Once a Year Weekend

Every year, on a weekend in June, the State of New York encourages residents and visitors to explore our state's long history and rich heritage during Path Through History Weekend. This year, the weekend designated for visiting museums and historic sites across the state is June 20 and 21. For fans of the legendary house and for those who have only heard of it, Path Through History Weekend is also the public's annual chance to visit the Dr. Oliver Bronson House, Hudson's very own National Historic Landmark.

William Guy Wall, c. 1819 The New-York Historical Society

The celebrated house was built more than two hundred years ago, situated on a plateau above South Bay and the Hudson River, with commanding views of Mount Merino and the Catskill Mountains. A few decades after William Guy Wall documented the house in the painting above, its unusual Federal Period design was transformed by the distinguished architect Alexander Jackson Davis into an early example of the Romantic-Picturesque style. In the latter part of the 19th century, its dramatic prospect was also transformed--though not as happily--by the advent of railroads and industry in South Bay and the construction of the Women's House of Refuge (now the Hudson Correctional Facility) to the west of the house.

Historic Hudson, which has advocated for the site since 1997, has undertaken the task of stabilizing and restoring the house--a project that began in 2008 and is ongoing.

The public is invited to visit the house that inspires such awe and devotion next Saturday and Sunday, June 20 and 21. The house will be open for visitation each day from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. Enter the grounds from 53 Worth Avenue and follow the road west to the red barns and then north to the house.
COPYRIGHT 2015 CAROLE OSTERINK