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, who drafted the Declaration of Independence among many other accomplishments.

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, the press, and their associates.

The first National Historic Site devoted to a First Lady, Val-Kill today is filled with many of Eleanor Roosevelt’s 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 utilised area farm workers to produce replica Early American furniture. The factory closed in 1936; shortly afterward, First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt 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, entertaining friends as well as heads of state such as Winston Churchill and Jawaharlal Nehru. During this time, she also served as the country’s ambassador to the United Nations and earned the nickname “First Lady of the World.”

Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site

The home of America’s only 4-term president, known as “Springwood”, as well as the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library & Museum. Franklin D. Roosevelt was the 32nd and longest-serving president of the United States. He returned to Hyde Park often, drawing on this place to renew his spirit during times of personal and political crisis. Explore the Roosevelt saga in the homes of Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt, the exhibits at the nation’s first Presidential Library, and over a thousand acres of gardens and trails.

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 Valley River.

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 in 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