NEWSLETTER
Kickoff Event on May 30 Marks 250th Anniversary of American Revolution
Two New Permanent Exhibits Opened
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Kingston, NY – The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic (OPRHP) announced the reopening of the Senate State House Historic Site in Kingston after a $2.5 million restoration and the installation of two new permanent exhibits.
A grand reopening celebration set for May 30 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. will feature open-house style tours of the historic Senate House, access to the newly updated museum exhibits, Revolutionary War reenactors from the 1st and 3rd Ulster Militias, live music by historical performers Carla and Keyes, food trucks, and hands-on craft activities for visitors of all ages.
“This site, home to New York’s first state government, is a powerful part of our shared Revolutionary history, and this restoration work will preserve it for generations of visitors to experience.,” said OPRHP Acting Commissioner Kathy Moser. “Dedicating resources to preserving historic places like the Senate House is an essential part of our 250th commemoration. I am grateful to all who contributed to this successful project.”
The reopening will also mark the first stop of the Revisit the Revolution traveling exhibition, produced by OPRHP. The exhibition will travel across the State visiting historic sites, parks, libraries, and community spaces as part of the statewide commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution. The exhibit brings together historically significant artifacts from across New York’s State Historic site system to highlight New York’s pivotal role in the Revolution.
Congressman Pat Ryan said, “Nearly 250 years ago, brave Patriots gathered at the Senate House in Kingston to declare their freedom from tyranny and convened the first meeting of the New York State Senate under the very first New York State Constitution. Though British forces burned the city in retribution, our Senate House stands strong today as a testament to New York’s unmatched resolve and Patriotic spirit. The Senate House also serves as an important reminder that American democracy was built by ordinary people, willing to fight for freedom because they believed deeply in the promise of this nation. That history deserves to be preserved and shared. I was proud to deliver funds to rehabilitate the building and ensure it remains a cornerstone for Hudson Valley families to celebrate Kingston and New York’s rich history for generations to come.”
Senator Michelle Hinchey said, “As part of New York’s first State Capital, the Senate House in Kingston is an incredible monument to our early history, and it was here, in 1777, that the first New York State Senate met at a pivotal moment in our struggle for independence. The restoration and expansion of this historic site is an exciting development as we approach America’s 250th, and it reflects our commitment to preserving the local places where representative government and democracy took root. I was proud to support this project, and I thank New York State Parks and all who helped bring this forward so that residents, visitors from across the region, and future generations alike can stand where history was made and understand the importance of the Hudson Valley and the City of Kingston in the founding of our country."
Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger said, “The Senate House is one of Ulster County’s greatest treasures, the site of the earliest meetings of the new State Senate following the ratification of the State Constitution in 1777, and a cornerstone of Kingston’s rich Revolutionary War history. This restoration protects that history and opens the door for residents and visitors to experience it in new and meaningful ways. I’m grateful to the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and all of our partners for ensuring that this remarkable site continues to educate, inspire, and strengthen our connection to Ulster County's unique role in the story of New York and the birth of our democracy.”
Kingston Mayor Steve Noble said, “I am thrilled to see the Senate House State Historic site reopen for all to experience, and it’s especially poignant to be opening during our city’s first Historic Preservation Month, and also in time for the Country’s monumental 250th celebrations. This site is fundamental to Kingston’s history and culture and is a perennial draw to the Stockade Historic District for visitors and locals alike. I look forward to the public being able to see these incredible restoration efforts and getting folks back to the site to learn about Kingston’s place in history.”
Palisades Interstate Park Commission Executive Director Joshua Laird said, “Senate House in Kingston is one of New York’s most important historic sites. The Palisades Commission is thrilled with its restoration and re-opening during the U.S. Semiquincentennial. As the centerpiece of New York’s first capitol under the State Constitution, Senate House is a reminder of the important role New York played during the Revolutionary War and the sacrifices made to establish our democratic form of government. Many thanks to Governor Hochul and New York State Parks for supporting this important project.”
The restoration project was supported through a $750,000 grant from the National Park Service commemorating the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, with the remaining $1.75 million provided by OPRHP capital funding. Work included installation of a new cedar shake roof, repairs to framing and dormer windows, and exterior masonry restoration at Senate House. Improvements to the adjacent museum’s building included roof, window, and porch repairs, along with the installation of a new sitewide drainage system serving both buildings.
Project work was overseen by general contractor PCC Contracting of Schenectady. Titan Roofing Inc., of Albany, a company with historic preservation experience including the New York State Capital building in Albany, completed the roof restoration. Arold Construction Co., of Kingston, installed drainage improvements including trenching and directional drilling for new drain lines following an archeological survey.
The site’s museum building, which dates to the 1920s, now features two new permanent exhibits, “Revolution Comes to Kingston,” featuring the role of the city and Senate House during the American Revolution, and “Vanderlyn: The Artist,” highlights the life and work of neoclassical painter and Kingston native John Vanderlyn.
Located in uptown Kingston at 296 Fair Street, Senate House is the former home of Abraham Van Gaasbeek, a merchant who supported the Patriot cause during the Revolutionary War. After the British occupation of New York City, the New York Provincial Congress relocated north to Kingston, which became New York’s capital following ratification of the State Constitution in April 1777. Van Gaasbeek allowed the new state Senate to rent one of his rooms for its initial meetings. In October 1777, British troops raided and burned Kingston, destroying hundreds of buildings throughout the city. Although damaged in the attack, the Van Gaasbeek home, survived and today stands as the Senate House State Historic Site.
New York State is leading the nation in the commemoration of the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution. Information on commemorative events statewide this year can be found on the I Love New York “Path Through History website, which can be found here. The New York State Park system includes many parks and historic sites associated with the Revolution. More information can be found here.
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 86 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.
Senate House State Historic Site is one of 35 historic sites and one of 40 facilities administered by the Palisades Interstate Park Commission in New York and New Jersey. More information is available at 845-338-2786, or on Facebook.
Formed in 1900, the Palisades Interstate Park Commission (PIPC) is the nation’s first bi-state partnership established to protect and conserve natural lands. PIPC operates Palisades Interstate Park in New Jersey and the Palisades Region of New York State Parks. Its early work helped inspire the emerging fields of environmental stewardship and education, pioneered the goal of exposing children to nature through its group campgrounds, and served as a model for the early growth of the national park system.
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