Historical society takes a trip to New Paltz

HONESDALE, PA — The Wayne County Historical Society’s first bus trip of 2008, on Sunday, July 13, will provide a glimpse of the very early history of New York State. The destination is New Paltz, founded in 1678 by 12 Huguenot families who fled religious persecution in France. The day will begin with a visit to the National Historic Landmark District for a guided tour of three Dutch-style stone houses and a reconstructed 1717 French church on historic Huguenot Street. The oldest of the seven original houses that are now museums was built in 1705.

The tour will be followed by a stop at the visitors’ center at the Huguenot Historical Society (WCHS) for an opportunity to view the exhibits and browse in the museum shop.

Only a short ride from New Paltz is the Locust Lawn Complex, which includes a stone house built by Dutch farmer Evert Terwilliger in 1738 and the Col. Josiah Hasbrouck House, a Federal-period home built in 1814. This house recreates life from the early to mid-19th century and contains a collection of fine furnishings, paintings, clothing, and personal and domestic objects.

The bus will depart from the Route 6 Mall in Honesdale at 8:00 a.m. and return at approximately 6:00 p.m. The cost of the trip is $40 for WCHS members and $45 for non-members and does not cover lunch. Reservations can be made at the Museum at 810 Main Street from Wednesday through Saturday from 10:00 am to 4:00 p.m., by email at wchshop@ptd.net or by calling 570/253-3240 with a Visa or Mastercard.

The deadline for reservations is Saturday, June 28.