NEWSLETTER
New Interpretive Content, Family Activities and Fun Stuff Online from Staatsburgh State Historic Site & The Friends of Mills at Staatsburgh
Staatsburg, N.Y. (6/8/20) — Although the mansion is currently closed for safety, Staatsburgh State Historic Site, and the Friends of Mills at Staatsburgh, are offering many ways to “peek” into the Gilded Age country home, to experience its history and beauty. “Virtually Staatsburgh,” a new page on the Friends’ website, offers a menu of different ways to experience the site from home. To enjoy “Virtually Staatsburgh,” visit https://millsfriends.org/virtual/
The new page includes activities for children and families, videos featuring collections and some specific history topics, plus an essay series about the experience of dining on the Titanic, something Ruth and Ogden Mills were getting ready to do, since they had planned to board the brand new ocean liner when it reached New York and began its return to Europe, a trip tragically cancelled by its sinking on its maiden voyage.
“We are very impressed with all of the different material the staff is producing, for different audiences and interests, so the site and its collections can still be enjoyed when the mansion cannot admit visitors, due to the current health emergency,” says Diane Topkis, president of the Friends of Mills at Staatsburgh. “Site staff will continue creating interesting content, and we will post new material frequently on our website.”
Staatsburgh’s historic estate grounds, now known as Mills Memorial State Park, are open for enjoyment each day, sunrise to sunset, and visitors are asked to avoid crowded areas, wear face covering when they cannot maintain safe social distance.
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 website, Facebook, or Blogger.
The Friends of Mills of Staatsburgh supports and promotes the preservation, improvement and interpretation of Staatsburgh State Historic Site, one of the finest surviving great estates of the Gilded Age. They sponsor educational programs, secure funds for preservation and interpretation, support the research library and produce educational materials to keep this history alive for Dutchess County and the Hudson Valley. They do this through membership and fundraising. They are committed to preserving this extraordinary Beaux-Arts landmark and ensuring its relevance for generations to come. Follow the Friends on Instagram at @friendsofmills
The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees 180 state parks and 35 historic sites, which are visited by 77 million people annually. A recent study found that New York State Parks generates $1.9 billion in economic activity annually and supports 20,000 jobs. For more information on any of these recreation areas, call 518-474-0456 or visit www.nysparks.com, connect on Facebook, or follow on Twitter.
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Contact: Pam Malcolm, Historic Site Manager, (845) 705-3368; pam.malcolm@parks.ny.gov