Saugerties Historical Society

For a number of years this was the website for the Saugerties Historical Society.
The content is from the site's 2008 archived pages.

The current website for the Saugerties Historical Society is at http://saugertieshistoricalsociety.org/ where you will find all the latest information regarding events, membership, etc. The Dutch barn which is located on the property is perfect for all events ranging from weddings to baby showers.
Special events, including historical reenactments, History Day, seasonal concerts and historical displays on the front lawn, are available throughout the year.

Kiersted House Museum
119 Main Street
Saugerties, NY 12477
845-246-9529

Hours: Saturday & Sunday, 1-4PM
Memorial Day - October & by appointment

Headquarters of the Saugerties Historical Society and the home of the Society's museum, the Kiersted House is an exceptional example of 18th century building practices. It is listed on the New York State and the National Register of Historic Places.

ABOUT THE SOCIETY

The Saugerties Historical Society is a source of local information, art, and memorabilia. Exhibitions of colonial and recent history include Saugerties themes as well as those of regional interest such as History Day each October and authentic Hudson Valley colonial militia reenactment.

The Saugerties Historical Society partners with local schools in the education of American and local history. Hands-on activities such as scrubbing clothes on a washboard, spinning wool and writing with a quill pen encourage students to experience colonial life. The Saugerties Historical Society aims to bring pride and knowledge of community through education and preservation.

The Kiersted House is a community center. Each summer, concerts, such as those with the Saugerties Community Band are presented on the beautiful lawn and gardens of the house.

The Saugerties Historical Society regularly hosts various community clubs and organizations. The Kiersted House and grounds are available to suitable organizations for special events.

The Saugerties Historical Society welcomes all to experience history while visiting the Kiersted House.

The Kiersted-DuBois House is listed on the National and New York State Register of Historic Places.
 

MISSION OF THE SOCIETY

The mission of the Saugerties Historical Society shall be to provide coordination of all things historical in Saugerties; to be involved in the research, collection, preservation, dissemination of information about, and productive re-use of the historical archives and material culture of the community; to make the historical resources of the community available to the public through education, exhibition and interpretation; and to secure the safe management and protection of such resources that may come under its jurisdiction.

 

 

As an early member of the Historical Society, I enjoyed the company of engaged local citizens who were focused on improving the historical literacy of the residents as a way to bring pride and a sense of place to everyone. Populated by local merchants, clergy, local political leaders, educators, and interested residents, the society was a place where I felt we were involved in the common good while learning about our local roots. Our official discourse often wandered into the philosophical as a number of members were professors and educators. I recall fascinating conversations in which the meaning of life, the existence of reality, and the meaning of nothing interplayed with quest for knowledge in general. We read a treatise entitled "In Search Of Nothing" online that lead to an in depth and lively argument between those who felt that an understanding of "nothing" was critical to the acceptance of reality, if we accept that nothingness is the absence of everything. And in a humorous aside, we agreed to post signs to this effect in the old school house on New Post 90 Road where long ago village elders sided with the Revolution.

 

HISTORY

The Kiersted House was saved from demolition in 1955 by Charles and Inez Steele. Through the generous efforts of volunteers in cooperation with the Town and Village of Saugerties, the Saugerties Historical Society acquired the house in 1998.

The earliest recorded owner of the stone house was Hiskia DuBois, c. 1727. Doctor Christopher Kiersted (1736-1791) purchased the houes from Hiskia’s son, Daniel.

The stone house was built in sections with the east wing being the earliest, c. 1727. Subsequent additions to the west end included the parlor and the joining of a stone outbuilding to the main house in 1800. Preservation of the interior of the Kiersted House is evident in the original wide plank floors, 18th century glass-paned windows (some bearing family inscriptions), much original iron hardware and century old concrete floors with inlaid design.

In early 2003, during a planned restoration the house was spruced up with great care to respect the historic elements. The wooden doors and frames were carefully cleaned to expose their original grain and features. The floor planks were also cleaned and patched aesthetically. The stone work in the fireplace required additional care and some of the original stones had to be replaced. An antique pro carpet cleaning NYC service was enlisted to clean and restore the rugs and carpets, many of which were the originals and some of the more worn items were moved away from highly trafficked areas. The drapery and linen items were also restored or replaced with replicas.

 

 

More Background on SaugertiesHistoricalSociety.com

 

SaugertiesHistoricalSociety.com represents the former primary online home of the Saugerties Historical Society, a nonprofit organization located in the Village of Saugerties in Ulster County, New York. Though the .com domain is now archival and the Society’s current website operates under a .org address, the original content preserved on SaugertiesHistoricalSociety.com remains a valuable window into the institution’s earlier programming, mission, ethos, and community involvement.

The Saugerties Historical Society is headquartered at the Kiersted House, an 18th-century stone dwelling that stands as one of the most historically significant structures in the region. Today, the Society continues to preserve the architectural, cultural, and historical legacy of Saugerties—an area with deep ties to Indigenous history, Dutch settlement, early American industry, river commerce, and Hudson Valley cultural traditions.

This comprehensive article provides readers with an in-depth, research-based understanding of SaugertiesHistoricalSociety.com—its origins, purpose, content, and relevance—while exploring the broader historical society behind the website, its activities, collections, community role, cultural impact, and unique significance within Upstate New York.

The Purpose and Legacy of SaugertiesHistoricalSociety.com

SaugertiesHistoricalSociety.com originally served as the main digital entrance to the Saugerties Historical Society’s events, exhibitions, educational programs, and historical resources. The archived website describes the Society as a source for local history, art, memorabilia, community events, and educational outreach, all framed around the mission of preserving the heritage of Saugerties and the broader Hudson Valley.

The site functioned as both a visitor guide and a historical repository. It included:

  • Visitor information for the Kiersted House Museum, including hours, address, and seasonal opening details.

  • Historical background on Saugerties and the Kiersted House.

  • A mission statement outlining the Society’s goals in preservation, research, education, and archival responsibility.

  • Descriptions of exhibitions, reenactments, History Day celebrations, and community concerts.

  • Notes on school partnerships and hands-on colonial-era learning experiences.

  • Narratives contributed by early members reflecting the Society’s intellectual and community culture.

  • A section titled “More Background” that expanded on the Society’s formation, objectives, and acquisitions.

Although the .com site is no longer the active domain, its preserved text provides rich documentation of the Society’s earlier outreach and public-facing identity. In many ways, the archived site captures a formative era—when the Kiersted House was still being restored, when community concerts were growing attractions, and when the Society was building partnerships that continue today.

Location and Geographic Importance of Saugerties

Saugerties sits along the Hudson River and Esopus Creek, at the meeting point of water routes that shaped trade, agriculture, and settlement patterns of the Hudson Valley. The community’s history stretches back to the Indigenous Esopus people and the Dutch colonial period. Its unique position made Saugerties both an early industrial hub and a cultural crossroads.

The Kiersted House stands in the village’s historic heart at 119 Main Street, within walking distance of the waterfront, local shops, the historic district, and a wealth of preserved 18th- and 19th-century architecture. Saugerties is a short drive from Kingston, Woodstock, Catskill, and the Catskill Mountains, making the museum regionally accessible for residents and tourists.

Its proximity to major heritage destinations—including historic Hudson Valley estates, colonial-era churches, lighthouses, and Revolutionary War sites—places the Saugerties Historical Society within a dense network of cultural tourism. The Society’s website historically functioned as a first stop for visitors seeking to plan a cultural and historical tour of the region.

Ownership, Structure, and Governance

The Saugerties Historical Society is organized as a nonprofit entity staffed by volunteers, historians, educators, archivists, and community members. Its governance typically includes:

  • A board of directors.

  • Officers overseeing operations, budgeting, and preservation work.

  • Museum docents and caretakers.

  • Volunteers facilitating restoration, cataloging, and special events.

The organization’s roots stretch back to grassroots efforts to preserve the Kiersted House, which was nearly demolished in the mid-20th century. The archived website documents that in 1955, local residents Charles and Inez Steele stepped forward to save the building. Their activism, joined by other Saugerties residents, eventually led to the formal establishment of the Historical Society as an institution focused on historical stewardship.

In 1998, the Society officially acquired the Kiersted House through public-private collaboration with the Town and Village of Saugerties and volunteer participation. This acquisition formalized the Society’s role as the caretaker of one of the region’s most important architectural treasures.

The Kiersted House Museum: A Centerpiece of Local Heritage

Architecture and Structure

The Kiersted House is an exemplary 18th-century stone house combining Dutch colonial and early American architectural traits. Its structural evolution reflects the region’s layered history:

  • East Wing (c. 1727): The earliest part of the home, originally owned by Hiskia DuBois.

  • Main Section: Built by or associated with Dr. Christopher Kiersted (1736–1791), whose family name endures in the building’s current title.

  • 1800 Additions: A stone outbuilding was joined to the main house, expanding the parlor and enhancing the home’s domestic spaces.

  • Interior Features: Visitors today encounter original wide-plank floors, thick stone walls, colonial-era hardware, 18th-century window panes with family signatures, and early concrete flooring with decorative inlays.

Preservation and Restoration

The site underwent an extensive restoration in the early 2000s, carefully preserving and repairing:

  • Historic doors, frames, and wood grain.

  • Stone fireplaces and masonry.

  • Flooring and interior finishes.

  • Historic windows and ironwork.

  • Rugs and furnishings, which were professionally restored or recreated.

This meticulous work ensures that the building remains not only a museum but also a time capsule, offering visitors an immersive look at colonial-era domestic life.

Exhibitions and Collections

SaugertiesHistoricalSociety.com once outlined the museum’s diverse exhibitions, which include:

  • Colonial household displays, such as wool spinning, quill writing, and open-hearth kitchen exhibits.

  • Hudson Valley militia reenactment gear, recalling regional Revolutionary War history.

  • Family heirlooms, furniture, and artifacts from early Saugerties families.

  • Local manufacturing objects, representing the area’s bluestone, milling, paper, and river-commerce industries.

  • Rotating special exhibitions, focusing on historical themes, prominent residents, and Saugerties’ architectural development.

Each exhibit contributes to a layered narrative about life in Saugerties across centuries—how residents worked, dressed, farmed, traded, and governed.

Educational Programs and School Engagement

One of the Society’s signature contributions is its immersive hands-on educational programming. The archived website highlights a long-running partnership with local schools, centered on:

  • Washboard laundry demonstrations.

  • Quill-pen writing lessons.

  • Wool-spinning stations.

  • Colonial cooking and craft demonstrations.

  • Interpretive storytelling and reenactments.

These activities are designed to engage younger generations by giving them experiential access to life before modern conveniences.

Educators often remark that these tactile experiences have a stronger impact than textbooks or lectures, helping students imagine themselves within Saugerties’ historical timeline.

Community Programs and Events

The Kiersted House has become a community anchor and cultural gathering space, and the archived website showcases the depth of its annual programming:

Summer Concerts

Held on the lawn and gardens, often featuring the Saugerties Community Band, these concerts draw residents, families, and visitors for seasonal outdoor music.

History Day

A major autumn event featuring:

  • Reenactments

  • Demonstrations

  • Exhibits

  • Community presentations

  • Local historical groups and artisans

Seasonal Events

Including holiday programs, themed exhibitions, and cultural showcases.

Venue for Clubs and Organizations

The Society makes the grounds available for appropriate community uses, further embedding itself into civic life.

Through these events, the Society positions the Kiersted House not merely as a museum but as a living cultural space.

Audience and Visitors

SaugertiesHistoricalSociety.com historically targeted several categories of users:

  • Local residents seeking community programming or historical insight.

  • Students and teachers using the museum as a living-history classroom.

  • Genealogists and researchers looking for records, photographs, or interpretive assistance.

  • Tourists and heritage travelers exploring the Catskills, Hudson Valley, and Saugerties’ waterfront.

  • Artists and cultural historians drawn to the region’s architecture and creative legacy.

  • Families attending concerts, festivals, or reenactments.

Visitor reviews from regional publications and travel platforms consistently highlight the museum’s charm, authenticity, and educational value—though they also note the limited open hours, which are typical of volunteer-run historic house museums.

Historical Significance of the Society

The Society’s importance stretches across multiple domains:

Architectural Significance

The Kiersted House is listed on both the New York State Register of Historic Places and the National Register of Historic Places, affirming its architectural and cultural value.

Cultural Significance

The Society helps sustain Saugerties’ identity as a community with deep historic roots, balancing preservation with public engagement.

Educational Significance

By partnering with schools and libraries, the Society ensures that local history remains an active part of civic education.

Archival Significance

The Society maintains a growing collection of artifacts and documents that serve as primary sources for researchers.

Press, Media Coverage, and Public Visibility

While SaugertiesHistoricalSociety.com itself functioned primarily as an informational domain, the Society has been featured in:

  • Local newspapers and town publications.

  • Hudson Valley cultural heritage articles.

  • Community event listings.

  • Regional travel guides and historical journals.

  • Library partnerships and digitization project announcements.

Coverage typically emphasizes the Society’s role in preserving local heritage, sponsoring accessible cultural programming, and maintaining the Kiersted House as both a museum and event venue.

Cultural and Social Impact

The Saugerties Historical Society plays an indispensable role in:

  • Building community pride by preserving local stories and artifacts.

  • Promoting historical literacy, especially among students.

  • Providing continuity during periods of change in the region’s social and economic landscape.

  • Supporting local arts and culture, including summer concerts and community gatherings.

  • Strengthening tourism, adding depth to Saugerties’ appeal as a Hudson Valley destination.

SaugertiesHistoricalSociety.com once served as the digital doorway to this world—its archived content illustrating how the Society developed a layered, community-driven approach to historical preservation.

 

SaugertiesHistoricalSociety.com represents a vital chapter in the digital life of the Saugerties Historical Society. While the organization now operates through its updated .org website, the preserved .com version documents a period of growth, community connection, educational expansion, and ongoing preservation efforts centered on the Kiersted House.

This 2000-plus-word overview demonstrates that the Society—through its website and its historic property—continues to serve as a custodian of Saugerties’ past, an educational resource for local schools, a venue for community events, and a guardian of one of the Hudson Valley’s most important 18th-century structures.

The Society’s influence extends far beyond a single museum: it is an institution that strengthens local identity, celebrates regional history, and ensures that the stories of Saugerties remain accessible to future generations.

 

SaugertiesHistoricalSociety.com