,000 square-foot gallery featuring internationally known contemporary artists in all
media. Research library dedicated to contemporary art.
Collections: Contemporary art in all media.
Research access: On-site non-circulating library/archives, Mon-Wed 10-7, Thu-Fri 10-5, Sat 1-7
Programs: Guided tours; two major exhibits (summer, fall); series of graduate thesis
exhibitions (Feb-May).
Facilities: Car parking. Bus parking.
CENTURY MUSEUM VILLAGE & COLLECTION ASSOCIATES
Dutchess County Fair Grounds
Rhinebeck, NY 12572
845/266-5212
Web address: www.cmvca.org
Mailing address:
PO Box 12572
Pleasant Valley, NY 12569
Open: During the Dutchess County Fair, and on special occasions
Description:
The Association is a group of enthusiasts from all walks of life, who are dedicated to preserving their rural heritage. The Museum Village consists of the large museum building and a separate blacksmith shop containing a series of exhibits designed to show rural life in the 1870 to 1930 era.
Collections: Early 20th century antiques.
Programs: Tours provided for school groups by appointment. Room settings: parlor, kitchen,
country store, print shop, bedroom. Demonstrations of woodworking, printing, clock making, ice harvesting, spinning and weaving, blacksmith shop. Antique Machinery and Rural Life Days Festival Show (May).
Facilities: Car parking. Bus parking. Food service.
CHANCELLOR LIVINGSTON CHAPTER, NSDAR
National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution
77 Livingston Street
Rhinebeck, NY 12572
845/871-1777
E-mail: kinship@hvc.rr.com
Web address: www.geocities.com/chancellor12572
Landmark designation: The General Montgomery House is listed on the NY Revolutionary War
Heritage Trail
Open: Sat & Sun 2-4 (Memorial Day-Labor Day), 4th of July, Flag Day, first Sat in Dec
Admission: None
Description: The Chancellor Livingston Chapter manages the Chancellor Livingston historic property
and maintains a large computerized archival collection that is available for public research.
Collections: Articles relating to the Rhinebeck area, local families (including the Livingstons),
books, written records, photographs and prints of General Washington, General Montgomery and the Livingston family.
Research access: By appointment only. By written request. By e-mail. Computer database.
Programs: Guided tours available when house is open and by appointment.
Facilities: Street parking.
CUNEEN-HACKETT ARTS CENTER
9 & 12 Vassar Street
Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
845/486-4571
E-mail: jafio@netstep.net
Landmark designation: Listed on the National Register of Historic Places
Open: Mon-Fri 9-5; theater performance weekends & evenings
Admissions: Call for fees
Partially accessible to the disabled
Description: 120 year old Italianate Victorian buildings that house offices, a dance studio, two
galleries, 200 seat theater, Victorian parlors with artifacts & event space.
Collections: First floor parlors, in Victorian style with some furnishings, the1883 theater remains
much as it was.
Programs: Theater performances, Victoriana, Victorian Christmas, classes in dance, music,
martial arts, interior design and dollmaking.
Facilities: Car parking. Private rental facilities.
DUTCHESS COUNTY GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY
Church of Latter-Day Saints Family History Center
Spackenkill Road
Poughkeepsie, NY 12602
Mailing address:
PO Box 708
Poughkeepsie, NY 12602
Open: Tue 9-2, 6:30-9:30; Wed 4:30-9:30, Thu 9-12, 6:30-9:30
Partially accessible to the disabled
Admission: None
Description: Library shares quarters of the Latter-Day Saints Family History Center in
Poughkeepsie.
Collections:
Books, microfilm some CD-ROMs on how-to-do genealogical research, local family histories, published church records, census indexes; “Family File,” vertical file material and results of research on local families; published quarterly, “The Dutchess: includes primary sources extracted, or other records such as newspaper obituaries; back issues available.
Research access: On-site library/archive/research room
Programs: Meetings 3rd Tue of Sep, Nov, Jan, Mar, May
Facilities: Car parking.
DUTCHESS COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Clinton House
549 Main Street
Poughkeepsie, NY 12602
845/471-1630
E-mail: dchistorical@earthlink.net
Glebe House
635 Main Street
Poughkeepsie, NY 12602
Mailing address:
PO Box 88
Poughkeepsie, NY 12602
Landmark designation: NYS Historic Site. The Glebe House & Clinton House are on the National
Register of Historic Places
Open: Tue-Fri 10-3 by appointment
Admission: $2. $15 for non-members to use research library.
Partially accessible to the disabled
Description: Society is housed in the Clinton House, a state owned historic resource constructed in
1765 and rebuilt following a fire in 1783. Collections pertaining to the history of the County and has published a yearbook since 1914.
The society also operates the Glebe House, originally built as an Episcopal rectory.
Collections:
Furniture & clothing. Family papers, genealogies, business records & diaries. Over 10,000 photographs covering Dutchess County, people & places. Maps.
Research access: By appointment only. By written request. By e-mail. Computer database.
Library/archives/research room. Written finding guides.
Programs: Guide tours by appointment. Glebe House open for free twice a year. Rotating
exhibits Poughkeepsie City Hall & Metro North Train Station
Special events: Annual Silver Ribbon House Tour, Road Rallye Awards Dinner, Annual Meeting &
Hyde Park Guinea Site Archaeology
Facilities: Museum shop. Car parking. Library.
EAST FISHKILL HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Brindkerhoff-Pudney-Palen House
68 Kensington Drive
Hopewell Junction, NY 12533
845/227-4136
Web site: http://www.eastfishkillny.org/history.html
Mailing address:
PO Box 245
Hopewell Junction, NY 12533
Open: Jun-Aug Sun 10-4
Admission: None. Donations welcome
Partially accessible to the disabled
Description:
1750/1785 typical Dutch Style Farmhouse with Carriage Barn (from Theodorus Van Wyck Estate) and 1826 Schoolhouse.
Collections: Carriages & sleighs in Carriage Barn. Library: books relating to local history. 18th & 19th century furniture on display in the house. Documents: Local Association. Textiles: 19th century dresses/quilts. Photographs: local people, houses and landscapes. Civil War Letters (Richard T. Van Wyck) published in “A War to Petrify the Heart”. Artifacts from archaeological digs at Abraham Van Wyck House & Theodorus Van Wyck House (Route 52, Hopewell Junction) both mid 18th century houses have been demolished by IBM.
Research access: By appointment only. By written request.
By e-mail. Computer database. Library/archives/research room.
Programs: Strawberry Festival (Jun), Christmas Open House (Dec). Guided tours available
upon request.
Facilities: Car parking.
EDGERT BENSON HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Mailing address:
PO Box 1813
Red Hook, NY 12571
845/758-5887
Open: By appointment
Description:
Organized to promote community awareness and pride in the area’s past, and to preserve original material of local history.
Collections:
Maps, postcards, photographs, tapes; archive pertaining to the town of Red Hook, including the villages and hamlets of the town, its history, culture, industries, schools and people.
Research access: By written request.
Programs: Monthly meetings as the Historic Elmendorph Inn in Red Hook.
THE ELEANOR ROOSEVELT NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE
Val-Kill
Route 9G
Hyde Park, NY 12538
845/229-9115
Web site: www.nps.gov/elro
Mailing address:
4097 Albany Post Road
Hyde Park, NY 12538
Landmark designation: National & State designated landmark
Open: Nov-Apr weekdays, 9-5: May-Oct daily 9-5
Admission: $8, children 16 and under free
Partially accessible to the disabled
Description:
The Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site was established in May 1977. The site contains two buildings: the stone cottage that Eleanor Roosevelt used as a retreat from 1926-1937 is now a conference center run by a non-profit organization, the Eleanor Roosevelt Center at Val-Kill. The other building was originally constructed to house the Val-Kill Industries, a furniture factory that Mrs. Roosevelt established to provided jobs for local youth. In 1937, she converted it into a twenty room residence, which served initially as a retreat and became her permanent home after FDR’s death in 1945.
Collections: Furnishings of Stone Cottage and Val-Kill Cottage; reference collection of products and
tools of Val-Kill Industries 1926-1936, historic photographs and film of life at Val-Kill, 1924-1930s. Movie film by Nancy Cook, 1920s-1930s. Papers of Nancy Cook and Marion Dickerman; records documenting
management at Val-Kill since designation as a historic site by Congress in 1977.
Research access: By appointment only (at 845/229-1953)
Programs: School programs are available by reservation, call 845/486-7751.
Access to the home of Eleanor Roosevelt is by guided tour only. Guided tours are offered throughout
the day 9-4:30.
Facilities: Museum shop. Car parking. Bus parking. Hiking trails.
FRANCES LEHMAN LOEB ART CENTER
124 Raymond Avenue
Poughkeepsie, NY 12604
854/437-5237
Web site: www.vasssr.edu/~fllac/
Open: Tues-Sat 10-5, Sun. 1-5, Mon closed
Admission: None
Accessible to the disabled
Description: Museum, sculpture, garden, and college campus
Collections: 16,000 works of art from antiquity to present; paintings, sculpture, drawings, prints,
photographs, sampler collection, Hudson River School.
Research access: By appointment only. By written request. By e-mail
Programs: Special exhibitions change every 8 weeks. Guided tours available (845-437-7745).
Facilities: Museum shop. Car parking. Bus parking
FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY & MUSEUM
4079 Albany Post Road
Hyde Park, NY 12538
845/486-7760
E-mail: library@roosevelt.nara.gov
Web site: www.fdrlibrary.marist.gov
Open: Museum: May-Oct 9-6, Nov-Apr 9-5, daily. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas & New Years
Day
Admission: $14 combination ticket for Roosevelt Home & Museum
Accessible to the disabled
Description : The Native fieldstone building stands on sixteen acres of the president’s estate,
adjacent to his Hyde Park Home and the Rose Garden where he and Mrs. Roosevelt are buried. The Library contains museum exhibits on the lives and times of Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt and is an archival repository
for their papers.
Collections:
Official and personal papers of and artifacts associated with Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt: books from the first half of the 20th century; FDR’s personal collections. Audiovisual material and oral histories of the Roosevelt era. Books and manuscripts on the Hudson Valley, US Naval History, and juvenile books.
Research access: Hours: 8:45-5 Mon-Fri By written request.
By e-mail. Library/archives/research room. Written finding guide. Computer database. Digital images on website
Programs: Tours and classes introducing primary resource research. Exhibits on the life and times of
Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt
Special events: New temporary exhibit gallery, the William J. Varden Heuvel Gallery hosts special
exhibits. Ongoing special events at the Henry A. Wallace Visitor and Education Center. Guided and self-guided tours.
Facilities: Museum shop. Car parking. Bus parking. Food service (seasonal).
Hiking trails. Picnic area.
FRIENDS OF COLEMAN STATION, INC.
157 Indian Lake Road
Millerton, NY 12546
518/789-0309
E-mail: colemanstation@taconic.net
Mailing address:
PO Box 845
Millerton, NY 12546
Landmark Designation: Listed on National Register of Historic Places: Coleman Station Historic
District (including Hiddenhurst, NY); Dakin-Coleman Farm; Oliver Barrett House; Thomas N. Wheeler Farm
Open: By telephone during regular business hours Mon-Fri, or by appointment.
Accessible to the disabled
Description: The Friend’s primary mission is to support the preservation for future generations of
the Coleman Station Historic District’s unique historical, architectural, cultural, and agricultural heritage, and to foster in the friends, students, and citizens of the surrounding area, an interest in its history.
Collections: The organization maintains a small library of books, primary and secondary source
documents and photographs relating to the District and local area history.
Research access: By written request. By e-mail.
Programs: The Diana K. Temple Memorial Garden along the Harlem Valley Rail Trail features native
plants, trees and shrubs and is used as a living laboratory for area public school programs and FFA and 4-H groups. The Friends remediate, restore and maintain the Oblong Rural Cemetery ( a.k.a. Coleman Station
Burying Ground) and research archaeological sites of the former (pre-Revolutionary) Moravian Mission to Native Americans sites along the shores of the lake on both the New York and Connecticut sides.
Special Events: House and District Tours
FRIENDS OF ELMENDORPH
Elmendorph Inn
7562 N Broadway
Red Hook, NY 12571
845/758-5887
E-mail: inn@elmendorph.org
Mailing address:
PO Box 44
Red Hook, NY 12571
Landmark designation: Listed on the National Register of Historic Places with town and village
historic designation
Open: By appointment only
Partially accessible to the disabled
Admission: None
Description: The Friends of Elmendorph is dedicated to the preservation of the Inn, the oldest
surviving structure in the Village of Red Hook. The Inn was a stagecoach stop, a Town Hall, the site of the first Dutchess and Columbia County Agricultural Fair (1811), and the first area kindergarten.
Collections: Artifacts found during restoration excavation work.
Programs: School group tours available by appointment.
FRIENDS OF STISSING LANDMARKS
Lake Road
Pine Planes, NY 12567
Mailing address:
PO Box 37
Pine Plains, NY 12567
Open: Daily, sunrise to sunset
Admission: None
Not accessible to the disabled
Description:
The Friends of Stissing Landmarks is organized to preserve the Stissing Mountain Fire Tower and to make it accessible to the public at no charge and to preserve the character of Stisisng Mountain. The 90 foot steel tower is open to the top (no water or facilities) and was in use from 1934-1976. Walking trails from parking lot offering direct access to Stissing Lake, excellent area for bird watching.
Facilities: Car parking. Hiking trails.
GUNNISON MUSEUM OF NATIONAL HISTORY
Akin Hall Association
Akin Free Library
Quaker Hill Road
Pawling, NY 12564
845/855-5099
Open: May 15-Oct 15, Thu-Sun 2-4
Partially accessible to the disabled
Admission: Donations accepted
Description:
The floor below the Akin Free Library houses the Natural History Museum, which was presented to the community by Olive Mason Gunnison in 1960.
Collections:
This is Mrs. Gunnison’s live work and comprises a comprehensive collection covering all phases of natural history including birds, bird eggs, and mineral sections.
Programs: Guided tours for schools and other groups.
HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF QUAKER HILL AND PAWLING
Oblong Meeting House, John Kane House & Museum at Akin Library
126 East Main Street
Pawling, NY 12564
845/855-9316
Website: www.pawlinghistory.org
Mailing address:
PO Box 99
Pawling, NY 12564
Landmark designation: John Kane House-George Washington’s headquarters listed on the National
Register of Historic Places
Open: Mid-May to Mid-Oct, Sat.-Sun. 2-4 or by request
Admission: Free, donations accepted
Partially accessible to the disabled
Description: The Society owns and operates the Oblong Meeting House circa 1764 which served as a
hospital for Revolutionary War soldiers in 1770 and 1779. It also owns and operates the John Kane House, a probable home of George Washington (fall 1778).
Collections: Kane House houses a replica of village with trains,1948, and the Lowell Thomas Room
with archives, photographs, furniture, and books. The Museum houses artifacts of Quaker life, documents and photographs of the Village and Town of Pawling;
Research access: By appointment only
Programs: Ongoing exhibits on Lowell Thomas and Pawling. School programs for 4th grade. Candlelight tours in Dec, Tag Sale in Jun. Guided tours when open. Herb garden maintained by Garden Club.
Facilities: Car parking. Museum Shop. Gardens.
HISTORIC HUDSON VALLEY: MONTGOMERY PLACE
River Road
Annandale-on-Hudson, NY 12504
914/631-8200
E-mail: mail@hudsonvalley.org
Web site: www.hudsonvalley.org
Mailing address:
150 White Plains Road
Tarrytown, NY 10591
Landmark designation: National Historic Landmark
Open: Grounds are open weekends, 10– 5 May – Oct. House: call for hours
Admission: Call for fees
Accessible to the disabled
Description: Montgomery Place is a 434-acre estate that includes extensive grounds and gardens, plus
a house and other buildings designed by A.J. Davis. A.J. Downing influenced the design of the landscape and wrote about it extensively in the 19th century.
Programs: Guided tours of the grounds during hours of operation.
Facilities: Museum shop. Car parking. Bus parking. Private rental facilities.
HOME OF FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE
Springwood
Route 9D
Hyde Park, NY 12538
845/229-9115
Web address: www.nps.gov/hofr/
Mailing address:
4097 Albany Post Road
Hyde Park, NY 12538
Open: 9-5 daily. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Day
Grounds open year round, 7 am to sunset
Accessible to the disabled
Admission: Adults $14 (includes guided tour); children 16 & under free
Description: Franklin D. Roosevelt, the 32nd President of the United States, was born and raised at this estate knows as “Springwood.” It was the place he came to when recuperating from polio. During the Presidential years he entertained foreign dignitaries here. The house furnishings reflect his many interests and the personal side of FDR is revealed in his many collections. Visitors can walk through the rose garden where FDR and his wife Eleanor are buried.
Collections:
House furnishings dating from 1860-1945: European furnishings date back to the 1700s. Victorian family furniture, family portraits, naval prints, and oil paintings from the War of 1812.
Research access:
Hours: Mon-Fri 9-5. On-site library/archive/research room. By written request. Written finding aids.
Programs: guided tours of FDR’s Home.
Guided tours 9-12; self-guided tours in the afternoon; tours available for school groups by reservation.
Special events: Grave site ceremonies commemorating FDR’S Birthday, Jan 30th, Eleanor Roosevelt’s Birthday, Oct 11 and Memorial Day.
Facilities: Museum shop. Car parking. Bus parking. Hiking Trails.
Gardens. Picnic area.
HUDSON RIVER HERITAGE
Quitman House
128 Route 9N
Rhinebeck, NY 12572
845/876-2474
E-mail; office@hudsonriverheritage.org
Web address: www.hudosnriverheritage.org
Mailing address:
PO Box 287
Rhinebeck, NY 12572
Open: Call for hours
Admission: None
Description:
Hudson River Heritage sponsors activities that promote awareness of and protect the Hudson River National Historic Landmarks and other historic, natural, and cultural resources within the area on the east side of the Hudson between Staatsburg (Dutchess County) and Germantown (Columbia County).
Collections: Dows collection of regional photographs. Crowley collection of architectural drawings.
Research access:
By written request. By appointment only. On-site library/archive/research room.
Programs: Lectures, tours.
HUDSON RIVER SLOOP CLEARWATER
Little Market Street
Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
845/454-7673
E-mail: office@clearwater.org
Web address: www.clearwater.org
Open: Office: Mon-Fri 9-5; Boat: Apr-Oct 7 days a week
Partially accessible to the disabled
Admission: Call for information
Description:
The mission of the Hudson River Sloop Clearwater, Inc. is to restore and protect the Hudson River, its shorelines and related waterways, through advocacy, education and celebration.
Collections: The Sloop Clearwater
Research access: “Website
Programs: “Classroom of the Waves” an environmental, education program for 3rd grade to adult groups, 50 students and faculty take a three-hour sail on the sloop; tours, lectures. Clearwater’s Great Hudson River Revival. Tours of the boat when docked, crew available to answer questions.
HUDSON RIVER VALLEY INSTITUTE
Marist College
339 North Road
Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
845/575-30052
E-mail: hrvi@Marist.edu
Web address: www.hudsonrivervalley.net/
Description:
As the center for the study of the Hudson River Valley, the Hudson River Valley Institute (HRVI) at Marist College is the central hub for information about the region. HRVI serves heritage tourists, scholars, elementary and secondary school educators, environmental organizations, the business community, and the general public, seeking to know more about the region that Congress called “the Landscape that defined America.”
Collections:
The Digital Library contains a collection of heritage sites, documents, organizations, lesson plans, and related links to the Hudson River Valley.
Programs: Each year, through 2009, the Institute will organize and promote “Patriots
Weekend.” Annual lecture in Hudson River Valley History.
HUDSON VALLEY STUDIES
Bard College
Tewksbury, Room 80
Annandale-on-Hudson, NY 12504
845/758-6971
Web address: www.bard.edu
Mailing address:
Bard College
Box 180
Annandale-on-Hudson, NY 12504
845/758-6971
Open: By appointment
Partially accessible to the disabled
Admission: None
Description:
Programs supporting students and community members researching economic and social history of the Hudson Valley.
Collections: Local history manuscripts and printed material on the Hudson Valley. 18th and 19th century ledgers, account books, letters on Hudson Valley businesses and transportation; Civil War letters, newspapers, deeds. Microfilm of manuscript Federal Population Census for Greene, Columbia and Dutchess Counties 1790-1900 (in Stevenson Library at Bard College). Microfilm of Census of Products & Industries for all NY State counties, 1950-1880.
Research access: By appointment only. Computer database. On-site
library/archive/research room.
INSTITUTE OF ECOSYSTEM STUDIES
Mary Flagler Cary Arboretum
Route 44 A
Millbrook, NY 12545
845/677-5359
Web address: www.ecostudies.org
Mailing address:
Education Program, Box R
Millbrook, NY 12545
Gifford House Visitor & Education Center
181 Sharon Turnpike
Millbrook, NY 12545
Open: Grounds: Apr-Sep, Mon-Sat 9-6, Sun 1-6
Greenhouse: Apr-Sep, Mon-Sat 9-3:30, Sun 1-3:30
Ecology Shop: Mon-Fri, 11-1, 1:30-5; Sat 9-1, 1:30-5, Sun 1-5
Gifford House (Admin): Mon-Fri, 8:30-4:30
Oct-Mar: reduced hours call for times
Partially accessible to the disabled
Admission: None
Description:
Ecology research and education facility located at the 1924-acre Mary Flagler Cary Arboretum. Founded in 1983 as a division of The New York Botanical Garden, it became independent in 1993. trails, display gardens with ecological themes, topical greenhouse, Gifford House Visitor and Education Center.
Collections:
Perennials, native plants, tropical plants; seasonal display gardens, deer browse research bed, meadow garden.
Research access:
By written request. By appointment only. On-site library/archive/research room.
Programs: Sunday ecology program, continuing education program offers classes and
certifications in landscape design, gardening and natural science illustration, other classes, workshops and trips; seminar series. Eco-Inquiry curriculum, pond ecology, maple sugar ecology, groundwater
ecology, forest ecology. Guided tours by appointment (fee), self-guided walking and driving tours. Spring and Fall plant sale, holiday sale.
Facilities: IES Ecology Shop. Car parking. Bus parking. Plant room. Gardens.
Hiking trails. Picnicking.
LITTLE NINE PARTNERS HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Graham-Bush House & Harris Huested House
Mailing address:
PO Box 243
Pine Plains, NY 12567
E-mail: LNPS@hotmail.com
Open: By appointment only
Admission: None
Description: Maintains the Graham-Bush House and the Harris Huested House.
Collections:
Materials related to the history of Pine Plains and the Little Nine Partners Patent. 19th-century bedding, linens, clothing, furniture, tools, photographs, books, documents and genealogical
material. Index and microfilm of “Pine Plains Register: from 1882 available in Pine Plains Free Library.
Programs: Docent led tours of the houses.
Facilities: Museum shop. Car parking. Bus parking. Picnicking (Huested
House).
MADAM BRETT HOMESTEAD
50 Van Nydeck Avenue
Beacon, NY 12508
845/831-6533
Landmark designation: Listed on the National Register of Historic Places
Open: May-Dec 1st Sun of month; by appointment
Admission: Call for fees
Description:
The Homestead was owned and occupied by one family for seven generations until purchased by the Melzingah Chapter, NYDAR in 1954. It is the oldest building in Dutchess County.
Collections: 18th and 19th century furnishings, paintings, photographs, bedding and linen, needlework, quilts and rugs.
Programs: School group tours.
Soup and sandwich kitchen (Nov). Docent led tours of permanent exhibits.
Facilities: Museum shop. Car parking. Gardens.
MID-HUDSON CHILDREN’S MUSEUM
75 North Water Street
Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
845/471-0589
e-mail: info@mhcm.org
Web site: www.mhcm.org
Open: Tue-Sun 11-5 year-round. Call for selected school and Monday holidays and vacation hours
Admission:
$6. Members and children under 2 years old free. Group rates are offered with a minimum of 10 children.
Accessible to the disabled
Description: The Mid-Hudson Children’s Museum (MHCM) located on the banks of the majestic Hudson
River.. Bring your school classroom, scout den, home school or a group of friends to have a picnic lunch, enjoy the panoramic views and walk along the newly constructed Hudson River Greenway Trail at Waryas Park.
The Museum is adjacent to the Metro-North (Hudson Line) Poughkeepsie train station, Route 44/55, Route 9, and the Mid-Hudson Bridge.
Research access: By e-mail
Programs: The Museum offers two floors of 50 interactive exhibits, a daily art activity, as well as
birthday parties, workshops, professional artistic performances, playgroups (infant-5 yrs. old)), summer camp, and evening rentals of our facility. MHCM offers educational tours and traveling programs with our
Museum Educator by appointment only.
Facilities: Museum shop. Car parking. Bus parking. Dining/lunch room. Private rental
facilities.
MOUNT GULIAN HISTORIC SITE
Verplanck Homestead
145 Sterling Street
Beacon, NY 12508
845/831-8172
E-mail: info@mountgulian.org
Web address: www.mountgulian.org
Landmark designation: Listed on the National Register of Historic Places
Open: May-Oct Wed-Fri, Sun 1-5, or by appointment
Admission: $5 adults, $3 children
Partially accessible to the disabled
Description:
The site focuses primarily on the Verplanck family, the Society of the Cincinnati, colonial America and the Revolutionary War. This site is a unique link to Native Americans, early Dutch settlers, Revolutionary War and 19th century African-American culture. The Dutch colonial home, with a Hudson River view, an 18th century Dutch barn and a restored garden.
Collections: Archives and photographs of the Verplanck family from 17th-20th century.
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