The 1658 Stockade District Walking Tour

Enjoy a guided walking tour of the largest intact early Dutch settlement in New York State, the original village of Kingston whose street plan was designed by Provincial-Governor Peter Stuyvesant in 1658. Today, a large cluster of native limestone houses built by descendants of the early settlers still stands within this National and State Historic District.

View this treasury of historic architecture and hear how the government of New York State was born in this neighborhood in 1777. The walk stops at the courthouse site where the New York State Constitution was drafted, and the gravesite of New York's first elected governor, George Clinton, in the Old Dutch Church graveyard. Tales about colonial life in Kingston and Dutch customs and legends make the tour both an entertaining and educational experience.  Also included is a tour of the interior of the c. 1812 Federal style Fred J. Johnston House which features a private collection of 18th and early 19th century American furnishings in eight elegant room settings.

The two-hour tour is offered on the first Saturday of the month, May through October, departing at 2 p.m. from the FHK Museum, corner of Wall-Main Streets. The fee is $10 for adults and $5 for children under 16. Group tours can be arranged by special appointment. Call 845-339-0720.

The Rondout District Walking Tour

This tour traces the rise of the city's waterfront area during the nineteenth century when it mushroomed into a thriving maritime village and major Hudson River port. Hear how Rondout was transformed by the opening in 1828 of the Delaware and Hudson Canal which transported coal 108 miles from Honesdale, Pa. to Rondout for reshipment to major cities along the eastern U.S. seaboard.

The tour looks at the rich legacy of commercial buildings, cast-iron storefronts, homes and churches built by the “melting pot” of nationalities that emigrated to Rondout throughout the nineteenth century, and also discusses the area’s recent renaissance. Some uphill walking is involved.

The tour is offered on the third Saturday of the month May-October and departs at 11 a.m. from the Kingston Heritage Area Visitor Center, 20 Broadway. The fee is $5 for adults; $2 for children under 16.

Review of Rondout District Tour:

"Yesterday I was fortunate to go on a walking tour with a fantastic guide - Rob Sweeney. He is a gem! It was a delightful educational experience. How great for Kingston to have such an organization as FHK."
- Y. Gilman