Columbia County Historical Society - 4 Things to Know Before Visiting

James Vanderpoel's House of History is a well-known and beloved collection of art and artifacts located in the heart of Columbia. Founded by James Vanderpoel in 1882, the House of History showcases a unique selection of objects from Native American and African-American culture, along with examples of art and everyday items from various historical periods. Visitors to the House of History can take a self-guided tour to learn more about the history of the area and the people who shaped it.

The Luykas Van Alen House is an historic 18th century stone house located in the town of Kinderhook in Columbia County. Built in 1737, the house is one of the earliest surviving examples of Dutch Colonial architecture in the United States. The house is a two-story, five-bay structure, constructed of stone and capped with a gambrel roof. The house was the home of Luykas Van Alen, a local Dutch settler, who built the house on land granted to him by Dutch patroon Stephen Van Rensselaer.

The Ichabod Crane Schoolhouse is an historic one-room schoolhouse located in the town of Claverack, Columbia County, New York. Built in 1875, the schoolhouse served as an educational center for the local community until it closed in 1958. The building is a significant example of 19th century rural architecture, featuring a gable roof, clapboard siding, and wood-sash windows. The interior of the schoolhouse features an original blackboard and a recitation bench.

Martin Van Buren National Historic Site is located in Columbia County, New York and is the home of the 8th president of the United States, Martin Van Buren. The site encompasses the former home and grounds of Van Buren, as well as the nearby office building and museum. Visitors to the historic site can explore the grounds that were once home to Van Buren, including his library, law office, and the 1841 Lindenwald Mansion.

Art Omi is an international art center located in Columbia County, New York. The center was founded in 1992 as an outdoor sculpture park and gallery. It is home to over 100 sculptures by some of the world's most renowned artists. In addition, it hosts a variety of exhibitions throughout the year, as well as residency programs for international artists. The grounds of Art Omi offer visitors an experience of nature, sculpture, and art.

Scenic Hudson's Long View Park is a beautiful outdoor recreational area located in Greene County, New York. Owned and managed by the non-profit organization Scenic Hudson, the park offers visitors a chance to immerse themselves in nature while enjoying scenic views of the Hudson River and its surroundings. Long View Park is situated on a bluff overlooking the Hudson River, providing panoramic vistas of the waterway and the surrounding landscape.