Senate House State Historic Site

Senate House State Historic Site is a history museum and historic property operated by The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, and the Palisades Interstate Parks Commission. It is dedicated to the preservation and interpretation the 18 th century home of Abraham Van Gaasbeek, which also served as the first meeting place of the New York State Senate in the midst of the American Revolution. Senate House maintains a significant collection of historic objects, with a separate museum building featuring two floors of exhibits detailing Kingston’s early history and the works of prominent 18th century Kingstonian artist John Vanderlyn.

Tours of Senate House
Experience a guided tour of Senate House, furnished as it would have appeared in 1777, when Abraham VanGaasbeek rented a room in his home to the first meeting of the newly established New York State Senate. Learn about the lives of the VanGaasbeek family and about the establishment the New York State’s independent government in the midst of the Revolutionary War. Admission also includes access to our museum building with two floors of exhibits experienced at your own pace.

Special Events
Senate House offers a variety of special events throughout the year that explore life in the 18 th century and topics relevant to the site. They include festival style events, lectures on relevant topics, engaging activities for kids, and more!

For more information, please visit: https://parks.ny.gov/historic-sites/senatehouse/details.aspx or
www.facebook.com/senatehousestatehistoricsite.

Operating Hours
Mid-April through October 31 st
Wednesday – Saturday 10:00am – 5:00pm
Sunday from 1:00pm to 5:00pm
The last tour each day leaves at 4:00pm. Tours are available by appointment year-round.
Admission is $7 for adults, $5 for seniors, and children ages 12 under are free.