Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

Highlighting Staatsburgh's real-life counterparts of the Downton Abbey characters, this tour, led by a costumed interpreter, will explore how the servants prepared for a busy weekend of entertaining...and how the Mills' daughter, like Downton's Cora, married into the British aristocracy. Reservations required. Cost: $10/Adults, $8/Seniors & Students, $5/Friends of Mills Mansion.

Commemorating the centennial years of World War I, this special tour explores how the Mills' extravagant way of life withered away in the cataclysm of the Great War. Reservations required. Cost: $10/Adults, $8/Seniors & Students, $5/Friends of Mills Mansion.

Susan Goodier, co-author of the new book, Women Will Vote, and Professor of History at SUNY Oneonta, talks about the struggle for women's suffrage in New York.  Reservations recommended.

This enduringly popular autumn holiday was once a time for merriment, fortune-telling and romance. Historian Carol Kohan will explore the origins of the holiday and its unique customs. A special Hallowe'en themed tea menu will be served. Costumes are welcome! Reservations required. Cost: $30/Adults, Seniors & Students, $25/Friends of Mills Mansion.

Presented by Gary Lawrence & TR Hamilton in association with Staatsburgh State Historic Site.

Guest speakers: Alison Spear, AIA (Architect), David Byars (Author), Gary Lawrence (Architect), and Randy Lamb (Site Manager, Hyde Hall).

Conference includes:
Four Lectures- Panel Discussion- Luncheon Exclusive- House Tour

Conference Fee: $65- limited space available

Tickets available at : https://countryhouseconference.eventbrite.com

Join the Friends of Mills Mansion today and recieve $12 off each conference ticket!
Call 845-889-8851 to learn more.

Each Sunday in December, children become detectives to solve a "history mystery" by talking with costumed interpreters throughout the mansion, who provide clues to help them discover "whodunit." The program presents a new mystery every year. Families can drop in between 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM to enjoy the program together, at their own pace, amidst the decorated historic rooms. Each child who submits a guess as to "whodunit" will be entered to win a prize gift certificate from Oblong Books & Music.

Take a break from the holiday rush and join local crafter, Margaret Britton, to learn the basics of paper quilling. Participants will learn how to make a lovely ornament or decoration for a card. Easy to learn, quilling has been practiced for centuries and creates lovely patterned designs using strips of paper. A tool and materials will be supplied, and refreshments will be served. Appropriate for adults and teens. Reservations required. Cost: $10, $8 Friends of Mills Mansion Members.

Each Sunday in December, children become detectives to solve a "history mystery" by talking with costumed interpreters throughout the mansion, who provide clues to help them discover "whodunit." The program presents a new mystery every year. Families can drop in between 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM to enjoy the program together, at their own pace, amidst the decorated historic rooms. Each child who submits a guess as to "whodunit" will be entered to win a prize gift certificate from Oblong Books & Music.

Pre-school age children are invited to gather around the mansion's Christmas tree and listen to some great stories read by Staatsburg Librarian, Lisa Prentiss. Refreshments and a simple craft activity follow. Free, but reservations required.

Spend a festive evening at the beautifully-decorated mansion, with costumed guides in the historic rooms, live music, and gift shopping. Cost: $8/adult; $6/student and senior.

Each Sunday in December, children become detectives to solve a "history mystery" by talking with costumed interpreters throughout the mansion, who provide clues to help them discover "whodunit." The program presents a new mystery every year. Families can drop in between 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM to enjoy the program together, at their own pace, amidst the decorated historic rooms. Each child who submits a guess as to "whodunit" will be entered to win a prize gift certificate from Oblong Books & Music.

Mistletoe Mouse has inhabited the mansion at Christmas time for many years. For these workshops, kids ages 6-10 tour the house briefly to see mouse houses on display in the mansion's historic rooms, then use craft materials to build their own mouse house to take home. An adult must accompany child; reservations required. Cost: $8/child or $15/family (up to 3 kids).

Each Sunday in December, children become detectives to solve a "history mystery" by talking with costumed interpreters throughout the mansion, who provide clues to help them discover "whodunit." The program presents a new mystery every year. Families can drop in between 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM to enjoy the program together, at their own pace, amidst the decorated historic rooms. Each child who submits a guess as to "whodunit" will be entered to win a prize gift certificate from Oblong Books & Music.