If you’re looking for a unique and educational experience in New York, you might want to visit Historic Huguenot Street in New Paltz. This historic site is a living museum that preserves and interprets the history and culture of the Huguenots, a group of French Protestants who fled religious persecution in Europe and settled in New Paltz in the late 17th century.

Historic Huguenot Street is more than just a collection of old buildings. It’s a place where you can immerse yourself in the stories and traditions of the people who shaped America’s early history. You can explore the original stone houses, the reconstructed 1717 church, the burial ground, the visitor center, and the museum shop. You can also enjoy guided tours, special events, exhibits, and educational programs throughout the year.

Here are some of the highlights of what you can see and do at Historic Huguenot Street:

• Learn about the history and legacy of the Huguenots, who were among the first settlers of New York and contributed to the development of religious freedom, democracy, and diversity in America.
• Discover how the Huguenots adapted to their new environment and interacted with the Native Americans, enslaved Africans, Dutch colonists, and other groups in the Hudson Valley.
• Experience what life was like in colonial times by visiting the seven historic houses that date from 1705 to 1894. Each house has its own story and features authentic furnishings, artifacts, and exhibits that reflect different periods and aspects of Huguenot history.
• See the oldest surviving example of French-style architecture in America at the Jean Hasbrouck House, which was built around 1721 and served as a home, a tavern, and a meeting place for the community.
• Admire the craftsmanship and artistry of the Deyo House, which was built in 1692 and later remodeled in 1894 to reflect the Victorian style. The house showcases the wealth and status of the Deyo family, who were prominent merchants and civic leaders in New Paltz.
• Step into the past at the Bevier-Elting House, which was built in 1698 and features a rare example of a jambless fireplace, a Dutch colonial innovation that provided more heat and less smoke than a traditional fireplace.
• Explore the diversity and complexity of Huguenot society at the Abraham Hasbrouck House, which was built around 1721 and reveals the lives of both the free and enslaved residents who lived there.
• Witness the evolution of Huguenot culture at the DuBois Fort Visitor Center, which was built around 1705 and served as a defensive structure, a residence, a store, and a library. The visitor center offers an orientation film, interactive exhibits, a museum shop, and access to guided tours.
• Experience the spiritual heritage of the Huguenots at the reconstructed 1717 French Church, which was built on the site of the original church that was destroyed by fire in 1839. The church hosts worship services, concerts, lectures, and weddings throughout the year.
• Pay your respects at the Huguenot Cemetery, which dates back to 1677 and contains over 1,300 graves of Huguenot descendants and other local residents. The cemetery also features a memorial to honor those who served in various wars.

If you’re looking for a fun and educational day trip in New York, don’t miss Historic Huguenot Street. It’s a place where you can discover the rich history and culture of one of America’s oldest communities. You’ll be amazed by what you’ll learn and see! 😊