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Hudson River Heritage (HRH) is a nonprofit membership organization committed to preserving the unique character of the Mid-Hudson Valley’s historic architecture, rural landscapes and scenic views through education, advocacy and community involvement.
We are grateful for your interest and invite you to get involved in our important work on behalf of this very special area that we call home.
The Landmark District
The Hudson River National Historic Landmark District was designated by the U.S. Secretary of the Interior in 1990. This district is the largest such district on the mainland of the contiguous United States. It covers an area of 22,205 acres (34.6 square miles) extending inland roughly a mile from the eastern bank of the Hudson River between Staatsburg and Germantown in Dutchess and Columbia counties in the state of New York. This area includes the riverfront sections of the towns of Clermont, Red Hook, Rhinebeck and part of Hyde Park. This strip includes in its entirety the hamlets of Annandale, Barrytown, Rhinecliff and the village of Tivoli.
Bard College and two protected areas, Margaret Lewis Norrie State Park and Tivoli Bays Unique Area, are also within the district. These locations represent some of the most significant historic sites and iconic landscapes in the nation. A total of 1869 unique structures or sites are catalogued and listed as individually significant or contributing to the significance of the district, with an additional 701 classified as non-contributing. HRH spearheaded the application for this prestigious designation, and subsequently was appointed as the steward of this district.
What We Do
Spotlight
Hudson River Heritage serves the interests of our members and others who value the preservation of the treasured history of our area. Our Spotlight items we feature here provide not only information on HRH events and programs, but also topics related to our overall mission and current interest in local preservation news. The archives will remain as a repository of stories we hope are of interest. Suggestions of topics for future Spotlight items are welcome—please email us at: office@hudsonriverheritage.org.
MEMBERS’ RECEPTION AT THE BEATRIX FARRAND GARDEN
July 22, 2024
Hudson River Heritage held a reception for our members and their guests on Sunday, June 9, 2024 in Hyde Park at the Beatrix Farrand Garden at Bellefield. This delightful afternoon […]
September 29, 2023
This year (2023) marks the fiftieth anniversary of the incorporation of Hudson River Heritage, our not-for-profit membership organization of which Richard “Dick” Crowley was the primary originator. This provides an […]
DISCOVER WILDERSTEIN’S CARRIAGE HOUSE!
September 7, 2023
Efforts are underway to raise the necessary funding for the next phase of restoration work on the magnificent Wilderstein Carriage House. This will focus on replacing the roof, and also […]
July 20, 2023
Among the many fascinating estates that populate our historic landmark district is the Wyndclyffe estate in Rhinebeck. Sadly, the house has lain in ruins for quite some time and, despite […]
Recommended Reading
Life Along the Hudson: The Historic Country Estates of the Livingston Family
By Pieter Estersohn, 2018. An incredible look into the 300 years of the Livingston family and their historic houses in the Hudson Valley. Beautifully photographed and written by Estersohn
Our Time at Foxhollow Farm: A Hudson Valley Family Remembered
By David Byars, 2016. A photo-diary of Tracy Dows and his family during the thirty years of living at Foxhollow Farm, their bucolic Hudson Valley estate in Rhinebeck, NY, in the early 20th century.
Robert Winthrop Chanler: Discovering the Fantastic
By Vizcaya Museum and Gardens. Edited by Gina Wouters and Andre Gollin, 2016. A comprehensive history of the brilliant and talented Robert Winthrop Chanler known for his elaborate screens and exotic murals.