Hudson River Valley 250 & Beyond
The Hudson River Valley 250 & Beyond event series celebrates 250 years of American history in the National Heritage Area with monthly events held throughout the region. Each event focuses on an NHA theme – American Revolution, Art & Architecture, Corridor of Commerce, Freedom & Dignity, and the Environmental Movement – and takes participants on a journey from the late eighteenth century to today.
Revolutionary Salon Series: Traveling the Loyalist Trail
Boscobel House & Gardens | 1601 Route 9D, Garrison
July 10 @ 5 p.m.
Join the Maurice D. Hinchey Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area and Boscobel House & Gardens for the kick-off to the Hudson River Valley 250 & Beyond event series.
As we mark 250 years of American Independence, explore the human stories behind Revolutionary-era loyalties. Boscobel Executive Director and Curator Jennifer Carlquist will welcome guests at the historic site’s salon for an educational talk about what life was like for Loyalists who lived in the Hudson River Valley before, during, and after the American Revolution, including Boscobel’s own Dyckman family.
While often dismissed by history as the “losing side,” most Loyalists remained in, or returned to, the United States after the war, becoming as American as their Patriot counterparts. Navigating these sites and their histories offers a richer, more nuanced understanding of America’s founding and the people who lived through it. The Loyalist sites and families discussed will bring to life the uncertainty, risk, and deeply personal, cultural, and economic ties that divided families and communities so profoundly.
Carlquist is a 30-year museum professional celebrating historic landscapes, buildings, and interiors; their contents; and contexts; as powerful tools for community engagement.
This event is free to the public.
History Paddle: The Phoenix and The Rose
Yonkers Paddling & Rowing Club | 35 Alexander Street, Yonkers
July 25 @ 10 a.m.
The Maurice D. Hinchey Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area, Yonkers Paddling & Rowing Club, and Philipse Manor Hall State Historic Site invite you to explore a dramatic chapter of Revolutionary War history—while kayaking on the very waters where it unfolded.
On this guided paddling adventure led by instructors from the Yonkers Paddling & Rowing Club, an educator from Philipse Manor Hall State Historic Site will bring to life the story of Phoenix and Rose, two British warships that occupied the Hudson River near Yonkers during the summer of 1776. Participants will learn about the vessels’ strategic role in the war and the daring Patriot attack launched in an attempt to destroy them.
Equipment, snacks, and water will be provided
This event is free to the public. Space is limited, available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Adventure & Art: The Hudson River School
Thomas Cole National Historic Site | 218 Spring Street, Catskill
August 23 @ 11 a.m.
Join the Maurice D. Hinchey Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area and Thomas Cole National Historic Site on a 2.5-mile guided hike to the Hudson River Skywalk. After taking in the views that inspired Hudson River School artists, guests will return to Thomas Cole for an art making activity and historic house tour.
Following the Hudson River Valley 250 & Beyond activities, guests are encouraged to stay for Thomas Cole’s Summer Festival, which will feature National Heritage Area partners, local merchants, and vendors.
This event is free to the public, space is limited.
Corridor of Commerce Day
Hudson River Maritime Museum | 50 Rondout Landing, Kingston
October 3 @ 11:00 a.m.
Join the Maurice D. Hinchey Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area and Hudson River Maritime Museum for a festival celebrating one of the most influential waterways in America!
For centuries, the Hudson River was a hub of economic activity, connecting the interior to New York City and the Atlantic Ocean. Learn about the ships that navigated its deep channels, the lighthouses that guided sailors, industries the river supported, and the people who lived and worked along its shores at Corridor of Commerce Day.
In addition to on-campus activities, guests can continue their exploration of the Hudson River on Solaris, a 100% solar-powered cruise boat, which will be making trips to the Rondout Lighthouse throughout the day, available on a first-come first-serve basis.
This event is free to the public. No reservation required.
Freedom & Dignity
Dutchess County | November
Check back for event details.
Environmental Movement
Albany County | December
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