Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

A FREE Traveling Exhibit, July 1-28

Clermont Visitor Center

Wed-Sun 10:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

​Votes for Women will celebrate the centennial of women's suffrage in New York State and raise public awareness of the struggle for equal rights, from the 1848 Seneca Falls Convention through 1917, when New York State granted women the right to vote. The exhibition will also address the nationally significant role of New York State leaders in women's rights and the feminist movement through the early 21st century.

The Starry Road to Freedom is a one-man show about the life and legacy of famed former slave, abolitionist, and orator Frederick Douglass. Starring the show's creator, Phil Darius Wallace, this compelling, intimate play has been presented Off-Broadway and around the United States. An exploration of Douglass' life from childhood to his career as a diplomat and statesman told through monologues, poetry, and song, this is a unique opportunity to meet the quintessential self-made man.

​Tickets are $8 adults; children 12 and under are free.​

Note: After the performance, we will host a special Q&A session with the show's creator and star Darius Wallace and other historians to explore Douglass' role in the suffrage and other civil rights movements.

Junior History Club: For children 7-12 ($150 per child, $130 per child for Friends of Clermont members) "Campers will explore the museum's extensive grounds, play games, and make historic crafts that will help them to learn about the lives of the Livingston family at Clermont. At the end of the week, the children will put on a performance for their parents, acting in costumed skits as Livingston family members they have researched during the week."

August 1-October 31: Wednesday-Sunday 10:30am-4pm

November 1-December 17: Saturday-Sunday 10:30am-4pm​

This panel exhibit, hosted in the Visitors' Center, will explore the life of Clermont's Gilded-Age daughter, Katharine Livingston Timpson, and her complex relationship with her home and family. Katharine was John Henry Livingston's only daughter from his first wife. During her youth, Katharine and her father traveled the world, bringing countless treasures back to Clermont. Katharine briefly owned the mansion when she inherited it from her grandfather; money from her mother's family paid for many of the grand improvements of the late 1800s.

Friends of Clermont will host a summer gala honoring Mary Kay Vrba, President of Dutchess Tourism, Inc. More information to follow. ​Tickets go on sale in June. Check back at www.friendsofclermont.org for updates.

Need a break from your week? Join us one Thursday night each month this summer for our Harmonies on the Hudson Outdoor Concert Series! Relax on our beautiful grounds on the shores of the Hudson River and enjoy a FREE concert from some of the Hudson Valley's most talented and unique musicians. Bring a blanket, bring a picnic (but we're sorry, alcohol isn't allowed on Clermont's grounds). Concerts begin at 6:00 p.m.

2:00 p.m. at Clermont Cottage​

Noted scientists Drs. Robert and Johanna Titus will present a special talk about the geology of the Clermont State Historic Site, and will explore its journey from the distant past. After the lecture, join Drs. Titus for a walk around Clermont's ground to see some specific specific geological formations.

Need a break from your week? Join us one Thursday night each month this summer for our Harmonies on the Hudson Outdoor Concert Series! Relax on our beautiful grounds on the shores of the Hudson River and enjoy a FREE concert from some of the Hudson Valley's most talented and unique musicians. Bring a blanket, bring a picnic (but we're sorry, alcohol isn't allowed on Clermont's grounds). Concerts begin at 6:00 p.m.

2:00 p.m. at the Clermont Cottage

​The 19th century was a time of great progress for food preservation, with the invention of paraffin wax and mason jars in the mid 1850s. Join us at Clermont Cottage to learn how to safely lacto-ferment. You will go home with your own mason jars of sauerkraut and pickles made from produce harvested from our own teaching garden!​

We welcome children age 8 and older and an adult companion for only $10; an additional child costs $5 extra. Register online or call us at (518) 537-6622.

Legends by Candlelight Ghost Tours: Candlelight tours of the museum and grounds; with "ghosts" from the Livingston family's past bringing history to life. Tours at 6:00 6:30, 7:00, 7:30, 8:00, 8:30, 9:00pm ($12 per adult, $5 per child, all Friends of Clermont $8, reservations required)

2:00 p.m. at the Clermont Cottage

Come and spend a November afternoon like the Victorians did! Join us for a walk of the grounds here at Clermont to learn how to identify black walnut and shagbark trees, then come back to the Cottage to sip hot cocoa and learn how to process nuts for eating. We'll then make a sweet treat for all of us to enjoy. (Note: all nuts used in this process will be purchased off premises).​

We welcome children age 8 and older and an adult companion for only $10; an additional child costs $5 extra. Register online or call us at (518) 537-6622.

Drop in for stories read under the Christmas tree and treats for children ages 3-10. $4 per person. Dec. 2 & 3. 

Free for members; guests $10. Visit www.friendsofclermont.org for more info on the Friends.

A great day for families. See the house with Christmas decorations accenting the historic interiors. Free admission.

Tableaux Vivant of Christmas traditions through the ages, glittering decorations, and wassail and traditional holiday goodies served in the historic kitchen ($12 adult; $5 for children under 12)