Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation works to relaunch Senate House State Historic Site for the Semiquincentennial

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) is excited to announce major preservation work at its Senate House State Historic Site in Kingston is now underway. Located in the first capital city of New York State, the Senate House State Historic Site at 296 Fair Street was the 18th century home of the Van Gaasbeek family and the first meeting place of the New York State Senate in 1777.  

Adopted as an historic site in 1887, Senate House quickly became a vital community museum and features many exhibits relating to Kingston's history. The $1.8 million preservation work with OPRHP capital funding involves both the historic Senate House and the 1927 Museum Building, centering around the preservation of the structures to stop water damage. 

"This is a necessary project that strikes at the heart of our agency," said OPRHP Commissioner Pro Tempore Randy Simons. "As we approach America's 250th anniversary celebration, Senate House reinforces the importance of all our historical sites and what we can learn from them. This historic house in modern-day Kingston offers a story that connects us to our lives today. It's something we can see and touch as part of New York State's diverse history. Rehabilitation projects like these are vital and we are proud to see these investments help keep our historic structures alive and thriving in the 21st century." 

Senate House will receive a roof replacement, including framing and dormer window repairs, and exterior masonry restoration. The Museum Building will receive roof and window repair along with repair of the front porch. Both buildings will be tied into a new system designed to improved site drainage. All the work will be period-appropriate and adhere to strict historic preservation standards. Work is slated to continue through the remainder of 2025. Due to the project, some programs, tours, and education programs may be unavailable during construction. 

This project is supported with $1,075,000 from the OPRHP capital budget and a $750,000 grant from the National Park Service Historic Preservation Fund to OPRHP and the Palisades Interstate Park Commission (PIPC) as part of its Semiquincentennial Grant Program. It commemorates the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution.

Palisades Interstate Park Commission Executive Director Joshua Laird said, "The Palisades Commission and New York State Parks are dedicated to the preservation and stewardship of Senate House State Historic Site so that its role in the story of American Independence can continue to be taught at one of the important places where it happened. Thanks to investments by the National Park Service and OPRHP capital funding, this project will help preserve the first meeting place of the New York State Senate following the Declaration of Independence, along with its adjacent museum. It is also one of multiple preservation initiatives we are undertaking with our colleagues at New York State Parks in advance of our Nation's Semiquincentennial." 

Historic Site Manager Aaron Robinson said, "The start of this much needed work is very exciting for all of us at Senate House. This important investment will help to ensure that this vital piece of Revolutionary War history, and its commemoration, will be preserved for the public for generations to come." 

Senate House State Historic Site is one of 35 historic sites within the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and one of 40 facilities administered by the Palisades Interstate Park Commission in New York and New Jersey. For further information please call 845-338-2786, visit New York State Parks at: https://parks.ny.gov or find us on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/senatehousestatehistoricsite. 

The Palisades Parks Conservancy is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that supports the Palisades Interstate Parks and Historic Sites by raising funds, increasing public awareness and supporting visitor education. Find us at https://www.palisadesparks.org. Palisades Parks Conservancy, P.O. Box 24, New York, NY 10163-0024.

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees more than 250 parks, historic sites, recreational trails, golf courses, boat launches and more, and welcomes over 88 million visitors annually. For more information on any of these recreation areas, visit parks.ny.gov, download the free NY State Parks Explorer app or call 518-474-0456. Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn, the OPRHP Blog or via the OPRHP Newsroom.