May 6th, 2008 Re-live History at Senate House
 John Douglas Hall as James Madison |
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Kingston - Ever wish you could have been present at an historic event from long ago? People interested in American and New York history will have the next best thing when 'President James Madison,' the Fourth Chief Executive of the United States, makes a rare appearance in Kingston, New York, at Senate House State Historic Site, on Saturday May 31st at 2:00 pm. 'President Madison' will honor George Clinton who served as his Vice-President until Clinton's death in office in 1812.
Holding a press conference and free public reception at Senate House State Historic Site as if it were May 31, 1812 shortly after George Clinton's death the previous month (April, 1812), 'James Madison' will reflect on George Clinton's great virtues and accomplishments, after which 'Madison' will take questions from the press and public. Eighteenth and early 19th century music will be performed by musicians in period dress, and the public can also view a small exhibition on George Clinton, in the Loughran House, part of the historic site campus, located at 296 Fair Street.
The day's events are part of a day-long celebration of Clinton, New York State's first, and longest-serving Governor, a hero of the American Revolution and the person largely responsible for insuring the adoption of the Bill of Rights as an essential part of the United States Constitution. Clinton died in office in 1812 and was buried in Washington, D.C. In recognition of Clinton's importance to New York and American history, New Yorkers, on May 30, 1908, celebrated the return of his body to his home state with a re-internment ceremony and the dedication of a prominent monument in Kingston's Old Dutch Church cemetery.
Marking the passing of another one hundred years, the City of Kingston again celebrates George Clinton's life and accomplishments. In addition to the Senate House events, there will be a 1:00 pm gravesite ceremony at the Old Dutch Church, and a 4:00 pm tea at the Wiltwyck Chapter House of the Daughters of the American Revolution.
Part of Uptown Kingston's Historic Stockade district, Senate House State Historic Site offers visitors unique glimpses of Kingston's past, from the 17th through the 19th centuries. Amidst the turmoil of the Revolutionary War, as British troops advanced up the Hudson River in 1777, the elected representatives of rebellious New Yorkers met in Kingston to form a new state government, convening in the home of Abraham Van Gaasbeek, which ever since has been called Senate House, to mark its historic role. Visitors can tour the house to learn about this history and about Hudson Valley domestic life in the 17th and 18th centuries. The site's museum, built in 1927, houses a remarkable collection of artifacts, documents, and art, including major works of art by John Vanderlyn and other prominent American artists.
Saturday, May 31, 2008, 2:00 - 4:00pm: Admission to this special outdoor event is free; admission to the Museum and Senate House is $4.00 per person, $3.00 per person for seniors and children over 12; $3.00 per person for groups by advance appointment. Senate House State Historic Site is open April 15 through October 31; Monday, and Wednesday through Saturday, 10am to 5pm, and Sundays 11am to 5pm. Open Tuesdays by reservation.
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