Amidst the turmoil of a British military invasion in the fall of 1777, the elected representatives of rebellious New Yorkers met in Kingston to form a new state government. While convened in Kingston in September and October, New York's first Senate met in the simple stone house of merchant Abraham Van Gaasbeek.
In 1887, to recognize Senate House's role in the formation of New York State, New York State acquired the property, which quickly became a vital community museum. A two-story Museum Building was constructed in 1927 to house and display the site's burgeoning collection. Among its treasures are: major art works by John Vanderlyn and other members of the Vanderlyn family of Kingston. The museum also includes the site's popular new exhibit; "Kingston Stockade: New Netherlands' Third City," discussing Kingston's early history.
Hours of Operation
- Group tours are offered year-round, but must be scheduled in advance.
Site grounds are open from dawn to dusk. -
- April 15 through October 31
Wednesday-Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m and Sunday 1-5 p.m.
Site is open year-round by appointment. -
Fees & Rates
Most New York State Parks charge a vehicle use fee to enter the facility. Fees vary by location and season. A list of entry fees and other park use fees is available below. For fees not listed or to verify information, please contact the park directly.
The easy-to-use Empire Pass card is $80- and your key to all-season enjoyment with unlimited day-use entry at most facilities operated by State Parks and the State Dept. of Environmental Conservation including forests, beaches, trails and more. Purchase online or contact your favorite park for more information.
Learn more about our Admission Programs including the Empire Pass.
Let us bring Senate House to you! Due to
construction during the 2025 season, Senate House will be offering outreach
programs to schools and other learning institutions. Each program can be
tailored to your class size and needs. Participants will receive a grade
appropriate program, where they will learn about daily life in the 18th
century, as well as the Revolutionary War and how it impacted both the Van
Gaasbeek household and the inhabitants of Kingston. They will also have a
chance to participate in activities related to the programs offered in this
brochure. Outreach programs are $5/Student. To schedule a visit to your school
or for additional information, please call 845-338-2786 or email SenateHouseSHS@parks.ny.gov
Friday Festivities: Herbs and Cures
Friday, August 1, 2025 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Senate House State Historic Site
Step back in time with this hands-on activity exploring the
fascinating world of 18th century herbs and home remedies!
Stop by the Senate House grounds on Friday, August 1, to learn how early Americans used common garden herbs for healing and
everyday health, long before modern medicine. Visitors will smell touch and
learn about herbs like lavender, mint, rosemary and chamomile – plants that
were often used in colonial kitchens and apothecaries. This family friendly
drop-in activity is free and weather dependent.
Friday Festivities: Wampum Craft
Friday, August 8, 2025 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Senate House State Historic Site
Stop by the Senate House grounds on Friday, August 8, to craft your own paper made Native American inspired Wampum!
Wampum shells held great spiritual power for many Native
Peoples, and presenting these belts made of ornate beads often symbolized a
relationship of exchange during treaties and historical events. Site staff will
host a craft table on our grounds where visitors to try their hand at making
their own history inspired paper wampum belts. This family friendly
drop-in activity is free, weather dependent and while supplies last.
Friday Festivities: Switchel
Friday, August 15, 2025 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Senate House State Historic Site
Stop by the Senate House grounds on Friday, August 15, to take a break from the summer heat and try the popular 18th
century drink Switchel to cool down.
Also known as "haymaker's punch," Switchel was a popular 18th
century drink made from a mix of water, vinegar, ginger, and a sweetener like
molasses, honey or maple syrup. Switchel originated in New England and in the
Caribbean and was commonly consumed by farmers and laborers, especially during
haying season. It was valued for its ability to quench thirst, restore
electrolytes and ability to cool the body after long hours in the heat –
similar to modern day sports drinks! Visit the outdoor tent on our grounds to
learn more about this drink and come taste it for yourself! This family
friendly drop-in activity is free, weather dependent and runs while supplies
last.
Friday Festivities: Candle Dipping
Friday, August 22, 2025 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Senate House State Historic Site
Stop by the Senate House grounds on Friday, August 22, to learn how to make your own drip candle! Candles were the primary
lighting source during the 18th Century. Learning how to make and maintain
candles became a very valued skill. Site staff will host a craft table on our
grounds where visitors to try their hand at making their own drip candle. This
family friendly drop-in activity is free and weather dependent.
Friday Festivities: Corn Husk Dolls
Friday, August 29, 2025 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Senate House State Historic Site
Stop by the Senate House grounds on Friday, August 29, to learn how to make your very own corn husk doll!
Corn husk dolls were originally a Native American craft that
was adopted by Europeans, and became a popular 18th century children's toy that
children could make themselves. Site staff will host a craft table on our
grounds where visitors to try their hand at making their own corn husk dolls.
This family friendly drop-in activity is free, weather dependent and runs while
supplies last.