Hudson River Heritage (HRH) is a nonprofit membership organization committed to preserving the unique character of the Mid-Hudson Valley’s historic architecture, rural landscapes and scenic views through education, advocacy and community involvement.

The Landmark District

The Hudson River National Historic Landmark District was designated by the U.S. Secretary of the Interior in 1990.  This district is the largest such district on the mainland of the contiguous United States. It covers an area of 22,205 acres (34.6 square miles) extending inland roughly a mile from the eastern bank of the Hudson River between Staatsburg and Germantown in Dutchess and Columbia counties in the state of New York. This area includes the riverfront sections of the towns of Clermont, Red Hook, Rhinebeck and part of Hyde Park.  This strip includes in its entirety the hamlets of Annandale, Barrytown, Rhinecliff and the village of Tivoli.

Bard College and two protected areas, Margaret Lewis Norrie State Park and Tivoli Bays Unique Area, are also within the district. These locations represent some of the most significant historic sites and iconic landscapes in the nation. A total of 1869 unique structures or sites are catalogued and listed as individually significant or contributing to the significance of the district, with an additional 701 classified as non-contributing. HRH spearheaded the application for this prestigious designation, and subsequently was appointed as the steward of this district.

Education & Scholarships

Our educational programs have included preservation forums in the spring, field trips to less well-known sites of regional significance, and a variety of other symposia. In 2017 Hudson River Heritage coordinated a seven-week class at Bard College, Lifetime Learning Institute, on the “Great Estates of the Hudson Valley”. Docents from each estate presented maps, a brief history with a focus on family and historical context, and conservation and preservation goals for these landmark houses: Springwood, Lindenwald, Staatsburgh, Clermont, Vanderbilt, Wilderstein, Montgomery Place, Locust Grove, Olana, and Cedar Grove (Thomas Cole house).

In 2017 Hudson River Heritage established a Founders’ Scholarship, awarding $1,000 to an eligible student who shows an interest in the study of history and/or related fields of architectural examination and preservation. This is now an annual award.

Become a Member

Your participation is vital to our efforts. In addition to supporting us in our mission, your membership provides you with free admission to member-only events and discounts on our annual Country Seats Tour.

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Volunteer

Being a docent or volunteering is an exciting way to be part of our organization. We hope you will join us!

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Donate

Donations to further our work are always welcome and appreciated! As the designated steward of the Landmark District and an advocate for historic preservation, Hudson River Heritage strives to offer educational programs, symposia and events relevant to our mission.

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