Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

Events at State Parks
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Sun 01 Sep
Mansion Tours
Sunday, September 1, 2024 until Sunday, September 29, 2024 02:00 PM - 05:00 PM
Jay Heritage Center
Enjoy the beginning of fall by traveling back in time as you experience the 1838 Jay Mansion! Our docent-led tours share the stories of the many eras of the Jay Mansion and give you a behind-the-scenes look at our extensive restoration process. 
Registration: Not required
Sun 22 Sep
Guided Walk for the Hudson Valley Ramble: Staatsburg Village Walking Tour
Sunday, September 22, 2024 until Sunday, September 29, 2024 02:00 PM - 03:30 PM
Staatsburgh State Historic Site
This 90-minute walk in the village of Staatsburg will explore the estate's close relationship with the nearby village and its connection to the Mills family.  A guide will discuss historic buildings and highlight hidden locations in the village that demonstrate Staatsburg's vibrant past and the lasting legacy of Ruth and Ogden Mills beyond the estate walls. Cost: free
Registration: Required
Thu 26 Sep
Garden Tours and Volunteer Opportunities
Thursday, September 26, 2024 10:00 AM - 02:00 PM
Jay Heritage Center
Our gardens are magnificent during the summer months! Enjoy Japanese anemone, sunflowers and cone flowers. Spend a morning by our calming reflecting pool or wander through our new Japanese Cherry tree allée. Two days a week you can enjoy docent-led experiences or follow a self-guided tour following our QR code signs. Drop in for a lesson, talks, and workshops led by JHC's Director of Horticulture and Garden Education, Lucia Maestro and special guest speakers. Please visit our website or email Lucia for more information: hortdirector.JHC@gmail.com.
Registration: Not required
Fri 27 Sep
Guided Landscape Walk of Staatsburgh’s Grounds: What You See and What You Don’t See
Friday, September 27, 2024 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Staatsburgh State Historic Site
A guided walk through the estate's grounds that explores how the landscape was designed to reflect the luxurious lifestyle of Staatsburgh's owners, while deliberately hiding the turn-of-the-century technology and labor that made the estate run.  
Registration: Required
Sat 28 Sep
Farm Market
Saturday, September 28, 2024
John Jay Homestead State Historic Site
Friends of John Jay Homestead host a weekly outdoor, certified market which provides the finest New York-grown, fresh and seasonal fruits and vegetables, seafood, breads, specialty items and more on a historic farm setting. Customers can expect to find certified organic and biodynamic produce, ethically raised, organic meat and eggs, as well as a wide variety of artisan food items with dozens of weekly vendors. While at John Jay Homestead, patrons can also enjoy a walk, sight see, and explore flower, herb, and vegetable gardens or picnic on the historic grounds of John Jay Homestead.The Farm Market is open from 9:30am to 2:00pm for the general public, while members of Friends of John Jay Homestead are offered the Members Only First Pick from 9:00am to 9:30am.
Registration: Not required
Sat 28 Sep
Fish & Wildlife Stewardship Volunteer Day
Saturday, September 28, 2024 09:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site
Many of the stonework walls associated with the Erie Canal can become covered with weeds. Overtime, if not routinely and properly removed, these artifacts will become unobservable and under appreciated by our visitors. Additionally, plant growth on stonework can cause significant damage. As a historic site dedicated to the preservation and interpretation of Erie Canal history, we invite you to help us maintain the stonework while enjoying the beauty and history of the Erie Canal Corridor. All ages welcome; Please register HERE. Please dress for the weather - we encourage sturdy work clothing/footwear. Bring gloves, rakes/shovels/clippers will be provided. The work inside the prism may require ability to climb steep grades.
Registration: Required
Sat 28 Sep
In Their Own Words, The Battle for Fort Clinton!
Saturday, September 28, 2024 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Fort Montgomery State Historic Site
Come for a unique, walking tour of one of the Hudson Valley's most dramatic battle sites! Using firsthand accounts and archaeological data, this tour will chart the flow of the battle of the Twin Forts starting at Bear Mtn and ending up at Fort Clinton (today site of Trailside Museums and Zoo) focusing on the intense fighting that happened in and around Fort Clinton on the day of the battle. Registration Required: Call (845) 446-2134 to Register or for More Information.
Registration: Required
Sat 28 Sep
Place and Story: NYS Official War of 1812 Day and Fish & Wildlife Day
Saturday, September 28, 2024 10:00 AM - 04:30 PM
Sackets Harbor Battlefield State Historic Site
An old and a new approach to the NYS Parks diverse missions combines the state's official War of 1812 Day with a new event Fish & Wildlife Day. Scavenger Hunts - "Searching for Fall" and "Our History Trail" Saturday September 28th 1pm – 3pm. Join us at the site's navy yard at the end of West Main Street for fun and learning. The site's buildings are open Saturday 10am to 4:30pm.Colored leaves, Acorns, and Spiderwebs, oh my! So many different signs of fall are popping up. Come explore the change in season with a fall themed scavenger hunt in the historic site's memorial tree grove. Find everything on the list and win a prize!Follow the historic site's nationally designated History Trail to discover the role Sackets Harbor played during the War of 1812. Scavenger hunt clues are on the interpretive panels along the trail and in the barn exhibits.Along the way see how site staff work to retore native growth habitats on the historic battlegrounds by fighting invasive species to promote sustainable interaction with nature. The site is also recognized as an official NYS Birding Trail.Partners for the new Fish and Wildlife Day include Parks & Trails New York and the Department of Environments Conservation, as part of the "Love Our New York Lands Stewardship Days."
Registration: Not required
Sat 28 Sep
Guided Hike for the Hudson Valley Ramble: History Hidden in the Woods
Saturday, September 28, 2024 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Staatsburgh State Historic Site
Have you ever wondered what some of the ruins within Mills and Norrie State Parks might be? The beautiful park land was once the setting for grand Hudson Riverfront estates. This 90-minute guided hike will lead visitors through the park, exploring the history of three historic estates: from Staatsburgh's founding as a gentleman's farm in the 1700s to the development of The Point and Stonehurst estates in the 19th century.  The hike is approximately 1.5 miles of uneven terrain, requiring sturdy footwear.  Cost: free.
Registration: Required
Sat 28 Sep
Crafty Kids: Halloween Party!
Saturday, September 28, 2024 11:00 AM - 01:00 PM
Clermont State Historic Site
Welcome the Spooky Season with a Crafty Kids arts and crafts day! Enjoy a snack as you decorate a spooky coffin deco box, paint a treasure chest perfect for hiding candy, or let your imagination run wild with our table full of Halloween craft supplies! Light instruction is offered, creativity is encouraged. This is a program for children; all children must be accompanied by an adult and all adults must be accompanied by a child. 

Please note: The cost of the event is $5 per person
Registration: Required
Sat 28 Sep
Harvest Festival
Saturday, September 28, 2024 12:00 PM - 05:00 PM
Philipse Manor Hall State Historic Site
Step back in time to the late 18th century! This free family-friendly outdoor festival features costumed reenactors and hands-on activities. September was the time of year when tenant farmers on the Philipse Manor would harvest their wheat and start to bring it to the Philipse grist mills for assessment and grinding into flour. September was also apple harvest time in the Philipse orchards. Try your hand at grinding grain in a stone mill, grinding up apples for cider in a cider press, and other hands-on activities.

Meet military and civilian reenactors, including General George Washington and his horse Nelson, members of Lord Dunmore's Ethiopian Regiment and the First Rhode Island Regiment, Westchester Patriot Ann Miller, colonial era craftspeople, and more. Enjoy live 18th century music from Carla & Keyes and try old-fashioned country dancing. Visit a traveling exhibit from the Odell House/Rochambeau Headquarters Museum. Play colonial-era games, try your hand at our Revolutionary War spy activity, and learn more about the history of Westchester County before and during the American Revolution.
Registration: Not required
Sat 28 Sep
Sensory Saturdays at Rippleton Schoolhouse
Saturday, September 28, 2024 01:00 PM - 03:00 PM
Lorenzo State Historic Site
This summer, the Rippleton Schoolhouse at Lorenzo invites visitors of all ages to engage with history hands-on during Sensory Saturdays. Come explore an authentic 1887 schoolhouse, try your hand at traditional games and activities, and explore the beautiful grounds. 
*Admission is free*
Registration: Not required
Sat 28 Sep
Still Life: Drawing a Memorable Object with Cris Gamet
Saturday, September 28, 2024 01:00 PM - 04:00 PM
Olana State Historic Site
Bring a family heirloom, gift from a loved one, or any memorable object to this workshop where students will prepare to express meaning through still-life drawing. Participants will use charcoal to draw on newsprint and Strathmore papers, participating in demos as they work from the objects. This program is offered in collaboration with Woodstock School of Art on occasion of the exhibition Afterglow: Frederic Church and the Landscape of Memory. To learn more, visit Olana.org/afterglow.  $74 per student; register at Woodstock School of Art. Workshops - Woodstock School of Art
Registration: Required
Sat 28 Sep
Saturday Special: Apple Pomanders
Saturday, September 28, 2024 01:00 PM - 03:00 PM
Senate House State Historic Site
Come join us at Senate House on Saturday September 28th from 1-3pm for a free drop-in activity and learn how to make an Apple Pomander! A pomander was an early type of aromatherapy typically made from an apple covered in cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg or even rosemary. A pomander could be worn or left out in a room. You can come and create any design and make your own pomander! All Saturday Special activities are free. This activity is rain or shine.
Registration: Not required
Sat 28 Sep
The REAL Gilded Age: America’s Elite in the Downton Abbey Era
Saturday, September 28, 2024 02:00 PM - 03:00 PM
Staatsburgh State Historic Site
This tour highlights the real-life characters and themes at Staatsburgh that parallel Downton Abbey and HBO's The Gilded Age.  Led by a costumed interpreter, the tour shows how the Mills family and their servants conducted a busy weekend of high society entertaining, comparing Staatsburgh to what viewers saw on TV. 

Cost: $12/Adults, $10/Seniors & Students, Children 12 & under are free
Registration: Required
Sat 28 Sep
Kites Over the Hudson
Saturday, September 28, 2024 02:00 PM - 04:00 PM
Washington's Headquarters State Historic Site
FREE KITES to first 150 children 15 or under (Courtesy of Friends of the State Historic Sites of the Hudson Highlands.) Get a kite or bring your own, and fly it on the grand east lawn overlooking the Hudson River. Site Open 11 a.m. — 5 p.m. Explore the Museum's exhibits. Take a guided tour of historic Hasbrouck House, Washington's Newburgh Headquarters. (Tours of the Tower of Victory unavailable due to this event.) FREE ADMISSION ALL DAY thanks to Friends of the State Historic Sites of the Hudson Highlands. For more information call: (845) 562-1195
Registration: Not required
Sat 28 Sep
Water Music NY: More Voices with the Albany Symphony Orchestra
Saturday, September 28, 2024 04:00 PM - 05:30 PM
Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site
The piece is musical dialogue between Earth and Water, framed by a narrator's perspective. It explores themes of environmental change, human progress, and the relationship between nature and civilization, centered around the construction of the Erie Canal. The narrative begins with the composer's creative process, who is in the writing sketches or a work-in-progress as if it was in real time. The dialogue between Earth and Water, conveys the historical context and the environmental concerns. Earth and Water are personified with distinct personalities and perspectives. Earth appears more cautious and worried, while Water seems more adaptable but also vulnerable. Interjections occur as the composure explores the next steps of the composition.
Registration: Not required
Sun 29 Sep
Garden Tours and Volunteer Opportunities
Sunday, September 29, 2024 10:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Jay Heritage Center
Our gardens are magnificent during the summer months! Enjoy Japanese anemone, sunflowers and cone flowers. Spend a morning by our calming reflecting pool or wander through our new Japanese Cherry tree allée. Two days a week you can enjoy docent-led experiences or follow a self-guided tour following our QR code signs. Drop in for a lesson, talks, and workshops led by JHC's Director of Horticulture and Garden Education, Lucia Maestro and special guest speakers. Please visit our website or email Lucia for more information: hortdirector.JHC@gmail.com.
Registration: Not required
Sun 29 Sep
18th Century Autumnfest
Sunday, September 29, 2024 11:00 AM - 04:00 PM
Senate House State Historic Site

Experience some key autumn activities from the 18th century and enjoy the season! There will be demonstrations of blacksmithing, meat smoking, candle dipping, pressing apples, and more. There will also be live performances of juggling, fire spitting, and unicycling!
Registration: Not required
Sun 29 Sep
Jay Day Fall Festival
Sunday, September 29, 2024 12:00 PM - 04:00 PM
Jay Heritage Center
Families welcome! $20/individual $50/family 
Enjoy one of most beloved events of the year! Bring your children to Jay Day and experience all of the wonderful things our park can offer including live bluegrass music from NYC's own Citigrass, pony rides, face painting, boat races, food trucks and more! 
Registration: Required
Sun 29 Sep
The Hudson River Schools of Art and Their Ice Age Origins; Robert & Johanna Titus Lecture & Book Signing
Sunday, September 29, 2024 01:00 PM - 03:00 PM
Clermont State Historic Site
Join Robert Titus, retired professor of Geology, and Johanna Titus, retired professor of Biology, for a talk about the Hudson River School of Art and the Ice Age! During the 19th century there was something of a cultural Renaissance right here in the Hudson Valley region. America's first worldclass literature appeared. We also saw the birth of American landscape architecture. Most importantly, led by Thomas Cole, we saw the appearance of the Hudson Valley School of Art. In short, our region became the center of a truly important cultural movement. None of this, we argue, would ever have happened if the Hudson Valley, especially the North Lake area, had not been so heavily glaciated. We take our readers to see how the North Lake glaciers created the landscapes that so inspired the great artists of those times. 

Robert and Johanna Titus are best known as popular science writers. Over the years they have written for several regional magazines, including Kaatskill Life and Tri-County Historical Reviews, as well as the Mountain Eagle and the Columbia Paper. They have authored five books on the Catskills and Hudson Valley geology. The Titus's run The Catskill Geologist Facebook page and a blog site, thecatskillgeologist.com
Registration: Required
Sun 29 Sep
The REAL Gilded Age: America’s Elite in the Downton Abbey Era
Sunday, September 29, 2024 02:00 PM - 03:00 PM
Staatsburgh State Historic Site
This tour highlights the real-life characters and themes at Staatsburgh that parallel Downton Abbey and HBO's The Gilded Age.  Led by a costumed interpreter, the tour shows how the Mills family and their servants conducted a busy weekend of high society entertaining, comparing Staatsburgh to what viewers saw on TV.

Cost: $12/Adults, $10/Seniors & Students, Children 12 & under are free
Registration: Required
Tue 01 Oct
NYS History Month – Wish You Were Here with Jerry Snyder
Tuesday, October 1, 2024 07:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site
Tuesday Talks are Back! Live and in person for NYS History Month we'll have weekly programs discussing local and state history. Join us on October 1st as we welcome Jerry Snyder (Historic Amsterdam League) for a look at Postcards from the Past. Fitting for World Postcard Day. Jerry will explore the history of manufacturing, of mailing, and of the content of postcards from his vast collection. The program explores the history of postcards which traces their evolution, the various types, and shows how to identify/date them, and will include a selection of historical cards from around the area with a little information about each of the subjects portrayed. NYS History Month Tuesday Talks at Schoharie Crossing is sponsored by the Friends of Schoharie Crossing, Stewart's Shops, and Karen's Produce & Ice Cream.
Registration: Not required
Wed 02 Oct
Lecture: " It Was Dark Back Then: The Culture of Nighttime in the 18th Century”
Wednesday, October 2, 2024 07:00 PM - 08:00 PM
Philipse Manor Hall State Historic Site
Nighttime was dark and dangerous in the 18th century. Before modern lighting and police, criminals and other dark forces used the cover of night to strike terror into the lives of everyday people. Yet it was also more lively than we might imagine today. In this lecture, public historian James Finelli explores the culture of nighttime in the 18th century. This virtual program is free, but registration is required. Register at www.philipsemanorhall.com/programs-and-events.
Registration: Required
Thu 03 Oct
Garden Tours and Volunteer Opportunities
Thursday, October 3, 2024 10:00 AM - 02:00 PM
Jay Heritage Center
We offer docent-led experiences two days a week but you can also follow a self-guided tour following our QR code signs. Enjoy the roses on our legendary arbor, sunflowers and coneflowers. Drop in for a lesson, talks, and workshops led by JHC's Director of Horticulture and Garden Education, Lucia Maestro and special guest speakers. Please visit our website or email Lucia for more information: hortdirector.JHC@gmail.com.
Registration: Not required
Thu 03 Oct
Rich Soil by Kristine Mays
Thursday, October 3, 2024 10:00 AM - 02:00 PM
Jay Heritage Center
Enjoy the incredible art of American artist Kristine Mays in our gardens. Mays draws inspiration from the human form and utilizes different materials to bring her sculptures to life. Explore our award-winning gardens while you spot her unique forms in the most unexpected places.
Registration: Not required
Sat 05 Oct
Farm Market
Saturday, October 5, 2024
John Jay Homestead State Historic Site
Friends of John Jay Homestead host a weekly outdoor, certified market which provides the finest New York-grown, fresh and seasonal fruits and vegetables, seafood, breads, specialty items and more on a historic farm setting. Customers can expect to find certified organic and biodynamic produce, ethically raised, organic meat and eggs, as well as a wide variety of artisan food items with dozens of weekly vendors. While at John Jay Homestead, patrons can also enjoy a walk, sight see, and explore flower, herb, and vegetable gardens or picnic on the historic grounds of John Jay Homestead.The Farm Market is open from 9:30am to 2:00pm for the general public, while members of Friends of John Jay Homestead are offered the Members Only First Pick from 9:00am to 9:30am.
Registration: Not required
Sat 05 Oct
Twin Forts Day
Saturday, October 5, 2024 10:00 AM - 04:00 PM
Fort Montgomery State Historic Site
Join the Fort Montgomery Battle Site Association as they commemorate the 246th anniversary of the battle for Forts Montgomery and Clinton and bring to life the people who lived here through camp life demonstrations and children's activities. In addition to reenactors from the 5th New York Regiment, Lambs and Mott's Artillery Companies, there will be military drill, dramatic performances, and fife and drum music throughout the day. Please note there will be NO BATTLE REENACTMENT. 

Dramatic Performances at 12:00 and 2:00 PM will feature the story of Hugh Morrison, an 8 yr old boy present on the day of the battle! Fife and Drum Music Performances followed by Cannon-Firing Demonstrations at 11AM and 1:00 PM!
Registration: Not required
Sat 05 Oct
Living History Saturdays: Take a Spin- Exploring the Wonderful World of Fiber Arts!
Saturday, October 5, 2024 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
John Jay Homestead State Historic Site
Join us this month for hands-on exploration with Fiber Artist Celeste Sherry. Celeste will be doing demonstrations with a spinning wheel, drop spindle and other fiber tools. Stop by any time from 10:00 AM- 12:00 PM to try your hand at spinning and to discover all the work it would take to make clothes in the 19th century.
Registration: Not required
Sat 05 Oct
Staatsburg Village Walking Tour
Saturday, October 5, 2024 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Staatsburgh State Historic Site
This 90-minute walk in the village of Staatsburg will explore the estate's close relationship with the nearby village and its connection to the Mills family. A guide will discuss historic buildings and highlight hidden locations in the village that demonstrate Staatsburg's vibrant past and the lasting legacy of Ruth and Ogden Mills beyond the estate walls. Cost: free Reservations required: https://Bookeo.com/StaatsburghSHS.
Registration: Required
Sat 05 Oct
A Closer Look: A Curator-Guided Exploration of the Hidden & Hard-to-See
Saturday, October 5, 2024 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Staatsburgh State Historic Site
In this special 90-minute tour, Staatsburgh's curator will focus on a selection of objects that are not easily seen on tour or which tell a special story. This version of the tour will focus on all things France including the French objects, furniture, and architecture of the house. Reservations required: https://Bookeo.com/StaatsburghSHS, Cost: $12/Adults, $10/Seniors & Students, Children 12 & under are free.
Registration: Required
Sat 05 Oct
1st Saturday Lighthouse Visiting Hours
Saturday, October 5, 2024 11:30 AM - 02:30 PM
Stony Point Battlefield State Historic Site
11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on the first Saturday of the month from May to October, the first floor of the Lighthouse will be open and staffed with a costumed interpreter to talk about its history. A lighthouse 4th Order Fresnel lens is available to view in the museum's Lighthouse Gallery along with a fog bell and other artifacts. Please note: no access to the upper level is permitted.
Registration: Not required
Sat 05 Oct
"The Youngest Rebel” a Historical Theatrical Presentation
Saturday, October 5, 2024 12:00 PM - 03:00 PM
Fort Montgomery State Historic Site
Join Us for "The Youngest Rebel" a Historical Theatrical Presentation featuring the story of Hugh Morrison, Fort Montgomery's Youngest "Soldier"!

Performances at 12:00 Noon and 2:00 PM
Registration: Not required
Sat 05 Oct
Story Time
Saturday, October 5, 2024 12:00 PM - 12:30 PM
Philipse Manor Hall State Historic Site
Join us for story time in the Gothic Chamber, in partnership with Yonkers Public Library. We'll be celebrating the harvest season by reading Homespun Sarah by Verla Kay, a story about a girl living on a farm in rural Pennsylvania in the early 1700s, and Ox-Cart Man by Donald Hall, which tells the story of seasons of change and work on a farm in New Hampshire in the early 1800s. Free! No registration required. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Registration: Not required
Sat 05 Oct
Historical Games
Saturday, October 5, 2024 12:00 PM - 02:00 PM
Philipse Manor Hall State Historic Site
How did people entertain themselves in the past? Join us indoors (outdoors, weather-permitting) at Philipse Manor Hall to try your hand at all kinds of historical games. Learn the history behind these games and then learn how to play Graces, Quoits, Nine Men's Morris, Shut the Box, Mancala, Graces, Ninepins, Captain's Mistress, and more! For children and adults. Free! No registration required. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Registration: Not required
Sat 05 Oct
Sensory Saturdays at Rippleton Schoolhouse
Saturday, October 5, 2024 01:00 PM - 03:00 PM
Lorenzo State Historic Site
This summer, the Rippleton Schoolhouse at Lorenzo invites visitors of all ages to engage with history hands-on during Sensory Saturdays. Come explore an authentic 1887 schoolhouse, try your hand at traditional games and activities, and explore the beautiful grounds. 
*Admission is free*
Registration: Not required
Sat 05 Oct
Like the Fabled Centaur: The Horsemanship of Ulysses S. Grant
Saturday, October 5, 2024 02:00 PM - 04:00 PM
Grant Cottage State Historic Site
In Greek mythology, the centaur was a creature with the upper body of a man and the lower body of a horse. When James Longstreet was a cadet at West Point, he watched fellow cadet Ulysses S. Grant become the best horseman the Academy had ever seen. Grant's control of a mount was so flawless and fluid that animal and human seemed to become one. "Rider and horse held together like the fabled centaur!" gasped Longstreet. Grant's love of horses began when he was a toddler and stayed with him, in war and peace, his entire life. For our 3rd and final Grant Cottage Literary Landmark Author Series program in 2024, Grant Cottage tour guide and author Steve Trimm will share this wonderful equestrian. His books, Saving Grant Cottage and General Grant's Supporting Players are available for sale in the Cottage's visitor center bookstore (Steve donates all profits from the books' sales to the Friends of Grant Cottage). The event has been CANCELED.  
Registration: Not required
Sat 05 Oct
The REAL Gilded Age: America’s Elite in the Downton Abbey Era
Saturday, October 5, 2024 02:00 PM - 03:00 PM
Staatsburgh State Historic Site
This tour highlights the real-life characters and themes at Staatsburgh that parallel Downton Abbey and HBO's The Gilded Age. Led by a costumed interpreter, the tour shows how the Mills family and their servants conducted a busy weekend of high society entertaining, comparing Staatsburgh to what viewers saw on TV. Reservations required: https://Bookeo.com/StaatsburghSHS, Cost: $12/Adults, $10/Seniors & Students, Children 12 & under are free
Registration: Required
Sat 05 Oct
Richard Butler – A Life of Military Service
Saturday, October 5, 2024 02:00 PM - 03:00 PM
Stony Point Battlefield State Historic Site
This illustrated lecture by Site Interpreter Connor Price tells the story of one of the officers General Anthony Wayne relied on during the Battle of Stony Point. He entrusted Pennsylvanian Colonel Richard Butler to lead the northern column during the assault. Find out more about one of the men who bravely fought here. Seating is limited, please call 845-786-2521 for a reservation.
Registration: Required
Sat 05 Oct
Inside the Army Kitchen
Saturday, October 5, 2024 02:00 PM - 04:00 PM
Washington's Headquarters State Historic Site
18th Century Cooking Demonstration! 2:00 P.M.—4:00 P.M. Stop by to learn about what the Continental Army soldiers ate and watch how it was prepared. While General Washington employed a cook, the average soldier had to cook for himself. With supplies limited and food seasonally based, meal preparation faced challenges. Staff will discuss foodways for both the military and civilians in 18th century New York, the difficulties the army faced in procurement of food, as well as demonstrate cooking techniques from the time period. Visit the Museum & Historic House Explore the Museum, with over 1,300 objects on display. Take a tour of the Hasbrouck house, the historic farmhouse used by General and Mrs. Washington, several of his aides, guards, and free and enslaved servants during the last 16 ½ months of the Revolutionary War. Museum open 11:00am—5:00pm Admission: Adults: $7, Seniors/Students: $5, Ages 12 or under: Free For information call (845) 562-1195.
Registration: Not required
Sat 05 Oct
Guided Outdoor Walk: Shaping Staatsburgh: Explore the Language of Architecture
Saturday, October 5, 2024 02:30 PM - 03:30 PM
Staatsburgh State Historic Site
Buildings come in many different sizes and styles, designed for different uses and tastes. Join a guide for a 1-hour walk around the estate to examine the mansion and other estate buildings while exploring the language of architecture and why buildings look the way they do. Appropriate for ages 9 and up; children must be accompanied by an adult. Reservations required: https://Bookeo.com/StaatsburghSHS, Cost: free.
Registration: Required
Sat 05 Oct
Author Talk: Michael J. Douma and The Slow Death of Slavery in Dutch New York
Saturday, October 5, 2024 04:00 PM - 06:00 PM
Clermont State Historic Site
We are pleased to host a talk with author Michael J. Douma about his new book The Slow Death of Slavery in Dutch New York: A Cultural, Economic, and Demographic History, 1700-1827.Through an extensive and careful look at the data behind slavery in New York, Professor Michael J. Douma overturns many of the common assumptions of slavery in the state. Through his research, he argues that slavery in eighteenth-century New York was mostly rural, heavily Dutch, and generally profitable through the cultivation of wheat. The enslaved population of New York grew under its own accord, was relatively mobile, and played an essential role in negotiating emancipation. Bio: Michael J. Douma is Associate Research Professor at the Georgetown University McDonough School of Business, where he is also the Director of the Georgetown Institute for the Study of Markets and Ethics. He has written extensively on the history of the Dutch in the United States.Please note: This event is free to attend. Space is limited, reservations strongly encouraged. Reserve your seat at bookeo.com/clermont.
Registration: Required
Sun 06 Oct
Invasive Species Education (Volunteer Force Crew)
Sunday, October 6, 2024 08:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Jay Heritage Center
Open to young adults and adults, Learn how to properly identify and remove invasive species like wineberry, mugwort, Japanese knotweed, porcelain berry and Japanese honeysuckle. Bring long pants, sunscreen and bug spray, water and a snack. Work gloves will be provided. Please be aware that poison ivy, ticks and other insects may be present in the area as we will be working off-path. Check our website for more information on upcoming events and workshops.
Registration: Not required
Sun 06 Oct
Rich Soil by Kristine Mays
Sunday, October 6, 2024 10:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Jay Heritage Center
Enjoy the incredible art of American artist Kristine Mays in our gardens. Mays draws inspiration from the human form and utilizes different materials to bring her sculptures to life. Explore our award-winning gardens while you spot her unique forms in the most unexpected places.
Registration: Not required
Sun 06 Oct
Garden Tours and Volunteer Opportunities
Sunday, October 6, 2024 10:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Jay Heritage Center
We offer docent-led experiences two days a week but you can also follow a self-guided tour following our QR code signs. Enjoy the roses on our legendary arbor, sunflowers and coneflowers. Drop in for a lesson, talks, and workshops led by JHC's Director of Horticulture and Garden Education, Lucia Maestro and special guest speakers. Please visit our website or email Lucia for more information: hortdirector.JHC@gmail.com.
Registration: Not required
Sun 06 Oct
A Life in Service
Sunday, October 6, 2024 02:00 PM - 03:00 PM
Staatsburgh State Historic Site
It took a small army to run this 79-room Gilded Age estate. See the mansion through the servants' eyes, as they rose before dawn and toiled until after midnight. The tour—led by a costumed guide—will include visiting the unrestored servants' hall. Even in its unrestored state, the hall is a striking artifact of servant life and work, featuring the servants' dining room and the footmen's bedrooms. Reservations required: https://Bookeo.com/StaatsburghSHS, Cost: $12/Adults, $10/Seniors & Students, Children 12 & under are free.
Registration: Required
Mon 07 Oct
Black Staatsburg: The Gilded Age Black Community of Staatsburg on Zoom
Monday, October 7, 2024 07:00 PM - 08:00 PM
Staatsburgh State Historic Site
What did the "Gilded Age" mean to the free, Black community of the Staatsburg village? Join site staff for a one-hour conversation exploring that question through census records, historic maps, and the larger context of race relations during the Gilded Age. Often pushed to the outskirts of society by White Americans, Black men and women were nonetheless able to foster a strong community in the face of constant adversity. Long marginalized in the historical narrative, the free Black community of the Staatsburg village reveals the triumphs and struggles of generations of African-Americans in the Hudson Valley. Cost: freeReservations required: https://Bookeo.com/StaatsburghSHS.
Registration: Required
Tue 08 Oct
NYS History Month – Fur and Diplomacy with Ian Mumpton
Tuesday, October 8, 2024 07:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site
Join us on October 8th as we welcome Ian Mumpton from Johnson Hall State Historic Site presenting, "Stroud and Silver, Beaver and Bear: The Fur Trade and Diplomacy on the Borderlands!" For those living on the borderlands between the territories of the Six Nations and the British Empire in the 1760's, trade and diplomacy were inextricably linked, with the fur trade holding the key to wealth and diplomatic power for European colonists and Indigenous people alike. Pelts harvested by Native fur trappers and destined for the London fur markets were traded for European textiles, tools, weaponry, and adornment. See and touch reproductions of 18th century trade items and learn about what was traded, as well as the role of the British Indian Department in facilitating and regulating this trade, in this hour-long guest presentation with Ian Mumpton of Johnson Hall State Historic Site. Ian is the Interpretive Programs Assistant at Johnson Hall, developing and delivering interpretive educational programming about the many people who make up the story of this crossroads on the borderland between empires. Prior to starting at Johnson Hall this past June, he was the Historic Site Assistant at Schuyler Mansion in Albany, where his work focused on highlighting the stories of Loyalists, Native Americans, and enslaved people of African ancestry in the site's history.
Registration: Not required
Thu 10 Oct
Garden Tours and Volunteer Opportunities
Thursday, October 10, 2024 10:00 AM - 02:00 PM
Jay Heritage Center
We offer docent-led experiences two days a week but you can also follow a self-guided tour following our QR code signs. Enjoy the roses on our legendary arbor, sunflowers and coneflowers. Drop in for a lesson, talks, and workshops led by JHC's Director of Horticulture and Garden Education, Lucia Maestro and special guest speakers. Please visit our website or email Lucia for more information: hortdirector.JHC@gmail.com.
Registration: Not required
Thu 10 Oct
Rich Soil by Kristine Mays
Thursday, October 10, 2024 10:00 AM - 02:00 PM
Jay Heritage Center
Enjoy the incredible art of American artist Kristine Mays in our gardens. Mays draws inspiration from the human form and utilizes different materials to bring her sculptures to life. Explore our award-winning gardens while you spot her unique forms in the most unexpected places.
Registration: Not required
Fri 11 Oct
Guided Landscape Walk of Staatsburgh’s Grounds: What You See and What You Don’t See
Friday, October 11, 2024 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Staatsburgh State Historic Site
A guided walk through the estate's grounds that explores how the landscape was designed to reflect the luxurious lifestyle of Staatsburgh's owners, while deliberately hiding the turn-of-the-century technology and labor that made the estate run. Reservations required: https://Bookeo.com/StaatsburghSHS. Cost: free.
Registration: Required
Sat 12 Oct
Farm Market
Saturday, October 12, 2024
John Jay Homestead State Historic Site
Friends of John Jay Homestead host a weekly outdoor, certified market which provides the finest New York-grown, fresh and seasonal fruits and vegetables, seafood, breads, specialty items and more on a historic farm setting. Customers can expect to find certified organic and biodynamic produce, ethically raised, organic meat and eggs, as well as a wide variety of artisan food items with dozens of weekly vendors. While at John Jay Homestead, patrons can also enjoy a walk, sight see, and explore flower, herb, and vegetable gardens or picnic on the historic grounds of John Jay Homestead.The Farm Market is open from 9:30am to 2:00pm for the general public, while members of Friends of John Jay Homestead are offered the Members Only First Pick from 9:00am to 9:30am.
Registration: Not required
Sat 12 Oct
African Art Exhibition
Saturday, October 12, 2024
Philipse Manor Hall State Historic Site
Explore the beauty of art, textiles, and cultural artifacts from Ghana in this special temporary exhibition in the Gothic Chamber of Philipse Manor Hall. Curated by the African Friends of the United States, access to this exhibit is included with museum admission.
Registration: Not required
Sat 12 Oct
Aqueduct Tour – Path Through History Weekend
Saturday, October 12, 2024 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site
We'll meet for a walking tour along the Schoharie Creek and to the Aqueduct. Discover the history of this crossing of the Schoharie Creek and what it did to transform commercial traffic, how its engineering is connected to other parts of NY's History and more! This tour meets at the Schoharie Aqueduct Boat Launch, on Hartley Lane (just off from Rt. 5S). Proper footwear is required - the walk is on uneven grass covered ground. We will walk up a steep grade to reach the Aqueduct towpath, and those interested in touring on the Aqueduct will be allowed to do so.
Registration: Not required
Sat 12 Oct
Staatsburg Village Walking Tour
Saturday, October 12, 2024 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Staatsburgh State Historic Site
This 90-minute walk in the village of Staatsburg will explore the estate's close relationship with the nearby village and its connection to the Mills family. A guide will discuss historic buildings and highlight hidden locations in the village that demonstrate Staatsburg's vibrant past and the lasting legacy of Ruth and Ogden Mills beyond the estate walls. Cost: free Reservations required: https://Bookeo.com/StaatsburghSHS.
Registration: Required
Sat 12 Oct
Yonkers Waterfront Walking Tour
Saturday, October 12, 2024 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Philipse Manor Hall State Historic Site
(914) 965-4027

Why was Philipse Manor Hall built where it was? Why did the Munsee have a village in downtown Yonkers for thousands of years? How did the Yonkers waterfront change over time? Learn the answers to these questions and more as you explore the daylighted Saw Mill River and Yonkers' Hudson River waterfront. $6 for adults, $3 for seniors and students. Tickets include museum admission. To register, email philipsemanorhall@parks.ny.gov or call 914-965-4027.
Registration: Required
Sat 12 Oct
Living History Event: 2nd New York Regiment Encampment
Saturday, October 12, 2024 11:00 AM - 04:00 PM
Stony Point Battlefield State Historic Site
The 2nd New York Regiment will conduct military drills and recreate camp life while talking with visitors about the lives of the soldiers who served with the American infantry during the early years of the War for Independence. Visit the 18th century military camp where the women who followed the army will be carrying out camp chores. This is our last event of the season, so don't miss it! (Note: this is not a battle reenactment event)
Registration: Not required
Sat 12 Oct
Cider & Donuts Tour
Saturday, October 12, 2024 01:00 PM - 04:00 PM
Bennington Battlefield State Historic Site
In collaboration with the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation, the Friends of the Bennington Battlefield present a "Cider and Donuts" Tour of the Bennington Battlefield in Walloomsac, NY, on Saturday, October 12, from 1 – 4 pm. David Pitlyk, Interpretive Programs Assistant, will conduct a comprehensive tour of all three main points of interest at the Park, and the Friends will offer cider and donuts to guests, as well as a pit cooking demonstration and craft activities for children. The event begins on "Hessian Hill" at the top of the Park at 1pm; after the first part of the tour, visitors will caravan with their cars to the Barnett House on Caretaker's Road. There, beginning about 2 pm, the second phase of the tour will take place, followed by a visit to the Tory Fort on the other side of the Walloomsac River. Cider and donuts, the pit cooking demonstration, and the children's' crafts will take place at the Barnett House location. Guests can attend all or part of the tour. This event is free and open to the public. Enjoy a lovely walk at a beautiful site, view the fall colors, and spend a fun day with the family!
Registration: Not required
Sat 12 Oct
Sensory Saturdays at Rippleton Schoolhouse
Saturday, October 12, 2024 01:00 PM - 03:00 PM
Lorenzo State Historic Site
This summer, the Rippleton Schoolhouse at Lorenzo invites visitors of all ages to engage with history hands-on during Sensory Saturdays. Come explore an authentic 1887 schoolhouse, try your hand at traditional games and activities, and explore the beautiful grounds. 
*Admission is free*
Registration: Not required
Sat 12 Oct
The Art of Impermanence Walk & Workshop
Saturday, October 12, 2024 01:00 PM - 03:00 PM
Olana State Historic Site
How can nature teach us the art of "letting go" and help us understand impermanence? This nature-based walk and workshop led by ‘Snowy' Andrea Lajoie will explore growing through grief and loss. Through a series of creative therapeutic practices including mindful nature walking, participants will discover different ways they can leave impressions in an impermanent world. This program will include making cyanotypes with natural materials as a way to more deeply engage with the natural landscape and the art of letting go. This program is offered in conjunction with After Glow: Frederic Church and the Landscape of Memory. All materials provided.$15 general; $10 Members; $5 Columbia & Greene County Residents visit OLANA.org for more information.
Registration: Not required
Sat 12 Oct
Empire Lock Tour – Path Through History Weekend
Saturday, October 12, 2024 01:00 PM - 03:00 PM
Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site
We'll meet for a walking tour from the Visitor Center/Museum along the original Erie Canal towpath. This tour will be a mile loop exploring the growth and success of the canal from the 1820's to 1860's. Discover some of the fascinating history, engineering, and commercial success of this human-made waterway. This tour meets at the Schoharie Crossing Visitor Center on Schoharie Street, Fort Hunter - Montgomery County. Proper footwear is encouraged - the walk is on uneven grass covered towpath trails. This course is mostly flat, with a loop of about 1-mile.
Registration: Not required
Sat 12 Oct
The REAL Gilded Age: America’s Elite in the Downton Abbey Era
Saturday, October 12, 2024 02:00 PM - 03:00 PM
Staatsburgh State Historic Site
This tour highlights the real-life characters and themes at Staatsburgh that parallel Downton Abbey and HBO's The Gilded Age. Led by a costumed interpreter, the tour shows how the Mills family and their servants conducted a busy weekend of high society entertaining, comparing Staatsburgh to what viewers saw on TV. Reservations required: https://Bookeo.com/StaatsburghSHS, Cost: $12/Adults, $10/Seniors & Students, Children 12 & under are free
Registration: Required
Sun 13 Oct
Rich Soil by Kristine Mays
Sunday, October 13, 2024 10:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Jay Heritage Center
Enjoy the incredible art of American artist Kristine Mays in our gardens. Mays draws inspiration from the human form and utilizes different materials to bring her sculptures to life. Explore our award-winning gardens while you spot her unique forms in the most unexpected places.
Registration: Not required
Sun 13 Oct
Garden Tours and Volunteer Opportunities
Sunday, October 13, 2024 10:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Jay Heritage Center
We offer docent-led experiences two days a week but you can also follow a self-guided tour following our QR code signs. Enjoy the roses on our legendary arbor, sunflowers and coneflowers. Drop in for a lesson, talks, and workshops led by JHC's Director of Horticulture and Garden Education, Lucia Maestro and special guest speakers. Please visit our website or email Lucia for more information: hortdirector.JHC@gmail.com.
Registration: Not required
Sun 13 Oct
Erie Canal Immigration Board Game – Path Through History Weekend
Sunday, October 13, 2024 10:00 AM - 04:00 PM
Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site
As part of the Path Through History Weekend events at Schoharie Crossing, we are offering this new Erie Canal Immigration Game. The board game will expose players to the challenges and historical events that faced immigrants coming to New York in the 19th century. Focus will be on moving up and away from the city, using the Hudson River, the rail lines, and the Erie Canal. The goal is to reach as far into the continent as possible, settle and hopefully thrive, but many won't, which was part of the immigrant experience and not foreign to anyone who plays board games. Sometimes you win and sometimes you lose. There are TWO blocks of time to choose from: 10am and 2pm. This game will be played at the Putman Canal Store, Yankee Hill Lock - 550 Queen Anne Road, Amsterdam. We ask that you register HERE.
Registration: Required
Sun 13 Oct
History Hidden in the Woods
Sunday, October 13, 2024 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Staatsburgh State Historic Site
Have you ever wondered what some of the ruins within Mills and Norrie State Parks might be? The beautiful park land was once the setting for grand Hudson Riverfront estates. This 90-minute guided hike will lead visitors through the park, exploring the history of three historic estates: from Staatsburgh's founding as a gentleman's farm in the 1700s to the development of The Point and Stonehurst estates in the 19th century. The hike is approximately 1.5 miles of uneven terrain, requiring study footwear. Cost: free. Reservations required: https://Bookeo.com/StaatsburghSHS.
Registration: Required
Sun 13 Oct
A Life in Service
Sunday, October 13, 2024 02:00 PM - 03:00 PM
Staatsburgh State Historic Site
It took a small army to run this 79-room Gilded Age estate. See the mansion through the servants' eyes, as they rose before dawn and toiled until after midnight. The tour—led by a costumed guide—will include visiting the unrestored servants' hall. Even in its unrestored state, the hall is a striking artifact of servant life and work, featuring the servants' dining room and the footmen's bedrooms. Reservations required: https://Bookeo.com/StaatsburghSHS, Cost: $12/Adults, $10/Seniors & Students, Children 12 & under are free.
Registration: Required
Mon 14 Oct
Black Staatsburg: The Gilded Age Black Community of Staatsburg in person
Monday, October 14, 2024 02:30 PM - 03:30 PM
Staatsburgh State Historic Site
What did the "Gilded Age" mean to the free, Black community of the Staatsburg village? Join site staff for a one-hour conversation exploring that question through census records, historic maps, and the larger context of race relations during the Gilded Age. Often pushed to the outskirts of society by White Americans, Black men and women were nonetheless able to foster a strong community in the face of constant adversity. Long marginalized in the historical narrative, the free Black community of the Staatsburg village reveals the triumphs and struggles of generations of African-Americans in the Hudson Valley. Cost: free. Reservations required: https://Bookeo.com/StaatsburghSHS.
Registration: Required
Tue 15 Oct
NYS History Month – Fort Hunter Mohawks with Iehnhotonkwas Bonnie Jane Maracle
Tuesday, October 15, 2024 07:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site
Tuesday Talks are Back! Live and in person for NYS History Month we'll have weekly programs discussing local and state history. Join us on October 15th as we welcome Iehnhotonkwas Bonnie Jane Maracle, Wolf Clan, Mohawk Nation at Tyendinaga Territory, who will speak from the perspective of a descendant of the Fort Hunter Mohawks. Maracle will discuss the history and community of these people. Iehnhotonkwas holds a B.A. in Indigenous Studies from Trent University, a B.Ed. & M.Ed. from Queen's University, and is a Ph.D. Candidate, Indigenous Studies, at Trent University. Bonnie is a Learning Strategist based both out of First Nations House and the Academic Success Centre on the St. George Campus at U of T, in addition to being an Instructor for the Certificate in Aboriginal Language Revitalization program, at UVic. In addition to all of this, Bonnie is on the Board of Tsi Tyonnheht Onkwawenna Language & Culture Centre in Tyendinaga, Ontario Native Literacy Coalition in London, is the Language Program Coordinator at Kanatsiohareke Community in NY, and finally, acts as a team writer at Ontario Teacher College for Additional Qualifications of Native Studies and Native Languages Guidelines. NYS History Month Tuesday Talks at Schoharie Crossing is sponsored by the Friends of Schoharie Crossing, Stewart's Shops, and Karen's Produce & Ice Cream.
Registration: Not required
Thu 17 Oct
Rich Soil by Kristine Mays
Thursday, October 17, 2024 10:00 AM - 02:00 PM
Jay Heritage Center
Enjoy the incredible art of American artist Kristine Mays in our gardens. Mays draws inspiration from the human form and utilizes different materials to bring her sculptures to life. Explore our award-winning gardens while you spot her unique forms in the most unexpected places.
Registration: Not required
Thu 17 Oct
Garden Tours and Volunteer Opportunities
Thursday, October 17, 2024 10:00 AM - 02:00 PM
Jay Heritage Center
We offer docent-led experiences two days a week but you can also follow a self-guided tour following our QR code signs. Enjoy the roses on our legendary arbor, sunflowers and coneflowers. Drop in for a lesson, talks, and workshops led by JHC's Director of Horticulture and Garden Education, Lucia Maestro and special guest speakers. Please visit our website or email Lucia for more information: hortdirector.JHC@gmail.com.
Registration: Not required
Thu 17 Oct
Lunch and Learn: All About the Rural Cemetery Movement
Thursday, October 17, 2024 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Olana State Historic Site
Learn more about the origins and influences of the rural cemetery movement during this FREE lecture with Drs. Lynn Radlick and Michael Radlick. Using the Albany Rural Cemetery as a key example, they will discuss the beginnings of the cemetery movement in Europe, followed by its spread across cities in the U.S. FREE: meet at the Wagon House Education Center. Light refreshments will be provided.
Registration: Not required
Thu 17 Oct
FREE Third Thursday at Olana
Thursday, October 17, 2024 11:30 AM - 05:00 PM
Olana State Historic Site
Enjoy FREE house access and landscape tours at Olana State Historic Site from 12:30 PM – 6:00 PM. Advanced reservations are not available; timed-entry house tickets and guided landscape tickets can be reserved on-site, day-of, in the Museum Store. Tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Space is limited. To learn more, visit: www.OLANA.org/thirdthursdays. For further inquiries, please call ticketing at (518) 751-0344 or email tickets@olana.org.
Registration: Required
Thu 17 Oct
Evening Lecture: “They Were Good Soldiers: African Americans Serving in the Continental Army, 1775-1783”
Thursday, October 17, 2024 07:00 PM - 08:00 PM
Fort Montgomery State Historic Site
(845) 446-2134

The role of African Americans, mostly free but many enslaved, in the regiments of the Continental Army is not well-known; neither is the fact that relatively large numbers served in southern regiments and that the greatest number served alongside their white comrades in integrated units. John Rees will discuss black soldiers' acceptance, service, and experiences during and after the War for American Independence, focusing on those who served in Continental regiments. African American women with the army will also be featured, as will the only known wartime letter written home by a black Revolutionary soldier. Book Sale and Signing to Follow Lecture (Cash Only).
Registration: Required
Thu 17 Oct
Victorian Death & Funerary Practice
Thursday, October 17, 2024 07:00 PM - 09:00 PM
Lorenzo State Historic Site
(315) 655-3200

Join Fort Ontario's Historic Site Manager, Matt MacVittie, for a special evening tour of Lorenzo to discuss the death and funerary practices of the Victorians. Mortality rates were high in the 19th century, and death and mourning rituals elaborate. We'll keep the lights low as he shares everything from the mundane to the macabre about death in the Victorian era. 
*Admission is Free
** Reservations required, as space is limited. Call 315-655-3200, ext. 106 or email: jacqueline.roshia@parks.ny.gov
Registration: Required
Fri 18 Oct
Legends by Candlelight Ghost Tour
Friday, October 18, 2024 06:00 PM - 08:30 PM
Clermont State Historic Site
(518) 537-4240

Can you help the ghosts of Clermont find peace? Join us for an exciting, one-of-a-kind, Halloween experience! What starts as a campy candlelit tour of the museum quickly turns into a quest to quell the spirits of the mansion. You'll meet ghosts with stories of glory, loss, success, and failure. Some ghosts may be funny, some may be scary, some may be sad, but listen carefully as they tell you their tales, because all their stories are true! Legends by Candlelight Ghost Tours starts inside the lavishly decorated Visitor Center, filled with cozy vibes and historic Halloween treats. Visitors will be led to the mansion through a landscape of jack-o-lanterns, then brought into the mansion for a haunting experience. The tour ends with a bonfire and marshmallows. Please wear sturdy shoes, as the tour will tread on uneven terrain, and bring a jacket, as it can get bone chillingly cold along the river at night! Please Note: Tickets will go on sale Tuesday, October 1 at 9:00 am. Space is limited, reservations are required. No walk-ins. Tickets are $15 for adults, $5 for children ages 5-12. Children under 5 are free. To reserve your tickets, please call (518) 537-4240. Tours at 6pm, 6:30pm, 7pm, 7:30pm, 8pm.
Registration: Required
Sat 19 Oct
Farm Market
Saturday, October 19, 2024
John Jay Homestead State Historic Site
Friends of John Jay Homestead host a weekly outdoor, certified market which provides the finest New York-grown, fresh and seasonal fruits and vegetables, seafood, breads, specialty items and more on a historic farm setting. Customers can expect to find certified organic and biodynamic produce, ethically raised, organic meat and eggs, as well as a wide variety of artisan food items with dozens of weekly vendors. While at John Jay Homestead, patrons can also enjoy a walk, sight see, and explore flower, herb, and vegetable gardens or picnic on the historic grounds of John Jay Homestead.The Farm Market is open from 9:30am to 2:00pm for the general public, while members of Friends of John Jay Homestead are offered the Members Only First Pick from 9:00am to 9:30am.
Registration: Not required
Sat 19 Oct
African Art Exhibition
Saturday, October 19, 2024
Philipse Manor Hall State Historic Site
Explore the beauty of art, textiles, and cultural artifacts from Ghana in this special temporary exhibition in the Gothic Chamber of Philipse Manor Hall. Curated by the African Friends of the United States, access to this exhibit is included with museum admission.
Registration: Not required
Sat 19 Oct
The Burning of Kingston
Saturday, October 19, 2024
Senate House State Historic Site

Stop by Senate House on Saturday during the weekend-long, community-wide commemoration of the burning of Kingston. That day site will be hosting reenactors, a talk, tours, and more. For full event program and more information as it becomes available, please visit www.burningofkingston.com 
Registration: Not required
Sat 19 Oct
History Hidden in the Woods
Saturday, October 19, 2024 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Staatsburgh State Historic Site
Have you ever wondered what some of the ruins within Mills and Norrie State Parks might be? The beautiful park land was once the setting for grand Hudson Riverfront estates. This 90-minute guided hike will lead visitors through the park, exploring the history of three historic estates: from Staatsburgh's founding as a gentleman's farm in the 1700s to the development of The Point and Stonehurst estates in the 19th century. The hike is approximately 1.5 miles of uneven terrain, requiring study footwear. Cost: free. Reservations required: https://Bookeo.com/StaatsburghSHS.
Registration: Required
Sat 19 Oct
Historical Games
Saturday, October 19, 2024 12:00 PM - 02:00 PM
Philipse Manor Hall State Historic Site
How did people entertain themselves in the past? Join us indoors (outdoors, weather-permitting) at Philipse Manor Hall to try your hand at all kinds of historical games. Learn the history behind these games and then learn how to play Graces, Quoits, Nine Men's Morris, Shut the Box, Mancala, Graces, Ninepins, Captain's Mistress, and more! For children and adults. Free! No registration required. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Registration: Not required
Sat 19 Oct
Artmaking in the Afternoon
Saturday, October 19, 2024 01:00 PM - 05:00 PM
Olana State Historic Site
Inspired by your time at Olana? Join The Olana Partnership educators for hands-on artmaking using professional materials and a series of prompts to get your creativity flowing. Drop in program; FREE. All materials provided. Located in the Wagon House Education Center.
Registration: Not required
Sat 19 Oct
Cinema Saturday Matinee – 1920’s Silent Film
Saturday, October 19, 2024 01:00 PM - 03:00 PM
Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site
Come experience this matinee event inside the Enders House at Schoharie Crossing. We'll be viewing a classic 1920's Silent Film based on a well-known James Fenimore Cooper novel. An introduction and some minor commentary will occur during the screening. The Featured Film was directed by: Maurice Tourneur & Clarence Brown And Stars: Wallace Beery, Barbara Bedford, Lillian Hall, Alan Roscoe, and Boris Karloff. We'll explore some of the history involved in the story as well as the outright fabrications and insensitive portrayals. The Friends of Schoharie Crossing will offer free refreshments of popcorn, chips, water, & soda during this event. This program is part of the New York State History Month recognition occurring in October.
Registration: Not required
Sat 19 Oct
A Closer Look: A Curator-Guided Exploration of the Hidden & Hard-to-See
Saturday, October 19, 2024 01:00 PM - 03:30 PM
Staatsburgh State Historic Site
In this special 90-minute tour, Staatsburgh's curator will focus on a selection of objects that are not easily seen on tour or which tell a special story. This version of the tour will focus on all things France including the French objects, furniture, and architecture of the house. Reservations required: https://Bookeo.com/StaatsburghSHS, Cost: $12/Adults, $10/Seniors & Students, Children 12 & under are free.
Registration: Required
Sat 19 Oct
Harmonizing Your Health Through Nature
Saturday, October 19, 2024 02:00 PM - 03:30 PM
Olana State Historic Site
Ground yourself in Olana's landscape and use the natural world as an inspiration for improving your physical and mental health. During this outdoor program, participants will explore how to bring nature more deeply into their lives to expand their general well-being. Guided by Certified Health Coach, Hildi Kaufmann, participants will learn how to use the rhythm of nature to improve sleep, mood, and focus. This program will include meditation and mindfulness exercises inspired by Olana's natural environment, information on nutritional wellness, and open discussion. The program will take place outdoors at Olana's Mingled Flower Garden. $15 general; $10 Members; $5 Columbia & Greene County Residents, visit OLANA.org for more information.
Registration: Not required
Sat 19 Oct
3rd Saturday Guided Battlefield Walk
Saturday, October 19, 2024 02:00 PM - 04:00 PM
Stony Point Battlefield State Historic Site
2:00 p.m. on the third Saturday of the month from May to October (3:30 p.m. on Sep 21st), a costumed interpreter will lead a guided walk around the Battlefield explaining the plan and execution of the American assault on the British garrison, highlighting the design and defense strategy of the fort and the bold idea for the attack.
Registration: Not required
Sat 19 Oct
Legends by Candlelight Ghost Tour
Saturday, October 19, 2024 06:00 PM - 08:30 PM
Clermont State Historic Site
(518) 537-4240

Can you help the ghosts of Clermont find peace? Join us for an exciting, one-of-a-kind, Halloween experience! What starts as a campy candlelit tour of the museum quickly turns into a quest to quell the spirits of the mansion. You'll meet ghosts with stories of glory, loss, success, and failure. Some ghosts may be funny, some may be scary, some may be sad, but listen carefully as they tell you their tales, because all their stories are true! Legends by Candlelight Ghost Tours starts inside the lavishly decorated Visitor Center, filled with cozy vibes and historic Halloween treats. Visitors will be led to the mansion through a landscape of jack-o-lanterns, then brought into the mansion for a haunting experience. The tour ends with a bonfire and marshmallows. Please wear sturdy shoes, as the tour will tread on uneven terrain, and bring a jacket, as it can get bone chillingly cold along the river at night! Please Note: Tickets will go on sale Tuesday, October 1 at 9:00 am. Space is limited, reservations are required. No walk-ins. Tickets are $15 for adults, $5 for children ages 5-12. Children under 5 are free. To reserve your tickets, please call (518) 537-4240. Tours at 6pm, 6:30pm, 7pm, 7:30pm, 8pm.
Registration: Required
Sat 19 Oct
HAUNTED TALES FROM THE CROW’S WOOD
Saturday, October 19, 2024 06:30 PM - 08:00 PM
Crailo State Historic Site
(518) 463-8738

Do you believe in ghosts? The people of 18th century Greenbush did! Join us around the campfire in Crailo's riverfront park for an evening of haunted tales, spectres, and portents of doom! Bring lawn chairs & dress for the outdoors. Program appropriate for ages 12 & above. Younger siblings and the faint of heart are invited to paint spooky pumpkins. Mulled cider & donuts. Reservations required by 10/15.
Registration: Required
Sun 20 Oct
Rich Soil by Kristine Mays
Sunday, October 20, 2024 10:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Jay Heritage Center
Enjoy the incredible art of American artist Kristine Mays in our gardens. Mays draws inspiration from the human form and utilizes different materials to bring her sculptures to life. Explore our award-winning gardens while you spot her unique forms in the most unexpected places.
Registration: Not required
Sun 20 Oct
Garden Tours and Volunteer Opportunities
Sunday, October 20, 2024 10:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Jay Heritage Center
We offer docent-led experiences two days a week but you can also follow a self-guided tour following our QR code signs. Enjoy the roses on our legendary arbor, sunflowers and coneflowers. Drop in for a lesson, talks, and workshops led by JHC's Director of Horticulture and Garden Education, Lucia Maestro and special guest speakers. Please visit our website or email Lucia for more information: hortdirector.JHC@gmail.com.
Registration: Not required
Sun 20 Oct
A Gathering of Old Cars
Sunday, October 20, 2024 11:00 AM - 04:00 PM
Staatsburgh State Historic Site
See hundreds of classic cars in a Great Gatsby setting during peak leaf-peeping season. Cost: free - donations gladly accepted.
Registration: Not required
Sun 20 Oct
Plant Propagation & Division Workshop
Sunday, October 20, 2024 02:00 PM - 03:00 PM
Jay Heritage Center
Open to all audiences/All ages, Saving seeds and learning when and how to propagate your perennial plants can help you save money, while you grow your garden with all your favorite plants. Learn about seed saving and plant propagation and division using as an example some of our very own native species on display in the Jay Gardens. This is a hands-on practice workshop.
Registration: Not required
Sun 20 Oct
The Skinny House with Julie Seely
Sunday, October 20, 2024 03:00 PM - 04:00 PM
Jay Heritage Center
Join us for a fascinating discussion about one of New York's first African American homebuilders. Family member Julie Seely will share her new book, Skinny House, about her grandfather and the famous 10-foot wide house in Mamaroneck that still stands today. Visit our website for more information.
Registration: Not required
Tue 22 Oct
They Whey It Was: Cheesemaking in Jefferson County NY
Tuesday, October 22, 2024 06:30 PM - 08:00 PM
Sackets Harbor Battlefield State Historic Site
The story of cheesemaking in this county shows one of the diverse ways the American landscape influences our experiences and way of life. For more than 50 years, the County was a leader in cheese manufacturing for domestic and foreign markets. Larry tells how early cheesemaking on small family farms grew to an international legend. The War of 1812 connection? In 1836, a war veteran Col. Meacham produced a mammoth cheese he shipped from Sandy Creek to the President in Washington DC. Programs are at the historic Union Hotel building, corner of West Main St. and Ray Sts. All programs start at 6:30pm, Free and open to the public, ADA accessible.
Registration: Not required
Tue 22 Oct
NYS History Month – Urban Renewal with Samantha Hall-Saladino
Tuesday, October 22, 2024 07:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site
Tuesday Talks are Back! Live and in person for NYS History Month we'll have weekly programs discussing local and state history. Join us on October 22nd as we welcome Samantha Hall-Saladino, of the Fulton County Historical Society for a presentation on Urban Renewal. Beginning in 1949, the federal government provided grants and loans to cities through the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to fund urban renewal projects. This process involved the seizure and demolition of property in an effort to improve infrastructure and modernize cities. In reality, this often meant the destruction of historic structures, and disproportionately affected low-income communities and small businesses. The Empire State Plaza in Albany is perhaps one of the state's most well-known urban renewal projects, spearheaded by Governor Nelson A. Rockefeller. But smaller cities, like Gloversville, also undertook these projects, for better or for worse. Utilizing newspaper archives, city records, and other resources, explore the history of Gloversville's urban renewal projects, from the proposed Midtown Park to the never-completed "ring road." Learn how these efforts affected the community and take a tour through photos to see just what has changed downtown. NYS History Month Tuesday Talks at Schoharie Crossing is sponsored by the Friends of Schoharie Crossing, Stewart's Shops, and Karen's Produce & Ice Cream.
Registration: Not required
Thu 24 Oct
Garden Tours and Volunteer Opportunities
Thursday, October 24, 2024 10:00 AM - 02:00 PM
Jay Heritage Center
We offer docent-led experiences two days a week but you can also follow a self-guided tour following our QR code signs. Enjoy the roses on our legendary arbor, sunflowers and coneflowers. Drop in for a lesson, talks, and workshops led by JHC's Director of Horticulture and Garden Education, Lucia Maestro and special guest speakers. Please visit our website or email Lucia for more information: hortdirector.JHC@gmail.com.
Registration: Not required
Thu 24 Oct
Rich Soil by Kristine Mays
Thursday, October 24, 2024 10:00 AM - 02:00 PM
Jay Heritage Center
Enjoy the incredible art of American artist Kristine Mays in our gardens. Mays draws inspiration from the human form and utilizes different materials to bring her sculptures to life. Explore our award-winning gardens while you spot her unique forms in the most unexpected places.
Registration: Not required
Fri 25 Oct
Guided Landscape Walk of Staatsburgh’s Grounds: What You See and What You Don’t See
Friday, October 25, 2024 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Staatsburgh State Historic Site
A guided walk through the estate's grounds that explores how the landscape was designed to reflect the luxurious lifestyle of Staatsburgh's owners, while deliberately hiding the turn-of-the-century technology and labor that made the estate run. Reservations required: https://Bookeo.com/StaatsburghSHS. Cost: free.
Registration: Required
Fri 25 Oct
Legends by Candlelight Ghost Tour
Friday, October 25, 2024 06:00 PM - 08:30 PM
Clermont State Historic Site
(518) 537-4240

Can you help the ghosts of Clermont find peace? Join us for an exciting, one-of-a-kind, Halloween experience! What starts as a campy candlelit tour of the museum quickly turns into a quest to quell the spirits of the mansion. You'll meet ghosts with stories of glory, loss, success, and failure. Some ghosts may be funny, some may be scary, some may be sad, but listen carefully as they tell you their tales, because all their stories are true! Legends by Candlelight Ghost Tours starts inside the lavishly decorated Visitor Center, filled with cozy vibes and historic Halloween treats. Visitors will be led to the mansion through a landscape of jack-o-lanterns, then brought into the mansion for a haunting experience. The tour ends with a bonfire and marshmallows. Please wear sturdy shoes, as the tour will tread on uneven terrain, and bring a jacket, as it can get bone chillingly cold along the river at night! Please Note: Tickets will go on sale Tuesday, October 1 at 9:00 am. Space is limited, reservations are required. No walk-ins. Tickets are $15 for adults, $5 for children ages 5-12. Children under 5 are free. To reserve your tickets, please call (518) 537-4240. Tours at 6pm, 6:30pm, 7pm, 7:30pm, 8pm.
Registration: Required
Fri 25 Oct
A Hudson Valley Reckoning: Author Event and Book Signing
Friday, October 25, 2024 06:30 PM - 07:30 PM
Staatsburgh State Historic Site
When author Debra Bruno discovered that her Hudson Valley ancestors had been some of the fiercest advocates of slavery, she knew she had to learn more. Her new book, A Hudson Valley Reckoning: Discovering the Forgotten History of Slaveholding in My Dutch American Family is a combination of memoir, history, and many unanswered and unanswerable questions. Historian Myra Young Armstead said it will "read like a cannon blast for those unfamiliar with this difficult past." Bruno will give a presentation on her research, followed by a book signing and light refreshments. Cost: $5 (plus Eventbrite fee)Reservations required: https://HVReckoning.Eventbrite.com.
Registration: Required
Sat 26 Oct
Farm Market
Saturday, October 26, 2024
John Jay Homestead State Historic Site
Friends of John Jay Homestead host a weekly outdoor, certified market which provides the finest New York-grown, fresh and seasonal fruits and vegetables, seafood, breads, specialty items and more on a historic farm setting. Customers can expect to find certified organic and biodynamic produce, ethically raised, organic meat and eggs, as well as a wide variety of artisan food items with dozens of weekly vendors. While at John Jay Homestead, patrons can also enjoy a walk, sight see, and explore flower, herb, and vegetable gardens or picnic on the historic grounds of John Jay Homestead.The Farm Market is open from 9:30am to 2:00pm for the general public, while members of Friends of John Jay Homestead are offered the Members Only First Pick from 9:00am to 9:30am.
Registration: Not required
Sat 26 Oct
African Art Exhibition
Saturday, October 26, 2024
Philipse Manor Hall State Historic Site
Explore the beauty of art, textiles, and cultural artifacts from Ghana in this special temporary exhibition in the Gothic Chamber of Philipse Manor Hall. Curated by the African Friends of the United States, access to this exhibit is included with museum admission.
Registration: Not required
Sat 26 Oct
History Hidden in the Woods
Saturday, October 26, 2024 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Staatsburgh State Historic Site
Have you ever wondered what some of the ruins within Mills and Norrie State Parks might be? The beautiful park land was once the setting for grand Hudson Riverfront estates. This 90-minute guided hike will lead visitors through the park, exploring the history of three historic estates: from Staatsburgh's founding as a gentleman's farm in the 1700s to the development of The Point and Stonehurst estates in the 19th century. The hike is approximately 1.5 miles of uneven terrain, requiring study footwear. Cost: free. Reservations required: https://Bookeo.com/StaatsburghSHS.
Registration: Required
Sat 26 Oct
Family Movie: The Legend of Sleepy Hollow
Saturday, October 26, 2024 12:30 PM - 02:30 PM
Philipse Manor Hall State Historic Site
(914) 965-4027

Get spooky with the whole family! We're watching Disney's cartoon "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" in honor of Halloween in Westchester County! Forthose interested in the history, stay after the movie for historian commentary on Washington Irving's story by the same name and its Westchester connections. Registration is recommended, but not required. To register, email philipsemanorhall@parks.ny.gov or call 914-965-4027. Refreshments provided by the Friends of Philipse Manor Hall.
Registration: Required
Sat 26 Oct
Historian & A Movie: Sleepy Hollow (1999)
Saturday, October 26, 2024 02:00 PM - 04:00 PM
Philipse Manor Hall State Historic Site
(914) 965-4027

Celebrate the spooky season in Westchester County! Join us in-person in the Gothic Chamber as we watch Tim Burton's "Sleepy Hollow" (1999). Based on the Washington Irving tale by the same name, "Sleepy Hollow" is set in 1799 New York where young police constable Ichabod Crane investigates a series of murders in the rural town of Sleepy Hollow. We'll hear from Philipse Manor Hall State Historic Site manager Michael Lord with commentary on what is and isn't accurate to Irving's story, the Hudson Valley's Dutch heritage, and the history of late 18th century New York. "Sleepy Hollow" is rated R and is not recommended for young audiences. Registration is recommended, but not required. To register, email philipsemanorhall@parks.ny.gov or call 914-965-4027. Refreshments provided by the Friends of Philipse Manor Hall.
Registration: Required
Sat 26 Oct
Jack-o’-lantern Workshop & Movie Screening
Saturday, October 26, 2024 05:00 PM - 07:15 PM
Bennington Battlefield State Historic Site
Get in the Halloween spirit by joining us for a evening of pumpkin carving (5:00 pm) followed by an outdoor movie screening of the 1960 version of The Little Shop of Horrors (6:00 pm). There is a $5 suggested donation to cover the cost of program materials. Please RSVP to david.pitlyk@parks.ny.gov or call 518-860-9094. Visitors are encouraged to bring snacks and lawn chairs. Carving tools and pumpkins will be provided. The event will be cancelled in case of inclement weather.
Registration: Not required
Sat 26 Oct
Legends by Candlelight Ghost Tour
Saturday, October 26, 2024 06:00 PM - 08:30 PM
Clermont State Historic Site
(518) 537-4240

Can you help the ghosts of Clermont find peace? Join us for an exciting, one-of-a-kind, Halloween experience! What starts as a campy candlelit tour of the museum quickly turns into a quest to quell the spirits of the mansion. You'll meet ghosts with stories of glory, loss, success, and failure. Some ghosts may be funny, some may be scary, some may be sad, but listen carefully as they tell you their tales, because all their stories are true! Legends by Candlelight Ghost Tours starts inside the lavishly decorated Visitor Center, filled with cozy vibes and historic Halloween treats. Visitors will be led to the mansion through a landscape of jack-o-lanterns, then brought into the mansion for a haunting experience. The tour ends with a bonfire and marshmallows. Please wear sturdy shoes, as the tour will tread on uneven terrain, and bring a jacket, as it can get bone chillingly cold along the river at night! Please Note: Tickets will go on sale Tuesday, October 1 at 9:00 am. Space is limited, reservations are required. No walk-ins. Tickets are $15 for adults, $5 for children ages 5-12. Children under 5 are free. To reserve your tickets, please call (518) 537-4240. Tours at 6pm, 6:30pm, 7pm, 7:30pm, 8pm.
Registration: Required
Sat 26 Oct
"It was dark back then”
Saturday, October 26, 2024 06:00 PM - 10:30 PM
Knox's Headquarters State Historic Site
(845) 562-7141

Performances every 45 minutes between 6:00 - 10:30 pm. Admission is free. Reservations Required. Call (845) 562-7141 X 22 to reserve your time. In the spirit of 18th century gothic novels, costumed interpreters from the New Windsor Cantonment and Knox's Headquarters State Historic Sites submit for your approval a haunting tale. The eerie, night-cloaked grounds serve as a stage for this tale of ghosts and strange happenings.
Registration: Required
Sun 27 Oct
Closing the Gardens: Flowers in Rituals & Traditions
Sunday, October 27, 2024 10:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Jay Heritage Center
Open to all audiences/All ages/Family-friendly activities, Join us to celebrate a successful season in the Jay gardens. Bring your children and learn about how different cultures use plants and other flowers in their rituals and traditions. Decorate your own Día de los Muertos mask and make a musical instrument (choice of rain stick or maraca). Hands-on practice workshop.
Registration: Not required
Sun 27 Oct
Garden Tours and Volunteer Opportunities
Sunday, October 27, 2024 10:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Jay Heritage Center
We offer docent-led experiences two days a week but you can also follow a self-guided tour following our QR code signs. Enjoy the roses on our legendary arbor, sunflowers and coneflowers. Drop in for a lesson, talks, and workshops led by JHC's Director of Horticulture and Garden Education, Lucia Maestro and special guest speakers. Please visit our website or email Lucia for more information: hortdirector.JHC@gmail.com.
Registration: Not required
Sun 27 Oct
Rich Soil by Kristine Mays
Sunday, October 27, 2024 10:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Jay Heritage Center
Enjoy the incredible art of American artist Kristine Mays in our gardens. Mays draws inspiration from the human form and utilizes different materials to bring her sculptures to life. Explore our award-winning gardens while you spot her unique forms in the most unexpected places.
Registration: Not required
Tue 29 Oct
Land, Liberty, and Loss
Tuesday, October 29, 2024 06:30 PM - 08:00 PM
Sackets Harbor Battlefield State Historic Site
The historical and ongoing stories of Indigenous peoples and the evolution of the American landscape are intertwined. Better understanding of the American Revolutionary period links Mohawk decisions to form, break, or maintain alliances with Europeans or colonists. Discover how the concepts of Indigenous self-determination shaped the use of land in the North Country, guided by survival and persistence. Programs are at the historic Union Hotel building, corner of West Main St. and Ray Sts. All programs start at 6:30pm, Free and open to the public, ADA accessible.
Registration: Not required
Thu 31 Oct
Rich Soil by Kristine Mays
Thursday, October 31, 2024 10:00 AM - 02:00 PM
Jay Heritage Center
Enjoy the incredible art of American artist Kristine Mays in our gardens. Mays draws inspiration from the human form and utilizes different materials to bring her sculptures to life. Explore our award-winning gardens while you spot her unique forms in the most unexpected places.
Registration: Not required
Thu 31 Oct
Garden Tours and Volunteer Opportunities
Thursday, October 31, 2024 10:00 AM - 02:00 PM
Jay Heritage Center
We offer docent-led experiences two days a week but you can also follow a self-guided tour following our QR code signs. Enjoy the roses on our legendary arbor, sunflowers and coneflowers. Drop in for a lesson, talks, and workshops led by JHC's Director of Horticulture and Garden Education, Lucia Maestro and special guest speakers. Please visit our website or email Lucia for more information: hortdirector.JHC@gmail.com.
Registration: Not required
Thu 31 Oct
History Hidden in the Woods
Thursday, October 31, 2024 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Staatsburgh State Historic Site
Have you ever wondered what some of the ruins within Mills and Norrie State Parks might be? The beautiful park land was once the setting for grand Hudson Riverfront estates. This 90-minute guided hike will lead visitors through the park, exploring the history of three historic estates: from Staatsburgh's founding as a gentleman's farm in the 1700s to the development of The Point and Stonehurst estates in the 19th century. The hike is approximately 1.5 miles of uneven terrain, requiring study footwear. Cost: free. Reservations required: https://Bookeo.com/StaatsburghSHS.
Registration: Required
Thu 31 Oct
Trick-or-Treat at Clermont!
Thursday, October 31, 2024 10:30 AM - 04:00 PM
Clermont State Historic Site
Happy Halloween! Swing by our Visitor Center between 10:30 am and 4 pm to trick-or-treat at Clermont. Come for the candy, stay for the photo ops at our spooky-cute Halloween photo stations! Please Note: Trick-or-treating in the Visitor Center is free. The mansion will be open for regular Thursday tour hours: on the hour from 11 am to 4 pm. Tour tickets for the mansion must be purchased at the Visitor Center. Tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and students, and children under 12 are free.
Registration: Not required
Thu 31 Oct
FINAL DAY FOR 2024 SEASON
Thursday, October 31, 2024 11:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Crailo State Historic Site
Guided tours of the museum are available by advance appointment only, November—May 2025. For special events and programs happening during the winter months, please visit parks.ny.gov or follow us on social media.
Registration: Not required
Sat 02 Nov
FRIENDS OF FORT CRAILO ANNUAL MEETING
Saturday, November 2, 2024
Crailo State Historic Site
General business meeting will be held at the Rensselaer Public Library. Election and installation of officers will be followed by a presentation and reception. For complete information and program details, please check Crailo and the FOFC's social media.
Registration: Not required
Sat 02 Nov
African Art Exhibition
Saturday, November 2, 2024
Philipse Manor Hall State Historic Site
Explore the beauty of art, textiles, and cultural artifacts from Ghana in this special temporary exhibition in the Gothic Chamber of Philipse Manor Hall. Curated by the African Friends of the United States, access to this exhibit is included with museum admission.
Registration: Not required
Sun 03 Nov
Autumn Forest Hike
Sunday, November 3, 2024 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park
Walk through the old forest growth of the Arboretum on a tranquil, seasonal stroll through autumns changing leaves. Reservations taken on eventbrite.com.
Registration: Required
Sun 03 Nov
Songs of Appalachia with Cosby and Tom
Sunday, November 3, 2024 01:00 PM - 03:00 PM
Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site
Join us for a terrific music event! The talented Cosby Gibson and Tom Staudle will be inside the Enders House here at Schoharie Crossing to perform their program, Songs of Appalachia. The Appalachian Mountains stretch from Georgia to Maine and were considered the new frontier when settled by the Scots-Irish and Germans. These groups sought freedom from government and prejudice, as well as cheaper land. Their history is both charming and dark as they struggled to survive and bring their culture with them, especially their music! Program includes ten historic songs with interesting narrative, about one hour, for adults and teenagers. Program begins at 1pm, there will be light refreshments after the performance.
Registration: Not required
Sat 09 Nov
“PROOST! EVENT
Saturday, November 9, 2024
Crailo State Historic Site
Exciting and entertaining fundraiser, presented by the Friends of Fort Crailo! Please check back for details.
Registration: Not required
Sat 09 Nov
African Art Exhibition
Saturday, November 9, 2024
Philipse Manor Hall State Historic Site
Explore the beauty of art, textiles, and cultural artifacts from Ghana in this special temporary exhibition in the Gothic Chamber of Philipse Manor Hall. Curated by the African Friends of the United States, access to this exhibit is included with museum admission.
Registration: Not required
Sat 09 Nov
Mohawk Valley Erie Canal Symposium
Saturday, November 9, 2024 02:00 PM - 05:00 PM
Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site
Join us for this symposium on the Erie Canal in the Mohawk Valley. The program will be held in the Great Hall at the Arkell Museum in Canajoharie, NY. Four speakers will discuss a range of topics related to the Erie Canal through the Mohawk Valley. Scheduled to present: Chris Leonard - City of Schenectady Historian Scott Haefner - Montgomery County Historical Society/Old Fort Johnson Kelly Farquhar - Montgomery County Dept. of History & Archives Mary Alexander - The Arkell Museum at Canajoharie.
Registration: Not required
Sun 17 Nov
Take A Hike with Schoharie Crossing – National Take A Hike Day
Sunday, November 17, 2024 01:00 PM - 04:00 PM
Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site
November 17th is National TAKE A HIKE DAY! So, let's do just that! We'll take a 5-mile Hike *from* the Southside of Amsterdam at the Empire State Trailhead (behind Lorenzo's) to our Visitor Center/Museum on Schoharie Street in Fort Hunter! This is a Point A to Point B Hike - please make arrangements to leave a vehicle at the end point or for a ride (carpooling is a great option). We'll traverse uneven ground, some spots may be muddy, some gravel, some pavement, and a lot of grass covered trail. We don't know if there will be snow, but on we will go! Moderate to Heavy Rain Cancels This Program. Please dress for the weather and wear appropriate shoes/boots.
Registration: Not required
Sat 23 Nov
EXPLORING NEW NETHERLAND THROUGH THE VAN RENSSELAER RECEIPTS
Saturday, November 23, 2024 10:00 AM - 04:00 PM
Crailo State Historic Site
A Historic Cherry Hill and Crailo collaboration. More information about this event will be available at a later date. Please check back!
Registration: Not required
Wed 04 Dec
Friends of Lorenzo Christmas Preview Party
Wednesday, December 4, 2024 06:00 PM - 08:00 PM
Lorenzo State Historic Site
The Friends of Lorenzo will showcase the bedecked Mansion at their annual Preview Party as we celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Christmas at Lorenzo! For the anniversary we will be revisiting the past, with each room decorated in a previous year's theme. Members and their guests are treated to a special evening of live music and seasonal delights! To purchase tickets or become a member, visit https://www.friendsoflorenzo.org/
Registration: Not required
Sat 07 Dec
ST. NICHOLAS DAY
Saturday, December 7, 2024 11:00 AM - 03:00 PM
Crailo State Historic Site
This medieval saint's day was brought by the Dutch colonists to the Hudson River Valley and traditionally celebrated on December 6th. Festivities will include 17th & 18th century traditional treats, hearth baking, live music, Open House (self-guided) tours of the museum, crafts & activities, and of course—a visit from St. Nicholas (hopefully you've been good this year!).  Free to the public.
Registration: Not required
Tue 10 Dec
Christmas at Lorenzo- Guided Tours
Tuesday, December 10, 2024 until Friday, December 13, 2024 01:00 PM - 04:00 PM
Lorenzo State Historic Site
Join us for a traditional tour of the Mansion and holiday decorations. This year is the 50th Anniversary of Christmas at Lorenzo and for the occasion we will be revisiting the past, with each room decorated in a previous year's theme! Private group tours of 8 or more may also be scheduled through the end of December by calling (315)655-3200, ext. 106. 
*Holiday admission: $6 per person; $2 per child, ages 12 and under*
Registration: Not required
Thu 12 Dec
Lorenzo's Christmas Celebration
Thursday, December 12, 2024 07:00 PM - 09:00 PM
Lorenzo State Historic Site
This year is the 50th Anniversary of Christmas at Lorenzo and for the occasion we will be revisiting the past, with each room decorated in a previous year's theme! With support from the Friends of Lorenzo, this annual holiday celebration will feature a tour of the decorated mansion, refreshments, live music, and horse-drawn sleigh/wagon rides. In addition, on Saturday and Sunday, holiday crafts for "kids of all ages" will be featured at the Rippleton Schoolhouse. 
*Holiday admission: $6 per person; $2 per child, ages 12 and under*
Registration: Not required
Fri 13 Dec
Lorenzo's Christmas Celebration
Friday, December 13, 2024 07:00 PM - 09:00 PM
Lorenzo State Historic Site
This year is the 50th Anniversary of Christmas at Lorenzo and for the occasion we will be revisiting the past, with each room decorated in a previous year's theme! With support from the Friends of Lorenzo, this annual holiday celebration will feature a tour of the decorated mansion, refreshments, live music, and horse-drawn sleigh/wagon rides. In addition, on Saturday and Sunday, holiday crafts for "kids of all ages" will be featured at the Rippleton Schoolhouse. 
*Holiday admission: $6 per person; $2 per child, ages 12 and under*
Registration: Not required
Sat 14 Dec
Lorenzo's Christmas Celebration
Saturday, December 14, 2024 01:00 PM - 04:00 PM
Lorenzo State Historic Site
This year is the 50th Anniversary of Christmas at Lorenzo and for the occasion we will be revisiting the past, with each room decorated in a previous year's theme! With support from the Friends of Lorenzo, this annual holiday celebration will feature a tour of the decorated mansion, refreshments, live music, and horse-drawn sleigh/wagon rides. In addition, on Saturday and Sunday, holiday crafts for "kids of all ages" will be featured at the Rippleton Schoolhouse. 
*Holiday admission: $6 per person; $2 per child, ages 12 and under*
Registration: Not required
Sun 15 Dec
Lorenzo's Christmas Celebration
Sunday, December 15, 2024 01:00 PM - 04:00 PM
Lorenzo State Historic Site
This year is the 50th Anniversary of Christmas at Lorenzo and for the occasion we will be revisiting the past, with each room decorated in a previous year's theme! With support from the Friends of Lorenzo, this annual holiday celebration will feature a tour of the decorated mansion, refreshments, live music, and horse-drawn sleigh/wagon rides. In addition, on Saturday and Sunday, holiday crafts for "kids of all ages" will be featured at the Rippleton Schoolhouse. 
*Holiday admission: $6 per person; $2 per child, ages 12 and under*
Registration: Not required
Wed 01 Jan
First Day Hike
Wednesday, January 1, 2025 01:00 PM - 04:00 PM
Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site
Bring in the new year with Schoharie Crossing! We'll be hitting our Towpath Trail for a loop walk of about 5 miles from the Visitor Center to Yankee Hill and back. Winter Trail Conditions May Include: Snow, Ice, Mud. Please wear appropriate clothing and footwear for the conditions and weather. The walk is over mostly flat ground with a couple of road crossings.
Registration: Not required
Sat 04 Jan
TWELFTH NIGHT!
Saturday, January 4, 2025 04:00 PM - 07:00 PM
Crailo State Historic Site
An evening of merriment for everyone! Special Twelfth Night festivities will highlight the holiday season as it may have been celebrated by the 17th & 18th century residents of early Groenebosch! Come and revel in the holiday traditions of our past with live music, Star Singing, traditional fare and more! Then cross the river where the celebration continues at Schuyler Mansion! Combo Admission: $8.00 Adults / $7.00 Seniors & Students / $2.00 Children Single-Site Admission: $6.00 Adults / $5.00 Seniors & Students / $1.00 Children Snow date: Sunday, 1/5  4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Registration: Not required