Historic Huguenot Street District

Overview:
- The Historic Huguenot Street District is a 10-acre National Historic Landmark District located in New Paltz, NY.
- Reflects life as it was in 1678 when several Huguenot families settled in the area.
- One of the oldest inhabited settlements in the United States.
Features:
- Seven early 18th-century historic stone houses and several accompanying structures.
- A reconstructed 1717 Huguenot church.
- Numerous archaeological sites and a burial ground dating back to the first settlers.
- A modern visitor center with exhibit and program spaces.
Research and Preservation:
- Home to an extensive archive and research library.
- Preserves early family papers and local history collections.

History

Historical Background:
- In 1678, a group of Huguenot families settled in the Hudson Valley of New York, forming an established community over the following decades.
- In 1894, descendants of the settlers created what is now the Historic Huguenot Street District to preserve their culture, heritage, and historic buildings.
Preservation and Exploration:
- The district maintains the original buildings, objects, and stories collected over centuries.
- Visitors can explore the area through a variety of guided tours, including:
  - Architectural tours
  - Culinary tours
- Special programs highlight the district's fascinating history.
Cultural Significance:
- The district reflects the contributions of multiple cultures and nations, including:
  - African
  - English
  - Dutch
  - French
  - Indian
- These cultures contributed to the district's diversity and helped shape its identity as part of the American fabric.

Overview of the District:
- A 10-acre National Historic Landmark District providing a detailed glimpse into late 19^th-century life.
- Features include:
  - Beautifully preserved buildings and historic stone houses
  - A reconstructed 1717 Huguenot church
  - Archaeological sites
  - A cemetery and burial ground dating back to early settlers
- Modern amenities include:
  - A new Visitor Center
  - Exhibition and program spaces
  - An extensive archive and research library preserving historical documents, collections, and family papers
Notable Historic Buildings:
- Seven old stone houses built by early settlers, showcasing early architectural styles:
  - Bevier-Elting House (1894)
  - Abraham (Daniel) Hasbrouck House (1720)
  - Jean Hasbrouck House (1721)
  - Louis DuBois House, aka the Dubois Fort (1705)
  - Freer House
  - Deyo House (circa 1720)
- Other notable buildings and structures:
  - Crispell Memorial French Church (1717)
  - LeFevre House (1799)
  - Deyo Hall
  - Roosa House Library and Archives

Overview:
- The Historic Huguenot Street District is owned and operated by Historic Huguenot Street (HHS), founded in 1894.
- Began offering educational and community-based programs in the 1980s and continues to do so today.
- Provides year-round public programming for all ages, including:
  - Exhibitions
  - Interpretations
  - Demonstrations
Camp Huguenot:
- An engaging program for children of all ages to explore Historic Huguenot Street and its history.
- Includes opportunities to:
  - Discover and experience the site's rich history and heritage.
  - Learn about archaeology by working on a live dig alongside real archaeologists.
  - Search for artifacts left behind by the original Huguenot settlers and Native Americans.
- Activities:
  - Excavating, cleaning, cataloging artifacts, and understanding their cultural significance.
  - Exhibiting findings at the end of the week for family members to admire.
  - Traditional arts and crafts
  - Local field trips
  - Indoor and outdoor games
  - Tours of the historic site

Location:
- The Historic Huguenot Street District is located in New Paltz, New York.
- Address: 88 Huguenot Street, New Paltz, NY 12561
- Phone: 845-255-1660
Exploring the District:
- Visitors can enjoy free walking tours or book private guided tours.
- Free walking tours:
  - Downloadable with detailed information about the attractions.
  - Features 300-year-old histories of the famous stone houses, background details, and photos of interiors and collections.
- Private docent-led guided tours:
  - Offer a more in-depth exploration of the District.
  - By appointment and include visits to the historic houses.
- School tours can also be arranged for educational purposes.
Visitor Center:
- Provides comprehensive information about the area, houses, buildings, and the District’s rich history and heritage.
- Features a Museum Shop selling:
  - District-related items
  - Books
  - Gifts and objects
- Includes a shaded picnic area for visitors to enjoy lunch.
Dining Options:
- Local eateries within walking distance of Huguenot Street offer sit-down meal options.

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