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: “What is it?”
Saturday, July 27, 2024 01:00 PM - 03:00 PM
Senate House State Historic Site
Stop
by Senate House on Saturday July 27th from 1-3PM as we show off a number of
reproductions of 18th century objects. For this drop-in activity, visitors will
have the opportunity to handle each object and guess what they are and what
they might have been used for. This activity is free of charge, is rain or
shine, and can be found on the grounds at our museum building. We hope to see
you then!
Bearing Witness: Exploring the Legacy of Enslavement in Ulster County
Saturday, August 3, 2024 01:00 PM - 03:00 PM
Senate House State Historic Site
On Saturday, August 3rd at 1:00pm, Senate House will be hosting
a free presentation and book signing for
Bearing
Witness: Exploring the Legacy of Enslavement in Ulster County in
the site's museum building.
Join in for an afternoon with the authors Susan Stessin-Cohn, Philip White, and
Ashley Biagini as they share the new website Bearing
Witness, developed in connection with the Ulster County Truth
and Reconciliation Commission. During their presentation, they will reveal
stories of a handful of notable Black residents of Ulster County, from the
early days of enslavement under the Dutch and English, to the blossoming of
free Black culture in the era following New York's legal abolition of slavery
in 1827. Copies of the authors' book Bearing
Witness will be available for purchase and signature.
While the talk is free to attend, tours of Senate House and access to the
museum's exhibit will also be available for $7.00 for adults, $5.00 for
seniors, with children ages 12 and under admitted free.
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!