State historic site

Senate House State Historic Site

About 0.4 road mi

New York’s restored first-Senate site and Kingston history museum, about 0.4 road mile from Westbrook Station in the Stockade District.

The place

About Senate House State Historic Site

Senate House is the closest substantial local-history stop to Catskill Mountain Railroad. In September 1777, New York’s first Senate met for about a month in merchant Abraham Van Gaasbeek’s house while the new state government organized in Kingston.

New York State acquired the property in 1887 and added the Museum Building in 1927. Current exhibitions include “Revolution Comes to Kingston,” which examines the conflict through leaders, merchants, Indigenous people, enslaved people, and opponents of the Revolution, plus “Vanderlyn the Artist” about Kingston-born painter John Vanderlyn.

A $2.5 million state restoration led to a May 30, 2026 reopening of the historic house and two renewed permanent exhibitions. The official page now publishes hourly drop-in tours during the May 30–October 31 season, with the last tour at 4 p.m.; this current reopening supersedes older “closed for restoration” references elsewhere.

What stands out

Where New York’s first Senate met

Stand inside the Kingston house used by the new state government during the Revolution.

Restored for 2026

See the reopened historic house and two renewed permanent exhibitions after a major state project.

Stockade District context

Add the political and community history behind the farmland and former Ulster & Delaware corridor seen from the train.

Pair it with the train

Why it belongs in a Catskill Mountain Railroad trip

The measured drive from Kingston Plaza is about 0.4 mile. It is also a plausible walk for some visitors, but crossings, grade, weather, and the railroad’s check-in window make the official route and personal mobility needs more important than the small mileage.

Before you go

Plan your visit

  • 2026 hoursMay 30–October 31: Wednesday–Saturday 10 a.m.–5 p.m. and Sunday 1–5 p.m. Hourly drop-in tours leave through 4 p.m.
  • Off-season accessFrom November through mid-April, tours require an advance appointment. Group tours are available by advance appointment year-round; grounds are open dawn to dusk.
  • AdmissionCurrent house-and-museum admission is $7 adult, $5 senior age 62+, and free for children 12 and under. Group and school prices are separately published.
  • Visit lengthAllow roughly 60–90 minutes for the hourly house tour, museum exhibitions, and grounds. The exact tour length is not published, so ask when coordinating a fixed train.
  • AccessibilityThe state page directs visitors to call for location-specific accessibility information and does not publish a complete route through the restored historic house.
  • Parking and walkingThe official page links to the main entrance but does not publish a capacity guarantee. The short distance from Kingston Plaza should not be treated as permission to leave a vehicle in a private lot.
  • FamiliesChildren 12 and under receive free admission, and the new exhibitions include original objects, documents, and interactive interpretation. Match the tour format to the child’s attention span.
  • Grounds and amenitiesThe official amenities list includes a picnic area, tours, reenactments, and a visitor center. Event programming is date specific.

Add a second rail ride

Add Trolley Museum of New York

Use a confirmed weekend afternoon for a weather-dependent trolley ride and transportation collection on the Rondout waterfront.

View the guide →

Useful answers

Frequently asked questions

Is Senate House open after its restoration?

Yes. New York State announced its reopening on May 30, 2026, and the current site page publishes seasonal drop-in tours and renewed exhibitions.

What are the current hours?

May 30–October 31, Wednesday–Saturday 10 a.m.–5 p.m. and Sunday 1–5 p.m. Drop-in tours leave hourly, with the last at 4 p.m. Off-season visits require an appointment.

How far is Senate House from Catskill Mountain Railroad?

The measured road route is about 0.4 mile from Kingston Plaza. Allow time for parking or a safe walk and still protect the railroad’s arrival window.

Is Senate House wheelchair accessible?

The official page does not publish a complete route through the restored historic building. It instructs visitors to call 845-338-2786 for location-specific accessibility information.

Is admission free for children?

Current admission is free for children 12 and under; adults are $7 and seniors age 62+ are $5.

Are the paintings in this photo gallery guaranteed to be on view?

No. The portrait supplies context for John Vanderlyn, the subject of a current exhibition, but it is not a claim that the specific work is installed.

Trust and accuracy

Sources

Source checked 2026-08-14. This free guide has not yet been confirmed by the venue. Current hours, prices, services, and accessibility can change; confirm time-sensitive details directly.