Events will take place September 18 – 25 throughout Ulster County
KINGSTON, N.Y. (Aug. 29, 2011) – Ulster County Executive Hein and Ulster County Tourism announced today the county’s first Cultural Heritage Week. The celebration of Ulster’s rich heritage and culture will take place from September 18 through 25, and will include countless events in Woodstock, Kingston, Saugerties, Olivebridge, High Falls, Phoenicia and more.
“Ulster County is alive with history,” said County Executive Hein. “We have a rich cultural legacy inherited from many generations. An astonishing array of sites, structures, and objects attest to Ulster County’s Revolutionary, Civil War, industrial, agricultural, and political past. I invite you to explore Ulster County during our first Cultural Heritage Week and discover the amazing history so close to home.”
On Wednesday, September 21st, the grand opening and reception will take place for the “It’s Not Unusual Exhibit,” which will feature some of the unusual and surprising materials found in the Ulster County Archives. The opening will begin at 11 a.m., and the exhibit will be displayed at the Ulster County Office Building, 2nd Floor Archives Gallery at 244 Fair St. in Kingston.
In addition, participants will have the opportunity to tour the “Documented Treasures of Ulster County,” and will be able to look at some of the oldest and most significant records in the county. Exhibits will be displayed at the Ulster County Records Center at 300 Foxhall Ave. in Kingston from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday, Sept. 19, through Friday, Sept. 23.
The National Register of Historic Places lists more than 160 sites in Ulster County alone. The following is a detailed schedule of events to take place during this special week. For further details, please visit http://UlsterCountyAlive.com.
Nina Postupack, Ulster County Clerk, Hosts Heritage Week Activities
http://www.co.ulster.ny.us/countyclerk/archives
- Tour the Documented Treasures of Ulster County – A Look at Some of the Oldest and Most Significant Records in Ulster County. On exhibit will be some of the original records significant to the understanding of our history including the 1665 Treaty between Governor Richard Nicolls and the Sopes Indians, the Order by Director General Peter Stuyvesant to build the stockade, the Wampum Belt and more. Stop by the Ulster County Records Center, 300 Foxhall Avenue in Kingston Monday 9/19 through Friday 9/23 from 10 to 3 PM and the staff will take you into the Archival Vault for a look at these original and rare records. See a preview on-line at http://www.co.ulster.ny.us/archives/documents/index.html.
- Grand Opening and Reception for the “It’s Not Unusual Exhibit” featuring some of the unusual and surprising materials found in the Ulster County Archives: a taking notice for the Ashokan Reservoir; anonymous art; brewery labels; a stallion broadside; and an illustrated Civil War poem, just to name a few. Exhibit will be displayed at the Ulster County Office Building, 2nd Floor Archives Gallery, 244 Fair Street in Kingston, beginning on Wednesday 9/21, with the Opening Program beginning at 11 AM.
- “Celebrating Saugerties: 1811-2011”: Grand Opening and Reception for the exhibit: consists of archival material from the Ulster County Archives created by or about the Town of Saugerties at the Saugerties Library, located at 91 Washington Ave. in Saugerties. Exhibit will be on view beginning Monday, Sept. 12 with the Grand Opening and Reception on Tuesday, 9/20 at 10 a.m.
Ashokan Center in Olivebridge – http://www.ashokancenter.org
- Gorge Hike and Mill Ruins Tour, with a discussion of human activity on the property over time. Free, on Saturday, 9/17 at 10 a.m.
Byrdcliffe Arts Colony in Woodstock – http://www.woodstockguild.org
- 2011 Artist in Residence Program – last official open studio for the year. Meet the artists, view their work, and enjoy a potluck buffet at the Viletta Inn in the Byrdcliffe Arts Colony on Saturday 9/17 from 3:30 to 7 p.m.
- Guided walking tour of the Byrdcliffe Arts Colony including a tour of White Pines and stops in the ceramics and jewelry studios and the woodworking workshop on Saturday 9/24.
- Quick, Down & Dirty – outdoor exhibition of works of local artists on the grounds of White Pines curated by Alan Baer, throughout Ulster County Cultural Heritage Week.
D & H Canal Historical Society and Museum in High Falls –http://www.canalmuseum.org
- D & H Canal 5 Lock Docent-Led Walk following the towpath. Great family friendly walk begins in front of the Museum on Mohonk Road in High Falls on Sunday 9/11, 9/18, and 9/25 from 2 – 3 p.m.
Empire State Railway Museum in Phoenicia – http://www.esrm.com
- Images of Rail – The Five Historic Ulster County Railroads – A photo exhibit based on Stephen Ladin and Glendon Moffett’s upcoming new book “Ulster County Railroads.” Weekends and holidays through October.
- Tribute to Indigenous Music including a mix of Catskill Mountain, Camp Woodland, and Hudson River Music on Wednesday afternoon 9/21.
- Ride the Catskill Mountain Railroad in celebration of Ulster County Cultural Heritage Week! The Catskill Mountain Railroad runs on a restored section of the historic Ulster & Delaware Railroad roadbed alongside the beautiful whitewater Esopus Creek. http://catskillmtrailroad.com on Saturdays and Sundays from 11:30 a.m. – 2:45 p.m.
Esopus Bicentennial Celebration – http://www.esopus.com/feature.html
- Art Exhibit at Esopus Town Hall featuring historical paintings, photographs and other memorabilia focusing on Esopus events and places over the years from 9/6 through 10/31.
Friends of Historic Kingston – http://www.fohk.org
- Stockade District Discovery Day – Pick up a clue sheet with photos of 18 objects found within the 1658 Stockade National Historic District and walk the neighborhood like a detective hunting down the objects to match the photos. Suitable for all ages over 5. Clue sheets available at the Persen House, corner John and Crown Streets on Saturday 9/24 from 10-2 PM; and at the Friends of Historic Kingston Gallery on Saturday 9/24 from 10-4 PM and Sunday 9/25 1- 4 p.m.
- Rondout National Historic District Walking Tour – Hear how the historic waterfront district of Kingston mushroomed from farmland into a thriving maritime village and major Hudson River port during the heydays of the Delaware & Hudson Canal (1828-1898) which terminated here. Approximately 2 hours with some uphill walking. Adults – $5, children under 16 – $2. Meet outside the Kingston Heritage Area Visitor Center at 20 Broadway on Saturday 9/24 at 11 a.m.
- Anton Otto Fischer Exhibit featuring 18 paintings from the permanent collection of the Hudson River Maritime Museum. Free. Friends of Historic Kingston Gallery, corner Wall-Main Streets on Sunday 9/18, Saturday 9/24 and Sunday 9/25, from 1 to 4 p.m.
- 1812 Historic House Tour of the stunning collection of American antiques and decorative arts of Fred J. Johnston, displayed in eight elegant room settings in the Federal style house he rescued from demolition and preserved. Adults – $5, children under 16 – $2, on Sunday 9/18, Saturday 9/24 and Sunday 9/25 from 1 to 4 p.m.
Gomez Mill House in Marlboro – http://www.gomez.org
- History and Connections of the Life of Luis Gomez – Shelomo Alfassa will demonstrate through historic narrative, maps and images the interconnections of history which led to the unique experience, life and times of Luis Gomez on Sunday, 9/18 at 1 p.m.
- Smithsonian Museum Day – Offering free admission to Museum Day ticket holders, plus a guest. Go to http://www.smithsonianmag.com/museumday/ to sign up for a free Museum Day Ticket. Saturday 9/24.
Heritage Folk Music in Saugerties –http://heritageconcerts.blogspot.com
- Geoff Kaufman and the Kingston Sea Chantey Singers perform songs of the Hudson River at the Dutch Arms Chapel, 16 John Street in Saugerties. Admission is $8. Call 594-4412 for further information – on Sunday 9/18 from 3 to 5 p.m.
Historic Huguenot Street in New Paltz – http://www.huguenotstreet.org
- Walk the Huguenot Path: The Nyquist – Harcourt Sanctuary – Take a guided tour through the historic marshlands and oxbow lake. An easy 1 to 1.5 hour hike explores the special topography and history of this largely unknown area, culminating in a visit to the site of the Wallkill River ferry landing and a tour of the LeFevre House, site of Ezekiel Elting’s store in the early 1800s. Meet at the DuBois Visitor Center on Sunday 9/18 at 11 a.m. Raindate: 9/25.
- Mad Hatter’s Tea – A Victorian tea party on the lawn of the handsome Deyo House manse (or on the porch if the weather is uncooperative). Reservations are strongly suggested. Register online or at 255.1889. $40 for two. $10 for each additional family member. Check in at the DuBois Fort Visitor Center on Sunday 9/18 at 1 p.m.
- Smithsonian Museum Day – Offering free admission to Museum Day ticket holders, plus a guest. Go to http://www.smithsonianmag.com/museumday/ to sign up for a free Museum Day Ticket. Saturday 9/24 from 10:30 to 5 p.m.
- Ulster Residents’ Day – Historic Huguenot Street marks the occasion of Ulster County Cultural Heritage Week with a special “pay what you wish” day. Ulster County residents, with proof of residence, can enjoy either the 11 AM or 2 PM guided museum house tour for whatever they wish to contribute. No reservations necessary on Saturday 9/25.
Hurley Heritage Society –http://www.hurleyheritagesociety.org
- First- Person Walking Tour of Historic Hurley – Hillegond Roosa Van Deusen, an early 18th century resident of Hurley, will be portrayed by first – person interpreter Patricia Lamers during a tour of Hurley’s historic main street. Rain or shine on Sunday 9/25 at 2 p.m.
John Burroughs Association in West Park –http://john-burroughs.org
- John Burroughs Slabsides Ramble through the woods. An interpretive walk at an intermediate pace with readings from John Burrough’s works. Starts at naturalist John Burrough’s rustic cabin on Saturday 9/17 at 10 a.m. Raindate: 9/24.
Klyne Esopus Museum in Ulster Park – http://www.klyneesopusmuseum.org
- Discussion on Old Historic Stone Houses in Esopus with Robert Sweeney. Free on Sunday, 9/18 at 4 p.m.
Milton-on-Hudson Train Station in Milton – http://www.facebook.com/pages/Friends-of-Milton-on-Hudson-Train-Station/108998572471336
- Celebrate Ulster County Cultural Heritage Week with extended hours throughout Ulster County Cultural Heritage Week – 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Town of Lloyd Historical Preservation Society in Highland – http://lloydhistory.org
- Self Guided Walking Tour of the Town of Highland’s Past focusing on the era of the Highland – New Paltz Trolley, the only trolley line in Ulster County connecting two towns. By following little green trolleys stenciled on the sidewalk and on the Hudson Valley Rail Trail, viewers can stroll through the village and glimpse the town “then and now.” Large framed pages have been placed in business windows throughout the village showing pictures and text explaining what a site looked like and/or what occurred in that area. Throughout Ulster County Cultural Heritage Week and the fall season.
Reher Center in Kingston – http://wiltwyck-web.info/reher
- Rondout Revisited Exhibit highlighting three stages in the history of Rondout at the Kingston’s Heritage Area Visitor Center. Official opening and reception on Sunday 9/18 from 3 – 5 p.m., exhibit open throughout Ulster County Cultural Heritage Week and into the fall.
- Eugene Dauner’s Sampling of Images not included in the Rondout Revisited Exhibit will be shown at a slide presentation at the Art Society of Kingston – 97 Broadway on Tuesday 9/20 at 7 p.m
Town of Saugerties Historic Preservation Commission in West Camp
- Saugerties Historic Preservation Commission Meeting with Guest Julian Adams from the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation to discuss the ongoing development of the Town and Village Guidelines for Historic Preservation in the Saugerties Library Community Room on Monday 9/19 at 7:30 p.m.
- Town Historian Audrey Klinkenberg’s Discussion on 200 years of Saugerties History in the Saugerties Library Community Room on Wednesday 9/21 at 6 p.m.
- Michael Sullivan Smith, member of the Town of Saugerties Historic Preservation Commission, Discussion on “Digitizing the History of Saugerties” in the Saugerties Library Community Room on Thursday 9/22 at 6 p.m.
- Myles Putman and Michael Smith, members of the Town of Saugerties Historic Preservation Commission, Discussion on “Mapping Harry Carle’s Memories” in the Saugerties Library Community Room on Friday 9/23 at 6 p.m.
Senate House State Historic Site in Kingston – http://nysparks.state.ny.us/historic-sites/18/details.aspx
- Apple Heritage Day – 18th century activities including cider pressing, apple butter making, magician, musicians and open hearth cooking in a Dutch oven. From 1 to 3 p.m., enjoy the 18th century magic of Bob Olsen, A.K.A. Mr Bayly and at 2 and 4 PM there will be children’s puppet shows. On Sunday 9/25 from 12 to 5 p.m.
County Executive Hein also invites you to visit these Cultural Heritage Sites and Organizations located throughout Ulster County:
- A.J. Snyder Estate in Rosendale
- Bevier House Museum/ Ulster County Historical Society in Marbletown
- Bruderhof Museum in Rifton
- Canal Forge in Alligerville
- Catskill Heritage Alliance in Shandaken
- Century House Historical Society in Rosendale
- Cragsmoor Historical Society in Cragsmoor
- Ellenville Public Library & Museum in Ellenville
- Ellenville Historic Preservation Commission in Ellenville
- Esopus Meadows Lighthouse in Ulster Park
- Friends of Historic Rochester in Accord
- Greenfield Park Schoolhouse/Museum in Greenfield Park
- Historical Society of the Town of Olive in Shokan
- Historical Society of Woodstock in Woodstock
- Hudson River Maritime Museum Kingston
- Kingston Historic Landmark Preservation Commission in Kingston
- Kingston Land Trust in Kingston
- Kripplebush Schoolhouse Museum in Kripplebush
- Marbletown Historic Preservation Commission in Stone Ridge
- Marlborough Historical Society in Marlboro
- Marlboro Library in Marlboro
- New Paltz Historic Preservation Commission in New Paltz
- O & W Napanoch Train Station/Museum in Napanoch
- Old Dutch Reformed Church in Kingston
- Opus 40 in Saugerties
- Perrine’s Bridge in Rifton
- Rondout Lighthouse in Kingston
- Samuel Dorsky Museum of Art in New Paltz
- Saugerties Historical Society/Kiersted House in Saugerties
- Saugerties Lighthouse Conservancy in Saugerties
- Third Ulster County Militia in Gardiner
- Town of Plattekill Historical Society in Clintondale
- Town of Shandaken Historical Museum in Pine Hill
- Trolley Museum of New York in Kingston
- Ulster County Community College: Local History and Special Collections Room in Stone Ridge
- Ulster County Genealogical Society in Hurley
- Ulster County Round Table in Kingston
- Volunteer Fireman’s Hall and Museum in Kingston
