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Programs, Events and Education from Hudson River Heritage
Advocacy
Hudson River Heritage (HRH) is involved with matters related to historic aspects of the communities in the district, and offers comments and recommendations at public hearings for development proposals from Hyde Park to Germantown. This includes planning and zoning referrals and commentary (building demolition applications) as well as local designations and historic preservation laws. HRH works with various historic sites and community groups, including the Great Estates Consortium, the Friends of Kingston Waterfront coalition, the Consortium of Rhinebeck History, and the Northern Dutchess Alliance, and offers public comments on proposals for change along the Hudson River corridor.
Programs & Events
Hudson River Heritage (HRH) hosts a Country Seats Tour annually which follows a particular theme and allows ticket holders to tour important historic and unique houses and properties, both public and private. Over the many years, these tours have become a popular event among preservation devotees. HRH also sponsors broad-based preservation forums focusing on culture, architecture, and historic preservation. HRH has partnered with Bard College for their annual Salon Series.
Education & Scholarships
Our educational programs have included preservation forums in the spring, field trips to less well-known sites of regional significance, and a variety of other symposia. In 2017 Hudson River Heritage coordinated a seven-week class at Bard College, Lifetime Learning Institute, on the “Great Estates of the Hudson Valley”. Docents from each estate presented maps, a brief history with a focus on family and historical context, and conservation and preservation goals for these landmark houses: Springwood, Lindenwald, Staatsburgh, Clermont, Vanderbilt, Wilderstein, Montgomery Place, Locust Grove, Olana, and Cedar Grove (Thomas Cole house).
In 2017 Hudson River Heritage established a Founders’ Scholarship, awarding $1,000 to an eligible student who shows an interest in the study of history and/or related fields of architectural examination and preservation. This is now an annual award.
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Qualifying college-bound graduating seniors from Red Hook, Rhinebeck, Hyde Park and Germantown high schools who show an interest in the study of history and the related fields of architectural examinations and preservations are eligible for the 2024 Hudson River Heritage Founders’ Scholarship Award. The chosen winner will be awarded a $1,000.00 scholarship.
To apply please download this form and mail to: Hudson River Heritage, P.O. Box 287, Rhinebeck, NY 12572, to be received no later than May 1 or send via email to office@hudsonriverheritage.org no later than May 1.
The 2023 Hudson River Heritage Founders’ Scholarship award was presented to Noah Coon on June 5, 2023, at Germantown High School. Noah received a number of other awards as well, which cited his interest, enthusiasm and accomplishments in the study of history and more. Noah was already enrolled at Marist for some courses during his senior year of high school, and will continue his studies there, with the goal of becoming a history teacher. The board of directors of Hudson River Heritage congratulate Noah on this achievement (seen above accepting the certificate with board president Warren Temple Smith).