One Tank Adventure: Historic Huguenot Street

The vibrant college town of New Paltz offers a sweet surprise for history buffs. Close to the hub of main street activity, Historic Huguenot Street is a 10-acre National Historic Landmark District that includes seven historic homes, a reconstructed 18th century Huguenot church, a research library, archeological sites and a burial ground.

Huguenot settlers, fleeing religious persecution in France, built the settlement in the 17th century and the houses still remain in their original village setting. The street is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and is designated a National Historic Landmark. It is one of the oldest continually occupied settlements in the U.S.

The homes are an interesting study in early American architecture, featuring French, Dutch and English influences. The exhibits tell the story of the settlement as it evolved over time.

Largely funded by descendants of the original settlers, the organization Historic Huguenot Street (HHS) began purchasing the homes in 1899. By the 1960s the organization had purchased most of the houses in the district and opened them as museums.

The Huguenot Museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. except for Wednesdays. Tours depart from the DuBois Fort on the hour, beginning at 10 a.m. but you can walk or drive down the historic street on any day or during any time of the year. Programs are offered year-round and free walking tour apps are available.

A guided tour is $15, with 10 percent off for seniors and members. Children, 12 and under, are free. Active military families also get in free. Group tours can be arranged.

Since the street is located in the heart of New Paltz, it’s easy to combine a visit with some shopping and fine dining.

The museum is located at 88 Huguenot Street, New Paltz, New York, 12561.

For more information, call 845-255-1660 or click here.