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Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

Senate House State Historic Site

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Address
296 Fair Street
Kingston, NY 12401
  Palisades Region
Latitude 41.935143
Longitude -74.018608
  Directions

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.

  • Tour of Senate House and Museum Admission

  • Adult - $7
    Sr (62+) - $5
    12 & under - free
    Group Tours - $5 per person
    School Program - $5 per person

Sat 14 Sep
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.
Sat 21 Sep
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.
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.
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!
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 

Amenities Information

  • Amenities
  • Picnic Area (Accessible)
  • Re-enactments (Accessible)
  • Tours
  • Visitor Center

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