Historic Huguenot Street is located at 18 Broadhead Avenue in New Paltz, New York. The area of New Paltz was originally founded by 12 Huguenot refugees. They purchased close to 40,000 acres of land in the Hudson Valley along Wallkill River. The land was purchased from the Esopus Indians and was intended to be a permanent home for Huguenots where they could practice their Protestant faith without fear of political or religious persecution. In the 1700s, these Huguenot families began building stone homes along what is now known as Huguenot Street. Seven of these homes still exist today.
In the 1890s, these homes, along with other homes, came under ownership of Historic Huguenot Street. Members of Historic Huguenot Street are descendants of early residents or of the original founders. The houses are now furnished with heirloom artifacts and period artifacts. Many of these artifacts are items that have descended through members of the Huguenot families.
Historic Huguenot Street is a National Historic Landmark District. This district consists of 6 acres of landscaped grounds that are surrounded by a riverside nature preserve. In addition to the historic homes in the area, Historic Huguenot Street is home to a burial ground and a stone church that was reconstructed in 1717. The area is maintained in the original village setting.
Historic Huguenot Street is home to a Jeffersonian mansion that sits on a gentleman's farm called Locust Lawn. There is a museum shop on the grounds. In addition, there are several special events and special tours that are held throughout the year. Some of these special events include things like farmers markets and candlelight tours.
Historic Huguenot Street's grounds are open to the public year round. There is an on-site visitors center. Open from April through December, the DuBois Fort Visitors Center's hours of operation can vary. Regular hours in April, November, and December are from 11:00am to 3:00pm on Saturday and Sunday only. From May through October, the DuBois Fort Visitors Center is open Thursday through Tuesday from 10:30am to 5:00pm. The DuBois Fort Visitors Center may also be open at other times when special events are scheduled.
Guided tours are offered on a walk-in basis during the DuBois Fort Visitors Center's regular hours of operation. Tour guides are educated about the history of the area. Some of the guides are curators themselves. All guides have been thoroughly trained and are available to answer questions from visitors while touring. There are two types of tours offered - the Standard Tour and the Deluxe Tour. Both types of tours are offered from May through October. In the other months, only the Standard Tour is offered.
The Standard Tour typically lasts about 90 minutes and includes guided tours of two of the houses on the grounds. An introduction to the Huguenot people, the New Paltz area, and the preservation of Historic Huguenot Street is also given. The cost of the Standard Tour is $9 per person. The Deluxe Tour also lasts roughly 90 minutes and includes the introductory information given in the Standard Tour. The Deluxe Tour includes guided tours of three of the houses on the grounds and a visit to the French Church and burial ground. The cost of the Deluxe Tour is $12 per person. Students, seniors, and AAA members receive a $1 discount off of admission. Children's rates are available. The rate for children ages 6 to 17 is $3 for the Standard Tour and $5 for the Deluxe Tour. Children under the age of 6 receive free admission. A family rate is also offered. The family rate for the Standard Tour is $24, and the family rate for the Deluxe Tour is $30.
Additional information about Historic Huguenot Street can be obtained by calling 845-255-1660.
