1965 The Spark

Concern about the impact of Urban Renewal on the historic fabric of Kingston was the spark that ignited a group of people to form the Friends of Historic Kingston in 1965. Since its founding, FHK has led preservation efforts in the City of Kingston.

1969 A Landmark Year

Through FHK’s advocacy and groundwork, the City of Kingston established the Historic Landmarks Preservation Commission.

As the result of research and sponsorship by FHK, the first of Kingston’s four Historic Districts – the Stockade National Historic District – was designated. See
Preservation: The FHK Story and Stockade National Historic District.

1970 Landmarking of Buildings and Sites Begins

The Friends began an effort that is ongoing to protect buildings and sites of historical significance in the city by having them listed as landmarks on the National, State and Local Registers of Historic Places. See Preservation: The FHK Story.

1972 FHK Launches Revolving Preservation Fund

To save Kingston’s oldest surviving clapboard house from demolition, the Friends bought, restored and resold the Dr. Luke Kiersted House at 95 John St. Since then, the Friends have similarly rescued three other threatened houses of architectural and historical significance. See Success Stories.

1975 FHK Buys Historic Ruins

The Friends purchased the ruins of the 17th century Louw-Bogardus house near the northwest corner of the 1658 stockade and began an ongoing project to stabilize the building and maintain landscape. See Preservation: The FHK Story and Work in Progress.

1976 FHK Launches Campaign to Save 1875 City Hall

Through fund-raising and relentless advocacy, the Friends spearheaded the 30-year drive to save Kingston’s original City Hall. See Preservation: The FHK Story and Notable Sites.

1977 FHK Restores Second House

A Greek Revival house slated for demolition at 20 John Street in the Stockade National Historic District was bought and restored by the Friends. See Preservation: The FHK Story and Success Stories.

1979 FHK Restores Third House

An 1837 Federal-style house at 15 Hone Street in the Rondout National Historic District was bought by the Friends and restored. See Preservation: The FHK Story and Success Stories.

1993 FHK Gains c. 1812 John Sudam House

Fred J. Johnston, a nationally noted antiques dealer and ardent preservationist, bequeaths his historic residence to FHK to be maintained as a museum. See Preservation: The FHK Story and The Fred J. Johnston Museum.

1995 FHK Assumes Care and Restoration of Sharp’s Burying Ground

The Friends entered into an agreement with the city to maintain the long-neglected 19th century cemetery on Albany Ave. See Preservation: The FHK Story and Works in Progress.

1997 FHK Opens the Fred J. Johnston Museum

After several years of planning, the Friends opened the Fred J. Johnston Museum to the public on May 6. See Preservation: the FHK Story and the Fred J. Johnston Museum.

1999 FHK Restores Fourth House

A small Greek Revival House known as the Amelia Westbrook House at 292 Clinton Avenue was bought and restored by the Friends. See Preservation: The FHK Story and Success Stories.

2000 Friends of Historic Kingston Museum Opens

After renovating the building used by Fred J. Johnston as an antiques shop, FHK opened a second museum featuring exhibits relating to local history and heritage on May 5, 2000.
See Preservation: The FHK Story, the Friends of Historic Kingston Museum and Virtual Exhibits.

2003 FHK Launches Major Publication

Kingston New York: The Architectural Guide, authored by Dr. William B. Rhoads, Professor Emeritus, Art History, SUNY New Paltz, appears. See Annual Exhibit, Press Releases.

2004 Images of America: Kingston Published

A 128-page pictorial essay on Kingston compiled by City Historian and longtime FHK Board Member Edwin. M Ford is published. See Publications.

2008 FHK Produces George Clinton DVD

An 18-minute documentary on George Clinton, New York’s first elected governor, was produced by FHK and premiered at our annual meeting. See For Educators.

2010 FHK Produces Exhibit on Kingston Street Names

Years of research compiled by longtime FHK Board Member and City of Kingston Historian Edwin M. Ford on how Kingston streets got their name is presented as an exhibit in the Friends of Historic Kingston Museum Gallery. See Press Releases and Friends of Historic Kingston Museum.