Chatham Village Historical Society

05/22/2026

Do you have stuff to sell, but no place to do it? Join us neighborhood tag sale!

05/21/2026

Before service was cut back in 1971, the Harlem Line extended far beyond its current terminus, reaching all the way to Chatham, New York, where it connected with the Boston & Albany Railroad (B\&A). This photo from the John Barriger Collection captures a historic view of Chatham station—a junction where travelers and freight could move seamlessly between New York Central's Harlem Division and the B\&A line. To the right, you can see the Harlem Line tracks curving in, a quiet but vital link between upstate communities and the broader northeastern rail network. For decades, this connection made Chatham a key interchange point, serving not just local passengers but also fostering regional commerce. When the MTA took over commuter rail operations and cut back Harlem Line service to Dover Plains in 1971, it marked the end of an era for places like Chatham. This scene, preserved in Barriger’s wide-ranging photographic archive, is a poignant reminder of how extensive—and interconnected—America’s rail network once was.

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05/09/2026

Local history event, coming up!

04/22/2026

Rutland depot

04/09/2026

Get yours today

11/23/2025

Thank you to all who made yesterday's event such a success! We always look forward to the November Craft & Vendor Fair co-hosted by Northern Columbia County Rotary and the Chatham Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary.

Our deepest gratitude goes out to our visitors and customers (and our volunteer staff). Thank you to all who stopped by to learn about Chatham's history and our mission, and to those who supported our current goal of raising funds to restore a vintage Union Station baggage cart (find more info about this project on our website).

Congratulations to Marie Benvenuto, who won the beautiful raffle basket you see here. Enjoy, Marie!

11/22/2025

Find us at the Craft and Vendor Fair at the Chatham Firehouse until 3pm today!

We've got a lovely wine raffle basket available for $2 per chance (or 3 tickets for $5), plus all your favorite Chatham merchandise including embroidered caps, t-shirts, totes, postcards, and books - they make the perfect gift for your favorite Chathamites!

We'll also be accepting donations towards restoration of our vintage Union Station baggage cart.

Stop by and say hello, and support our mission of "saving the charm that's Chatham"!

11/22/2025

Come see us at the Chatham Firehouse until 3pm today! We're here amidst a Craft and Vendor Fair packed with goodies - from cupcakes and cider donuts to knit hats, customer tumblers to jewelry, photography to gifts.

The Chatham Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary is serving up breakfast sandwiches this morning, and chili, soup, mac and cheese, and hot dogs this afternoon. Don't mind the rain - it's warm and cozy in here...come out and say hello!

11/20/2025

This Saturday, we'll be at the Chatham Firehouse for a Craft & Vendor Fair. Visit between 9am-3pm for shopping with 20+ local vendors and organizations including Chatham Village Historical Society. Breakfast and lunch will be available for purchase from the Ladies' Auxiliary.

11/03/2025

10/03/2025

Join us tomorrow, Saturday October 4 from 9am-3pm for a vendor and tag sale on the grounds of the historic Blinn-Pulver Farmhouse (195 Hudson Avenue, Chatham).

We'll be there with CVHS goodies including our new tees and totes, and we'll be joined by several vendors offering a variety of goods. The weather should be perfect - stop by and say hello!