Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

Clermont State Historic Site

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Address
One Clermont Avenue (GPS use 416 Woods Rd)
Germantown, NY 12526
Latitude 42.085087
Longitude -73.911835

Clermont State Historic Site was the country seat of the Livingston family. Originally a Georgian Mansion, over the years the house was added onto to give it its present appearance. Seven generations of Livingstons as well as dozens of enslaved people and paid servants lived at Clermont. The land surrounding the house was occupied by tenant farmers, beholden to the Livingston, the farms of small freeholders and mills. For the first few generations, Livingston owned ships full of paid sailors plied the river between Clermont, New York City and Albany. Over time, through land sales and the division of land through gifts and inheritance Clermont's land shrunk until it was just the confines of the present historic site. With this contraction of land came a contraction of power and influence for the family.

Today Clermont is decorated as it appeared circa 1930 when it was home to Alice Delafield Clarkson Livingston, her daughters Honoria and Janet, and their staff of servants.

Designated a National Historic Landmark in 1973, Clermont is also an anchor of the Hudson River National Landmark District.

Don't miss these popular destinations and attractions within or near Clermont State Historic Site:

·         Gift Shop - Located in the Visitor Center is currently closed and will reopen summer 2023.

·         Visitors Center - View Spero Meliora: Life in the Land of Livingston

Clermont was the home to generations of the politically powerful and wealthy Livingston family, but they were not the only people who lived at the site. Enslaved people, indigenous people, tenants and paid workers all lived and worked here and left their own mark on the site. The exhibit explores how the lives of the Livingstons of Clermont, and all the other residents of this location were intertwined and how they left their imprint on the mansion's appearance and legacy.

  • The Four Gardens of Clermont

o    Cutting Garden - once provided cut flowers for vases in the house

o    Walled Garden - influenced by gardens in Florence, Italy

o    Wilderness Garden - connects the Upper Garden with the Walled Garden, the centerpiece is the fishpond


Hours of Operation

  • Guided House Tours

    Reopening: June 8, 2023 year-round

    Thursday-Sunday 11:00am-4:00pm Tours on the hour

  • Visitor Center
    Hours: Currently Friday-Sunday, 10:30am-4:00pm expanding on June 8, 2023 to Thursday-Sunday, 10:30am-4:00pm.  Open year-round.

    For more information or to schedule a group tour, please call (518) 537- 4240.

  • Gardens & Grounds: Open year-round 8:30 am to sunset.

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.

  • Vehicle Use Fee
  • $5

    Fee collected at Pay Stations in the parking lot weekends and Monday holidays between April 1st - October 31st from 11:00a.m. to 4:00p.m., and for special events at the gate.

  • Admission/House Tours
  • $7 - adult
    $6 - Seniors/students over 12
    Free - Children under 12

    Please inquire for group & school group rates.
  • Educational Programs
  • $2/student on-site
    $50/class off-site
  • Lawn Rentals for Parties
  • Arryl Lawns – North and South - $1,000
    Southwest Lawn: $2,800
    Mansion North - $1,500
    Wedding ceremony - $400

  • Picnicking - Group Picnics
  • $40 - permit required for over 25 people
    $50 - for groups over 50 persons
    $100 - for groups over 100 people

Maps

Digital Maps

New! Download this park's digital map to your iOS Apple and Android device.

Clermont was built by Robert Livingston during the 1730's on 13,000 acres left to him by his father Robert Livingston, First Lord of Livingston Manor. The house was home to seven successive generations of the Livingstons family but also dozens of enslaved people and paid workers.

The house was burned by the British army in 1777. Margaret Beekman Livingston worked to have the house rebuilt, between 1778 and 1783, by using her family's power and influence to have the governor release local workers, most descended from Palatine immigrants, released to work on the home. The British burned the home because of the family's deep ties to the Revolutionary War. Margaret's husband, Judge Robert R. Livingston, had been a host and member of the Stamp Act Congress and had also built the first gunpowder mill in New York. Her son Henry Beekman Livingston was colonel of the 4th New York Regiment. Her eldest son, and the house's most prominent resident, Chancellor Robert R. Livingston was a member of the Continental Congress and had helped draft the Declaration of Independence. He also helped to draft the New York State Constitution and served as Secretary of Foreign Affairs under the Confederation government. After the war he would negotiate the Louisiana Purchase and coinvent the first practical steamboat, The North River Steamboat of Clermont, or The Clermont for short.

Subsequent generations of the family never rose to the power and prestige of the revolutionary generations but did do their best to preserve the legacy of that generation.

Throughout all these generations enslaved people and, after the technical end of slavery in New York in 1827, paid servants were tasked, whether against their will or for money, with mundane housekeeping work ensuring that Livingstons could live comfortably and project an image of power and importance. 

Guided House Tours

Tours resume June 8, 2023. Tickets may be purchased in the Visitor Center.

Year-round

Thursday - Sundays, 11:00 am to 4:00 pm (last tour at 4:00 pm)

For more information or to schedule a group tour, please call (518) 537-4240

Visitor Center:
Currently open Friday - Sunday, 10:30am to 4:00pm and Monday Holidays
Beginning June 8, 2023 hours will change to Thursday-Sunday 10:30am-4:00pm and Monday holidays

Group tours by appointment only.

Gardens & Grounds: Open year-round, 8:30am to sunset

Vehicle Use Fee - Pay Stations: Collected 4/1-10/31, weekends and holidays

Throughout the year, Clermont hosts special events that highlight the site's whole history. Major events include The Sheep and Wool Showcase, Independence Day at Clermont, Legends by Candlelight and The Holidays at Clermont. In addition lectures, performances, and activities for children throughout the year offer everyone opportunities to experience different aspects of the history of Clermont, the Livingstons and all those who lived and worked here for generations. Please check out our Facebook page, www.facebook.com/ClermontSHS for information on upcoming events.


Deer, archery only. Limited and controlled hunt annually from November 1 through November 30. Special permit required - by lottery. Orientation session required; strict boundary limits. Call site for details and to request an application for the lottery : (518) 537-4240.


Sat 23 Sep
Falling into Fall Story Hour
Saturday, September 23, 2023 01:00 PM
Clermont State Historic Site
The leaves are getting ready to change and here at Clermont, we're excited for all things fall! Join us for a seasonal story hour as the days grow shorter, school bags are packed, and the mountain views are in technicolor. This is a program for children; all children must be accompanied by an adult and all adults must be accompanied by a child. This event is free, reservations are encouraged. Please make reservations in advance on Bookeo: https://bookeo.com/clermont.
Sat 30 Sep
Crafty Kids: Harvest Craft Day!
Saturday, September 30, 2023 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 make Halloween crafts or let your imagination run wild with our tables of 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. The cost of the event is $5 per person at the door. Space is limited. Please make reservations in advance on Bookeo: https://bookeo.com/clermont.
Sat 07 Oct
Fall Bird Walk with the Alan Devoe Bird Club
Saturday, October 7, 2023 08:00 AM
Clermont State Historic Site
Meet ate main parking lot, Grab your binoculars and field guides and join us for a fall walk around Clermont State Historic Site with the Alan Devoe Bird Club! We'll keep our eyes and ears open as we look and listen for fall migrants and waterfowl, like geese and ducks, on the Hudson River. Egrets have even been spotted on previous walks! Bird watchers will meet at 8:00 am in the main parking lot. This program is free of charge, but visitors must register in advance at https://www.friendsofclermont.org/events.
Sat 07 Oct
A Conversation about Slavery in the Hudson Valley: Two Linked Descendants Share Their Story
Saturday, October 7, 2023 01:00 PM
Clermont State Historic Site
Debra Bruno and Eleanor Mire each grew up knowing nothing of the history of slavery in the Hudson Valley. When they learned that New York's 200 years of slavery began in New Netherland and extended well into colonial times, they were shocked. To their surprise, they also discovered through a Facebook group called "I've Traced My Enslaved Ancestors and Their Owners" that they both descended from families from Greene County, on the west bank of the Hudson. They also learned that Debra's ancestors enslaved Eleanor's ancestors, information that sent them on a dive into even more research, and the eventual truth that their connection was probably also a genetic one. Debra wrote about this story in a 2020 Washington Post Magazine article called "History Lessons." She is currently writing a book, "A Hudson Valley Reckoning: Uncovering the Secrets of Enslavers in My Colonial Dutch Family," with an afterword by Eleanor. This lecture is generously sponsored by the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area. Admission is $10/adults; children 12 and under are FREE. Registration is required at https://www.friendsofclermont.org/events.
Sat 14 Oct
Fall Forest Bathing Walk
Saturday, October 14, 2023 01:00 PM
Clermont State Historic Site
Join Cultured Forest for an hour of guided Fall Forest Bathing at Clermont State Historic Site. Forest Bathing is based on a Japanese practice of Shinrin-Yoku that involves connecting with nature by "Bathing in the Forest Atmosphere". Studies show time in nature lowers blood pressure, boosts immunity, and reduces stress. In this activity, you will indulge with fellow nature lovers in relaxing mindfulness and self-care in a guided outdoor class. Plan to see some of the most peaceful areas of the park, while learning activities that allow you to better connect with yourself and the outdoors. Leave feeling centered and more at peace. Learn how to bring Mindfulness in Nature into your personal Wellness routine. We are excited to end this session with a tea ceremony. Please Note: This will require about a mile of walking, some of which will be up and down steep inclines and over rocks. Please be sure to wear comfortable shoes with tread that can walk over rocks and grass. There will not be a bathroom break during the session, but restrooms are available at the Main Parking lot if you would like to use them before the walk begins. Attendees must be 8 years or older. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Admission is $5. Meet in the Main Parking Lot. Please register at https://www.friendsofclermont.org/events.

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Amenities Information

  • Amenities
  • Demonstrations (Accessible)
  • Equestrian Trails
  • Hiking
  • Picnic Area (Accessible)
  • Snowshoeing/X-Country Skiing
  • Tours
  • Visitor Center (Accessible)