Luykas Van Alen House

05/25/2022

Colonial Dutch Architecture in the Hudson Valley

02/05/2022

For Black History Month we welcome our new colleagues,
the African American Archive in Columbia County--worth a follow!

10/05/2021

Thanks for featuring us Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area

Built in 1737, the Luykas Van Alen House is a designated National Historic Landmark and home museum authentically representing rural 18th-century Dutch colonial life.

The house is temporarily closed but give the Dutch Farm Heritage Trail a visit!

Want to learn more of the area's history? https://www.hudsonrivervalley.com/dutch

08/04/2021

05/26/2021

Come take a Historic Hike at the 1737 Luykas Van Alen House and Dutch Farming Heritage Trail, which winds its way 1.7 miles to Martin Van Buren's Lindenwald 🥾🥾

NEW!!!!
HISTORIC HIKES......Visit and explore the rich history of our county. Consider packing a snack and your walking shoes to experience all the outdoor enjoyment our historic properties have to offer.
https://columbiacountytourism.org/

08/20/2020

Huge thanks to John B. Murray Architect, Institute of Classical Architecture & Art Board Member and CCHS Patron Member, for visiting the Luykas Van Alen House and creating this stunning architectural tour for Classicist.org. Watch below:

04/27/2020

04/15/2020

• This trail is located along the boundary of an active private organic farm. Please Stay On the Designated Trail, and do not climb over any fences, cross through any gates or enter any farm buildings.

• There are No Dogs permitted on the trail. If you would like to hike with your leashed dog, please use the "Lindenwald Wayside Loop Trail" at Martin Van Buren National Historic Site as an alternative.

• If you see farmers at work while on the trail, please Keep A Respectful Distance.

• There is parking by the Schoolhouse. Please do not drive across the fragile culvert. Please do not park on the lawn behind the Van Alen House.

04/06/2020

Please Enjoy The Trail
Please Respect the Neighbors
No Dogs are allowed on the Trail at any time
Please Stay on the Trail and abide the signs.
Fences are to protect the adjoining Private Property.
Thank you!~!

02/05/2020

Ruth Piwonka is the "2020 Martha Washington Woman of History" Award Recipient

CONGRATULATIONS to Ruth Piwonka!
RUTH PIWONKA IS THE 2020 MARTHA WASHINGTON WOMAN OF HISTORY AWARD WINNER



Historian and preservationist Ruth Piwonka is this year’s recipient of the Martha Washington Woman of History Award. Each year this award is given by Washington’s Headquarters State Historic Site, Newburgh, NY to a woman who has made a contribution to the history of the Hudson Valley through education, promotion, or preservation. The honor was inspired by Martha Washington, an outstanding woman in history who resided in the Hudson Valley with her husband, General George Washington, during the last days of the Revolutionary War.

For decades, Ruth has researched, written about, and curated exhibitions on 17th-, 18th-, and 19th-century New York history, architecture, arts, and gardens. She served as the Director of the Columbia County Historical Society, where she enjoys a long association, and was also the first Director of the Columbia Land Conservancy. She has worked for many museums, historical organizations, and other entities as a consultant. Her list of publications is long and varied.

She is a Fellow and current Treasurer of the Jacob Leisler Institute, an Elected Fellow of the Holland Society of America, and an Elected Fellow of the New York Academy of History among her ongoing affiliations.

Currently the Municipal Historian for the Village of Kinderhook and past Municipal Historian for the Town of Kinderhook, Ruth also sits on the Village of Kinderhook Historic Preservation Commission.

The award presentation will take place at Washington’s Headquarters State Historic Site, on March 22, 2020, during the Women’s History Month program, The General’s Lady. The public is encouraged to attend the program, starting at 2:00 PM