It's a Gilded LifeApril 16,17, and 18, 2025 at 10:00a.m.

Staatsburg, N.Y. (3/13/25) — Staatsburgh State Historic Site, is offering three, instructor-led, interactive programs during local schools’ upcoming spring break that explore the Gilded Age mansion through the lens of art and mythology, architecture, and the lifestyles of the rich and those in service to them. These programs are designed for children ages 8 to 12, when accompanied by an adult.

To purchase tickets, visit: https://fomas.eventbrite.com

On April 16, Mythology and Mascarons brings students up-close with the gilded faces, known as mascarons, that adorn the walls and ceilings of the mansion. These ornate faces represent kings, archetypes, and mythological figures. Students will then sculpt one of their own to take home. On April 17, It’s a Gilded Life includes a guided tour where students learn about life in a Gilded Age mansion over 130 years ago. A hands-on activity following the tour allows students to compare the lives of the servants and the gentry. On April 18, Architecture of Staatsburgh introduces students to famed architect, Stanford White, and the neo-classical elements that comprise the 79-room, Beaux-Arts mansion he designed. Using these elements, participants will build their own cardboard model to bring home.

All three programs are from 10:00a.m. to 12:00p.m. and are for children ages 8 to 12, accompanied by an adult. For tickets, visit: https://fomas.eventbrite.com

Staatsburgh State Historic Site is open for guided mansion tours Thursdays through Saturdays. To attend a mansion tour, please make advance reservations on www.Bookeo.com/StaatsburghSHS; admission is charged upon arrival. Visitors may also enjoy a picnic or stroll by the Hudson River, or a hike along the woodland trails in adjacent Mills Memorial State Park.

Staatsburgh State Historic Site and the Ogden Mills & Ruth Livingston Mills Memorial State Park are located on Old Post Road in Staatsburg, off Route 9 between Rhinebeck and Hyde Park. The historic site is one of 6 sites and 15 parks administered by the Taconic Region of New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. For more information, call 845-889-8851, or visit Staatsburgh’s websites at, https://www.Bookeo.com/StaatsburghSHS , www.Facebook.com/StaatsburghSHS, and www.staatsburghstatehistoricsite.blogspot.com. Staatsburgh’s events are also listed at parks.ny.gov

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 80 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 (formerly Twitter), the OPRHP Blog or via the OPRHP Newsroom.

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Photo: It's a Gilded Life