Last updated: 5/21/2012
Fishkill, New York
Street Address
504 Route 9 at I-84
Fishkill, NY 12524
Mailing Address
P.O. Box 133
Fishkill, NY 12524

Hours

First weekend of June to last weekend of October
Daily
1 PM - 4 PM
also by appointment

Admissions

Free. Donations Accepted.

Staff

Steve Lynch
phone: 845-896-8755
Jack Hale
phone:
Cliff Foley
phone: 845-297-1875
Cathy Foley
phone: 845-297-1875
e-mail:
Willa Skinner
phone: 845-896-9888
Karen Hitt
phone: 845-896-8022
Roy Jorgensen
phone: 845-897-4348
Description

A typical Dutch Colonial homestead built in 1732. The museum as artifacts dating back to the Revolutionary war. Also has local paintings. Events all year round.

Mission

Our Fishkill Historical Society's goal is to educate the young generations about Fishkill's history and importance during the American Revolution - specifically the Van Wyck Homestead used as Officers' Headquarters during the American Revolution, and the importance of the strategically located Fishkill Supply Depot (1776 -1783).

History
A Brief History

In 1732 Cornelius Van Wyck purchased 959 Acres of land from Madam Brett and built a small house, the present east wing of the Homestead. Today there is less than one acre left of the old Van Wyck farm property. Our Van Wyck Homestead Museum rests on this remaining one acre at the corner of Snook Road and Route 9 right across the street from the I-84 exit 13 eastbound exit ramp.

During the Revolutionary War, the Van Wyck Homestead was requisitioned as the "Officers" Headquarters' for the Continental Army assigned to the Fishkill Supply Depot (1776 - 1783). General Israel Putnam was the first commander to use this Homestead as his Headquarters. Putnam County, south of Dutchess County, is named in honor of General Israel Putnam. After the American Revolution ended, the house reverted to the owners, and the Van Wyck descendants occupied it until the 1880's. It was occupied until the late 1950s when, for some reason, it couldn?t be sold, and was abandoned. Thus, in 1962 the Fishkill Historical Society was formed to preserve the Homestead and keep its history alive.

The Van Wyck Homestead is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is part of the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area.

Artifact Collections

The Van Wyck Homestead has artifacts from the Amerian Revolution from the Fishkill Supply Depot. Along with portaits and other family posessions.

Research Collections

Library of local genealogy and history - rich in Rev War material.

The Museum is also home to the Fishkill Historical Society's library and archives. Open by appt.
Educational Programs

Docent program; Local History for local schools to meet NYS requirements; quarterly lectures.

We have docent programs, workshops, school tours, outdoor walking tours, and other events year round.
Governance

Fishkill Historical Society

Library
Access: General Public, Students, Staff Only, Members
Appointment required: Yes
Publications
Newsletter

VanWyck Dispatch

Services

Gift Shop, public Museum, events by the Fishkill Historical Society

Gift Shop
Group Tours
ADA
Wheelchair Accessible
Exhibitions
Museum Events
DISCLAIMER
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MUSEUM CONFERENCES

Public Lands Alliance 2025 Convention and Trade Show

February 2 - 6, 2025

Las Vegas, Nevada

Georgia Association of Museums 2025 Conference

February 5 - 7, 2025

Milledgeville, Georgia

Small Museum Association 41st Annual Conference 2025

February 17 - 19, 2025

Gaithersburg, Maryland

2025 California Association of Museums Conference

February 18 - 22, 2025

San Fransico, California

2025 Tennessee Association of Museums Conference: HOPE

March 11 - 14, 2025

Knoxville, Tennessee

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