Kingston Area History – Find Museums and Historic Sites

Our region of the Hudson Valley is rich in history. From the early Dutch settlers to the American Revolution to the Gilded Age, The Hudson Valley has played an important role in the shaping of the United States.

Today, there are many historic assets in our area that are accessible to the public. These assets offer a unique opportunity to learn about the region’s past and to appreciate its cultural heritage.

Here are just a few of the many historic assets in Ulster County:

  • Museums: Ulster County has a number of excellent museums that tell the story of the region’s history. Some of the most popular museums include the Senate House State Historic Site, the Friends of Historic Kingston Museum, the Hudson River Maritime Museum, and The New York Trolley Museum.
  • Historic districts and sites: Kingston Stockade District, Hurley’s Historic District, Huguenot Street in New Paltz
  • Historic buildings and sites: Old Dutch Church, Rondout Light House, Perrine’s Bridge, The Reher Center for Immigrant Culture and History, Fred J. Johnston House Museum

We encourage you to explore the many historic assets in Ulster County. With so much to see and do, there is something for everyone to learn about the region’s rich past.

Museums and Other Historic Locations

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Museum Hours and Events


Lens & Learn: A Year in Champagne

Lens & Learn: A Year in Champagne

Discover the intoxicating story behind the world’s most famous wine.   Over the holiday season, you may have popped a bottle of bubbly or two, [...]
Clearwater Winter Open Boats

Clearwater Winter Open Boats

Sat, Jan 24, 2026    
1:00 pm-4:00 pm
January Open Boat January 24 @ 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm Join Hudson River Sloop Clearwater for our January 2026 Open Boat! Spend the afternoon in community [...]
Reher Reads for Kids - Storytime and Craft

Reher Reads for Kids - Storytime and Craft

Stop by the Reher Center Gallery for a morning of storytelling and crafting! This storytime will feature Yayoi Kusama Covered Everything in Dots and Wasn't [...]
7th Annual Sojourner Truth Life Walk

7th Annual Sojourner Truth Life Walk

Sat, Feb 21, 2026    
11:00 am-5:00 pm
Save the date! Join us for the 7th Annual Sojourner Truth Life Walk on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026. More details coming soon. Join us for [...]

Articles


Step Back in Time: Revolutionary War Reenactment at Persen House Museum

History buffs, take note! The Ulster County Clerk’s Office is inviting you to a unique educational experience this summer. On Saturday, June 8th, the 1st Ulster Militia, a Revolutionary War era reenactment group, will be setting up camp at the Matthewis Persen House Museum in Kingston, NY. Free Event Offers Interactive History Lesson This free, public event promises a fascinating glimpse into 18th-century colonial life. The 1st Ulster […]

Step Back in Time at the Matthewis Persen House Museum This Season!

History buffs and anyone curious about the Hudson Valley’s past won’t want to miss the opening of the Matthewis Persen House Museum’s 2024 season on Saturday, May 25th, from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Located at 74 John St. in Kingston’s historic Stockade District, the Persen House will be open to the public throughout the […]

Reher Center Celebrates Community Spirit with “Reher Recognized” Bakery Program

The Reher Center for Immigrant Culture and History has launched a new initiative, “Reher Recognized,” to honor outstanding community bakeries across the nation. This program recognizes establishments that embody the values and traditions exemplified by the historic Reher’s Bakery in Kingston, New York. Rekindling the Spirit of Reher’s Bakery “Reher Recognized” seeks to celebrate bakeries […]

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