Friends of Historic Kingston

The Friends of Historic Kingston maintains two museums whose collections and programs are dedicated to local history and heritage. The museums are adjacent and can be visited together. We welcome your visit. Our home is in the Friends of Historic Kingston Museum in the heart of Kingston's historic 1658 Stockade District. Look for our symbolic golden eagle above the doorway.

Step into a treasury of American decorative arts elegantly displayed in a c. 1812 Federal-style house, the former home and showroom of nationally known antiques dealer Fred J. Johnston (1911-93). A passionate preservationist of Kingston's historic streetscapes and architecture, Mr. Johnston left his home and collection to the Friends of Historic Kingston so that his personal treasury could be shared with everyone who values visual beauty and the connoisseurship of the past.

Johnston's collection of 18th and early 19th century furnishings, mostly American, are showcased in eight exquisite room settings he created that illustrate the design artistry for which he was noted.

Guided house tours are available. Admission is $5 per adult; $2 for children under 16. Group tours are available by appointment year- round.

"The Johnson House exceeded my expectations and more. What a treasure! I have seen many historic houses but none, in my opinion, equal the Johnson House---from the size, structure and layout of the rooms to its rich and wonderful contents. I must come back for another visit or two because there was too much to comprehend, digest and fully appreciate in a single tour." C. Bousliman

View exhibits that showcase our local history and heritage, the highlights as well as the ordinary workings of daily life that give your city its soul and unique texture. Exhibits in the museum's spacious gallery change each season giving you reason to return again and again. You might view a collection of vintage photographs, prints, or postcards of Kingston streetscapes and landmarks, or see an exhibit of artifacts and memorabilia that are "pages" in the story of our cultural and industrial past. Each year the museum also hosts exhibits by contemporary artists and photographers that offer current views of the vibrant art scene that flourishes in Kingston today.

Enjoy lectures by historians, authors and archaeologists, and view demonstrations of handcrafts such as blacksmithing, paper modeling, and furniture making and restoration featured at our FHK Museum Gallery Talks. Browse the museum shop for books and handcrafted items of local interest and origin.

The Friends of Historic Kingston’s two museums are open on Saturdays and Sundays from 1-4 p.m. during May through October, and by appointment year-round.