Major Renovation of Senate House State Historic Site Underway

Major historic preservation work is now underway at Senate House State Historic Site in Kingston, NY which will be receiving $1.8 million in restoration and renewal investments. Both the Senate House and the 1927 Museum Building are included, centering around the preservation of the structures to stop water damage.
Amidst the turmoil of a British military invasion in the fall of 1777, the elected representatives of rebellious New Yorkers met in Kingston to form a new state government. While convened in Kingston in September and October, New York’s first Senate met in a simple stone house of merchant Abraham Van Gaasbeek.
Adopted as an historic site in 1887, Senate House became a community museum and features many exhibits relating to Kingston’s history.
Among its treasures are major art works by John Vanderlyn and other members of the Vanderlyn family of Kingston. The museum also includes the exhibit, “Kingston Stockade: New Netherlands‘ Third City.”
The work is expected to include a new period-appropriate roof, repairs to framing and windows, and front porch and exterior masonry restoration.
Both buildings will be tied into a new system designed to improved site drainage.
Work is slated to continue through the remainder of 2025. Due to the project, some programs, tours, and education programs may be unavailable during construction.
Learn more about the Senate House Historic Site.
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