Historic Site Happenings This Fall

Date Published: October 2, 2020

Programming at Dutchess’ historical sites and museums may look different this year, but it’s great to see new and altered offerings that visitors and residents can enjoy this fall! See below for our guide to what’s happening on the history scene right now.

Bannerman Castle

Take to the Hudson River and dock at Pollepel Island for a walking tour of Bannerman Castle. Learn all about the rich history and take in the beautiful scenery on this guided experience that includes the Bannerman Castle ruins, the Garden and Residence. Weekend tours going out of Beacon through the end of October. Book now!

Clermont State Historic Site

Join Clermont State Historic Sites for their Harvesting History Family Workshop Series: Peter, Peter, Pumpkin…Carver? and learn about the history of Jack-O-Lanterns while carving your own pumpkin! Don’t miss a costumed interpretation of a classic Halloween tale that has its roots right here in the Hudson Valley: The Legend of Sleepy Hollow during their Historical Halloween Story Hour. Check out more Clermont State Historic Site events happening in October here.

Hopewell Depot Museum

Visit the historic train station located at the southern trail-head of the Dutchess County Rail Trail. Built in 1873, the station served witness to the rise and fall of Hopewell Junction as a major railroad hub of Dutchess County. Since restored, the station now offers small group tours, and a visitors center with area tourism brochures. Public tours for groups of up to six people available on Saturday’s from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. through October 31st. COVID-19 safe practices are required by both staff and visitors. Learn more.

Locust Grove Estate

Don’t miss Locust Grove Estate’s Harvest Hunt! Come dressed in your best Halloween costume and explore the nooks and crannies of the estate in search of two dozen decorated pumpkins! Tickets available beginning October 1st. Hunts occur 10:30 a.m. - 5 p.m., with last entry at 3:00 p.m. Tickets are limited to make sure all visitors have plenty of space, and masks are required if you can't keep at least 6-feet from other visitors. For more information about the event, click here!

Photo courtesy of Nathaniel Cooper
 

Mesier Homestead and Museum

Come appreciate the history of the Mesier Homestead and Museum on their guided tours. During this time, visiting the Homestead is by reservation only and is limited to a maximum group size of four participants of the same “household." The perk of these smaller group sizes is the “Signature Experience” tours, which can be customized to your group’s interest! Tours are available Tuesday – Friday between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., reserved at least 48 hours in advance. Click here to make your reservation.

Mount Gulian Historic Site

Learn about its history, saunter through the heritage gardens, and admire the river views at Mount Gulian Historic Site! Outside tours are available every Friday and Saturday through October 31st. Attendance will be limited to aid in social distancing and masks are required for all Mount Gulian staff and visitors. Advance reservations are preferred but walk-ins will be accommodated if safety limitations allow. For more info visit here.

Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome

Visit beautiful Red Hook and the living history museum at the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome this season! We’ll be patiently awaiting the return of their Air Shows for the 2021 season, but in the meantime, take to the skies in a thrilling and breathtaking biplane ride and lighthouse tour. There’s no better way to view the Hudson Valley’s fall foliage! Offered on a first-come-first-serve basis on week days, and by reservation on weekends. Visit the museum through the end of the month, open daily 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Masks and social distancing required. More info here.

Sports Museum of Dutchess County

Founded in 1972 by several sports minded community members, the Sports Museum aims to preserve the rich history of sports here in the county! Open to the public Saturdays and Sundays from 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m, the museum features the Legends of Dutchess exhibition, which highlights over a dozen athletes who made it to the professional level in sports from Dutchess County, as well as artifacts showcasing almost twenty different sports with impacts on Dutchess County history. Masks can be provided at the door. Learn more.

Staatsburgh State Historic Site

Now that autumn is here and the fall foliage is nearing peak, there’s no better time to go on an outdoor tour of our historic sites! Take a Guided Landscape Walk of Staatsburgh’s Grounds and learn how the landscape was designed to reflect the luxurious lifestyle of Staatsburgh's owners. Or enjoy a Program on the Portico - with topics including the Titanic and children’s story time! See all events here.

Wilderstein Historic Site

Wilderstein Historic Site is excited to be able to offer outdoor tours on Saturdays and Sundays through October 31st! Experience a slice of Dutchess history while keeping safe through social distancing and taking in the seasonal sights. Tour includes the landscape, exterior of mansion, and a brief discussion about the mansion interior and family history. Advanced reservations required - make yours today!