1.8 Million For New Visitor Center At HV National Historic Site

The Hudson Valley has astonishing, historic stories to share. Some of these real life events are hidden while others are presented to the community to bring history to life. Some of our ancestors can be traced back to the early 1600's.

Influential Members Of Society Who Lived In The Hudson Valley, Live On

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Franklin Delano Roosevelt, also referred to as FDR, was the 32nd president of the United States. FDR was known for being elected into office four times and leading the US through the Great Depression and World War II.

He resided in Hyde Park with his wife Eleanor Roosevelt. Two miles away, you will find the Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site at Val-Kill. This property was so calm, peaceful and full of greenery during the summer months. I had the chance to see FDR's house and Eleanor's getaway.

I enjoyed seeing her living room, sleeping porch and office where her chair was set higher than the guest's spot during meetings. She was known as the "First Lady of the World" and for her caring and charitable contributions.

The home of FDR is a National Historic Site. Tours of FDR's home are open daily to the public. These beautiful grounds showcase the beauty of the grounds, the gardens and the home where the Roosevelts spent time.

Who Was Thomas Cole?

According to Thomas Cole National Historic Site,

"Thomas Cole (1801-1848) was an American artist and early environmentalist. He was an economic migrant and the founder of this nation’s first major art movement, now known as the Hudson River School of landscape painting.

The Thomas Cole National Historic Site preserves and interprets the home and studios of Thomas Cole, the founder of the Hudson River School of painting, the nation's first major art movement."

Where Is The Thomas Cole National Historic Site?

This historic site can be found in Catskill, NY. It's known for being

" the birthplace of the major art movement of the United States, now known as the Hudson River School, as it was founded by Thomas Cole (1801-1848). "

Thomas Cole National Historic Site is a nonprofit organization. Cole had an influence on culture and landscape which is continued on in Catskill, NY.

According to ILOVENY,

"The Thomas Cole National Historic Site is an international destination presenting the original home and studios of the artist and early environmentalist Thomas Cole (1801-1848).
Cole founded the first major art movement of the United States, now known as the Hudson River School of landscape painting. Located on six acres in the Hudson Valley, the Site includes the 1815 Main House, Cole’s 1839 Old Studio, the reconstructed 1846 New Studio building, and panoramic views of the Catskill Mountains."

On site, there are self guided tours, exhibitions, lectures, school programs and more.

What's The 1.8 Million Dollar Plan At This Hudson Valley National Historic Site?

There's a new project underway in Catskill, NY in Greene County. This will take place at The Thomas Cole National Historic Site.

According to ILOVENY,

"Empire State Development (ESD) today celebrated the groundbreaking of the $1.8 million Master Plan, with a new visitor center as its centerpiece, at the Thomas Cole National Historic Site, located in the village of Catskill, Greene County.
The new 1,800 square foot visitor center, to be named The Cole Center, will serve as a multi-purpose open concept space designed to improve visitor experience.
The Cole Center will incorporate high-efficiency heating and cooling pumps, with electricity sourced from regional solar. This project is being supported by a $360,000 ESD capital grant recommended by the Capital Regional Economic Development Council."

The Cole Center will include events, a gift shop, a café, patio access to the public, activities and more.

There Will Be A New Visitor Center In Catskill, NY

A new visitor center will open in Catskill, NY. This will take place at Thomas Cole National Historic Site. The Empire State Development is excited to take on and support this at such an important location. They hope that it helps the growth, knowledge and tourism for Thomas Cole National Historic Site and Greene County, NY.

" Over the twelve rounds of the Regional Economic Development Council Awards, New York State has awarded more than $1.8 million to support the Thomas Cole National Historic Site."
"The new Cole Center was designed pro bono by Stephen Shadley, a New York City-based architectural designer who is a member of the Board of Trustees of the Thomas Cole National Historic Site."

Thomas Cole National Historic Site

218 Spring Street

Catskill, NY 12414

Will you take a trip to this new visitor center? Share with us below.

5 Gifts That Say Hudson Valley, That Everyone Will Love!

Have You Been To FDR's Cousin's House in Rhinebeck, NY?

Some may only know about FDR and Eleanor Roosevelt but there were other family members who played a role in the Hudson Valley.

Thomas Suckley and his wife Catherine Murray Bowne created history in Dutchess County, NY. Their estate called "Wilderstein" was designed in the 1800's.

According to Wilderstein.org, the meaning behind the name of their estate means "wild man's stone". This was in reference to "an Indian petroglyph on the property, a reminder of the cultural heritage that preceded European settlement of the region."

By the late 1800's, the son of Thomas and Catherine (Robert Bowne Suckley) along with his wife, Elizabeth Philips Montgomery decided to add onto the estate.

This "Queen Anne style mansion" is also known for its beautiful views, lush landscape and large property. There were three generations of the Suckley family members that lived at Wilderstein.

Who was related to FDR?

Margaret Suckley was not only just a cousin of FDR but they spent quality time together. She traveled with FDR during his presidency and gifted him his black Scottish terrier dog, Fala.

Margaret also helped FDR form his library located in Hyde Park, NY.

Some would also say that she was a "confidante" to him as well. Margaret was with FDR when he passed away in Georgia. She died at the Wilderstein estate in 1991 at 100 years old.

Margaret was the last resident to live at Wilderstein.

Wilderstein is also known as "the Hudson Valley's most important example of Victorian architecture."