Saugerties Historical Society

Article on the Historical Society, host of:
Saugerties Area Chamber of Commerce, Inc
Members Meeting and Mixer, May 30th, 6:30pm
Kiersted House, Saugerties Historical Society
article written by Blanca Aponte

Marjorie Block (second from left, photo at right) has been in the President's seat for "only six months" but what is evident is her deep love for the Kiersted House and for the history of Saugerties. This love is shared by her family which include husband, Harry, five children and two grandchildren. Little wonder as her family has been in Saugerties since 1709!

"The purpose of the Saugerties Historical Society is 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 historical resources of the community available through education, exhibition and interpretation; and to secure the safe management and protection of such resources that may come under it's jurisdiction."

The Saugerties Historical Society is located at 119 Main Street in the historic DuBois-Kiersted house which was built in 1727, The house retains much of it's original interior composition. This includes wide-plank floors, box stairs, Georgian mantels, molding and cabinetry and even 18th century window panes! The Historical Society acquired the house on June 1st, 1999 through tremendous community effort.

Special events include "History Day", historical reenactments, free lawn concerts and of course, educational programs. Last year, over a thousand children visited the "Kiersted House" for various community and school events. Thanksgiving was celebrated with their own Colonial harvest.

This year the Society received a generous grant from Assemblyman Peter Lopez so that they may create more programs to reach young people.

"Currently, we are the only museum hosting in-service training for Ulster County teachers in American history. Personally, I believe that the educational programs are of the utmost importance. It seems with times changing so fast, we have forgotten the struggles of those who laid the groundwork for our community, by teaching young people, we strive to give them a greater sense of pride in Saugerties and in themselves.

Another important project which the Society has undertaken is the "Dutch Barn Restoration Project". This is a circa 1760's Dutch Barn which was genorously donated by the Solite Company in 2003. It was carefully documented, disassembled and is currently being stored on the Kiersted House property.

On a map from 1790, the Kiersted House is shown with a Dutch barn similar to similar to this one so the project will help restore the property to what it once was. This project is being funded by donations from the community and also by generous grants from Senator John Bonaic and by a recent auction of miniature Dutch barns which were painted by local artists. Over $3,000.00 was raised. Learn more about the Kiersted House, click here.

Blanca Aponte
Casa Blanca Real Estate