Bronck Museum
More than 300 Years of Upper
Hudson Valley history can
be found in the cluster of architecturally significant
buildings which comprise the Bronck Museum. After eight
generations of Broncks had maintained the homestead as
a working farm, it came to the Greene County Historical
Society under the will of Leonard Bronck Lampman. This
legacy is a permanent memorial to his mother Adelaide
Ely Bronck Lampman, a lineal descendant of Pieter Bronck,
original grantee and first builder on the land in 1663.
The Greene County Historical Society maintains the Bronck
Homestead as its headquarters and as a museum to house
valuable historical collections which reflect the region's
history.
In January 1662,
Pieter Bronck entered into a contract to purchase from
the Katskill Indians a tract of land known by the Indian
name "Koixhackung". Choosing a site at the
base of the Kalkberg Ridge, Pieter built his dwelling,
a small single room structure with cellar and storage
garret. The original massive beams, wide floor boards,
cellar hatchway, and early Dutch door still dominate
the interior. This house is the oldest surviving dwelling
in Upstate New York.
The rooms are furnished with period
furniture. In addition, china, glass and silver from
several generations of Broncks as well as other Greene
County families create a gracious atmosphere. Throughout
the houses are important works of art by Ammi Philips,
Nehemiah Partridge, Ezra Ames, John Frederick Kensett,
Richard Hubbard, and Benjamin Stone. The "west
wing loft" houses an important collection of regional
textiles, as well as weaving and spinning equipment.
A wide range of primary and secondary
resource material depicting the historical development
of Greene County is held in the Vedder Memorial Library
on the site. It's acquisition policy encourages the
donation of individual items and personal collections.
Staffed by professional volunteers, the library is open
Tuesday and Wednesday from 10am to 4pm. The library
is open the first Thursday of the month from 7 to 9
p.m. and some Saturday mornings. Please telephone in
advance to confirm evening and Saturday hours.
Scheduled Guided Tours: Memorial Day
Weekend to October 15th Wednesday-Friday: 12-4, Saturdays
10-4, Sundays 1-4, Memorial Day, Labor Day and Columbus
Day 1-4 (Last tour at 3:30 daily ). Admissions: Adults-$4,
Youth 12-15-$2, Children 5-11-$1.50, Children under
5-Free, Members-Free. |
