Amidst the turmoil of a British military invasion in the fall of 1777, the elected representatives of rebellious New Yorkers met in Kingston to form a new state government. While convened in Kingston in September and October, New York's first Senate met in the simple stone house of merchant Abraham Van Gaasbeek.
In 1887, to recognize Senate House's role in the formation of New York State, New York State acquired the property, which quickly became a vital community museum. A two-story Museum Building was constructed in 1927 to house and display the site's burgeoning collection. Among its treasures are: major art works by John Vanderlyn and other members of the Vanderlyn family of Kingston. The museum also includes the site's popular new exhibit; "Kingston Stockade: New Netherlands' Third City," discussing Kingston's early history.
Hours of Operation
- Group tours are offered year-round, but must be scheduled in advance.
Site grounds are open from dawn to dusk. -
- April 15 through October 31
Wednesday-Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m and Sunday 1-5 p.m.
Site is open year-round by appointment. -
Fees & Rates
Most New York State Parks charge a vehicle use fee to enter the facility. Fees vary by location and season. A list of entry fees and other park use fees is available below. For fees not listed or to verify information, please contact the park directly.
The easy-to-use Empire Pass card is $80- and your key to all-season enjoyment with unlimited day-use entry at most facilities operated by State Parks and the State Dept. of Environmental Conservation including forests, beaches, trails and more. Purchase online or contact your favorite park for more information.
Learn more about our Admission Programs including the Empire Pass.
Saturday Special: Silhouettes
Saturday, September 14, 2024 01:00 PM - 03:00 PM
Senate House State Historic Site
Stop by Senate House on Saturday, September 14th
from 1-3pm, for a free drop-in activity to get a silhouette portrait of you,
your family, or friends! Silhouette portraiture was a popular way to recreate
an image of oneself or a loved one before the invention of photography in the
mid-1800s. All Saturday Special activities are free. This activity is rain or
shine.
Saturday Special: Draw Like Vanderlyn
Saturday, September 21, 2024 01:00 PM - 03:00 PM
Senate House State Historic Site
Get
creative at Senate House on Saturday, September 21st from 1-3pm with
a free drop-in activity and draw like John Vanderlyn! John Vanderlyn was an
artist born in Kingston who studied painting in Paris thanks to his patron
Aaron Burr. Senate House has the largest collection of Vanderlyn's art in the
world. Join us for this free, quick, drop-in craft. We'll have art supplies out
for you to try your hand at portrait art. Then visit the museum and see his
original works up close! All Saturday Special activities are free. This
activity is rain or shine.
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.
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!