Local Itineraries
A trip to the Putnam History Museum combines well with a visit to other local historical and cultural destinations.
Remembering War Theme:
West Point Museum: this free destination has incredible exhibitions about the history of West Point, the history of war in the Hudson Highlands, and the history of war in general.
Washington’s Headquarters in Newburgh; this free destination has newly redesigned, extensive exhibitions of artillery and materials that belonged to General Washington’s family.
Fishkill Supply Depot: sometimes called “New York’s Valley Forge,” nearly 2,000 Revolutionary War era soldiers are believed to have been buried at the Fishkill Supply Depot, which was located in part where the Fishkill Home Depot is now located. There is a memorial at the Van Wyck House and the three hundred veteran’s graves identified across from Maya Café are sometimes marked.
Scenic Hudson’s West Point Foundry Preserve: combines Civil War history with Hudson Valley’s natural beauty. Take a walk along the quiet trails and learn about the foundry’s crucial role in the American industrial revolution. Visit www.foundrytour.org using a web-enabled mobile device for an audiovisual tour of the West Point Foundry Preserve.
West Point Foundry Theme:
Scenic Hudson’s West Point Foundry Preserve: the foundry was established in 1818 to produce artillery for the U.S. government. During the Civil War, it manufactured Parrott guns, cannons whose accuracy is credited for the North’s victory. Until its 1911 closure, the foundry also produced some of America’s first locomotives, steamships and pipes for New York City’s water system.
The Chapel Restoration: The Chapel Restoration, Cold Spring, New York, was built in 1833, in the Greek Revival style. Abandoned in 1906, it was a charred, weather-ravaged ruin until its restoration in the 1970s. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In 1996, with funds from the estate of Hugh Holt, a balcony based on the original was built and a tracker action pipe organ custom-built by George Bozeman was installed. The chapel also has a Steinway Grand Piano, once owned by the Livingston family.
Foundry Dock Park: Park visitors can view a simulation of the foundry’s rail line and enjoy wildlife attracted to a variety of native plants. For paddlers, this is a great place to begin excursions into Foundry Cove and Audubon New York’s Constitution Marsh Sanctuary, a haven for waterfowl and migratory birds. History buffs shouldn’t miss the picturesque 1833 Chapel of Our Lady next to the park, built for foundry workers.
Traveling with kids theme: Visit our children’s corner in the front gallery. You may wish to combine your museum visit with some of these other activities.
Playgrounds: Cold Spring Tots Park; a great outlet for children aged kindergarten and younger. For older children, visit the playground at Haldane Central School District during non-school hours.
Parks: Small children may enjoy watching kayaks launch at Foundry Dock Park. People of all ages can enjoy a walk along Cold Spring’s waterfront and Dockside park.
Little Stony Point has an easy waterside loop with a beach area for wading, as well as a hike to the top of the small-but-steep cliffs.
Hikes: There are numerous hikes throughout Philipstown for people of all ages and abilities. Visit 22 Hikes in Philipstown or contact the museum staff for suggestions in advance of your visit.
In case of rain: The Butterfield Library and The Desmond-Fish Library both have children’s rooms.
Other cultural organizations of interest:
Boscobel: Built between 1804 and 1808 on a 250-acre river front site in Montrose, New York, Boscobel is considered to be one of the finest examples of Federal-style architecture in New York. Boscobel’s complex history represents several different periods and restoration philosophies. The house is restored to the Federal style of the late 18th and early 19th centuries and is highly regarded for its quality and authenticity.
Manitoga: Manitoga/The Russel Wright Design Center preserves, interprets and shares Russel Wright’s modernist home, studio and 75-acre woodland garden as a vibrant example of living in creative harmony with nature and the value of good design in daily living for all. Manitoga is a National Historic Landmark, a member of the National Trust’s Historic Artists’ Homes and Studios Program, and a World Monuments Watch Site. It is one of the few 20th century modern homes open to the public in New York State.
Garrison Art Center: Garrison Art Center, located on the banks of the Hudson, offers serious programs along with fun events and everything in between, for all ages, all year long. The Riverside Galleries consist of two exhibition spaces that feature quality exhibitions and educational shows throughout the year.