The Senate House State Historic site reflects the Dutch way of life that characterized Kingston in the 18th century. More importantly, it was the meeting place for the original New York State Senate.
History was made here as colonists shaped a newly created government. Our collection of colonial-era artifacts, furniture, and portraits, shed light on domestic colonial life and times.
The historic Senate House and Museum welcomes all visitors for a glimpse of Colonial Life. Come for a guided tour or enjoy a special event.
The Senate House Educational Opportunities:
Schools & Groups
Visiting the Senate House is a great way for school groups, scouting groups, and other organizations to learn about New York State history and life in the 1700s. Groups visiting the site will receive a guided tour of the Senate House and see an authentic 18th century Dutch home filled with objects that the colonists used. While at the site, young visitors can also take part in a scavenger hunt in the Museum and learn about the interesting objects currently on display.
Homeschool Groups
The Senate House State Historic Site provides homeschoolers with the opportunity to learn about colonial life and Kingston’s role in the early days of our nation’s history. We welcome homeschoolers to consider scheduling any of our field trip thematic programs that complement your homeschool curriculum. We can adapt most programs to serve smaller groups with an age-range of students.
History Camp
Through hands-on activities children explore and discover what life may have been like for someone their age in the 18th century.
Activities include but are not limited to churning butter, making “delft” tiles, examining 18th century documents and writing with a quill pen and ink, working in the vegetable garden, carding wool, learning how to spin using a drop spindle, making