Dutchess County Where History Comes Alive

Discover the history museums of Dutchess County, each with a unique story to tell, from the daily life on a 1732 Dutch Colonial homestead, to the history of WWI and barnstorming era airplanes. Dutchess County is gearing up for Rev250, a unique event celebrating the USA's semiquincentennial in 2026, marking 250 years since the original 13 colonies became a new nation with the signing of the Declaration of Independence on 4 July 1776. To commemorate this independence — and the Revolutionary War that was fought to secure it — events will be staged throughout Dutchess County and the Hudson Valley in the time leading up to the 250th anniversary.

Clermont State Historic Site

Visit the country estate of seven generations of the prominent Livingston family. Originally built by Robert Livingston around 1740, Clermont mansion was burned to the ground in October 1777 by British soldiers to punish the Livingstons for their support of the rebels. As a result of a constant stream of letters written to New York’s governor, Margaret Beekman Livingston soon secured militia exemptions for enough men to rebuild the house. Don’t miss the opportunity to learn about the most famous member of the Livingston family: Chancellor Robert R. Livingston, Margaret’s son, whose many accomplishments included swearing in George Washington as America’s first U.S. President.

Enjoy the restored mansion, visitor centre, exhibit galleries, formal gardens, and carriage trails. Also host to numerous special events throughout the season. 

Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site

Tour the only National Historic Site dedicated to a first lady of the United States. "Val-Kill" was the home of Eleanor Roosevelt from 1945-1962. Here, Franklin and Eleanor entertained friends, state visitors, and the press.

Today, Val-Kill is filled with many of Eleanor Roosevelt’s personal possessions. Designed in the Dutch Colonial style and constructed in 1925. A larger building was erected the following year to house Val-Kill Industries, which taught local farm workers how to produce replica Early American furniture. The factory closed in 1936; shortly afterward, the First Lady  turned the building into apartments for herself and her secretary. Throughout her husband’s presidency, she often stayed at Val-Kill. After his death, she lived there for 17 years. Val-Kill hosted many dignitaries such as Winston Churchill and John F. Kennedy. She also served as a U.S. delegate to the United Nations where she co-authored the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and earned the nickname “First Lady of the World.”

Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site

The birthplace of America’s only four-term president, known as “Springwood”, is where Franklin D. Roosevelt, known as FDR, returned to again and again during his presidency.  FDR was the 32nd and longest-serving president of the United States, guiding America out of the Great Depression and through WWII.  In June of 1939, the Roosevelts hosted King George VI and Queen Elizabeth of England, signifying the first time a reigning monarch had ever set foot on American soil. Explore the Roosevelt saga as a self-guided experience in the state-of-the-art exhibits at the nation’s first Presidential Library, Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.

Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome Museum & Air Shows

Visit the earliest days of aviation at the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome Museum and Air Show featuring antique airplanes of WWI. The museum is a living, working airfield and museum operating in an authentic setting. Air Shows take place on weekends during the summer and are fun for all the family. If you are up for the adventure, you can book a biplane ride that offers spectacular views of the Catskill Mountains and the Hudson River Valley.

Staatsburgh State Historic Site

Visit the gorgeous Gilded Age country home of Ogden Mills and Ruth Livingston Mills in the small hamlet of Staatsburg, where they enjoyed the "Downton Abbey" lifestyle in turn-of-the-century America. Overlooking the Hudson River, you can tour the Beaux-Arts mansion of 79 rooms and explore the 192-acre property, which has a variety of trails directly on the Hudson River next to Mills-Norrie State Park.

Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site

Explore this Gilded Age mansion on the Hudson River in Hyde Park, which was the lavish country home of Frederick and Louise Vanderbilt from 1896-1938. The property has perfectly symmetrical Italian-inspired formal gardens and a "Millionaire's View" of the Hudson River. Explore extensive grounds, hiking trails and see spectacular views of the Hudson River. 

Wilderstein Historic Site

The home of the Suckley family for three generations, Wilderstein was built in the Italianate style for Thomas Suckley in 1852 and was later remodelled by his son, Robert, in the Queen Anne style. During remodelling the interior was decorated with wall coverings in wood, leather, and silk, as well as stained-glass windows. The rooms, including a Flemish library, silk-draped Louis XVI salon, Colonial Revival parlour, and English Renaissance style dining room, represent the styles of late 19th-century interior design. In 1890, Robert Suckley hired Calvert Vaux to landscape the grounds, with trails leading to scenic overlooks. Wilderstein’s last resident, Margaret “Daisy” Suckley, transferred ownership of the estate to a not-for-profit institution in the early 1980s to assure the home’s preservation for future generations. A distant cousin and confidante of Franklin D. Roosevelt, Suckley lived in the home until her death in 1991.