Huguenot Street Historic District

The Huguenot Street Historic District offers a profound journey into America's foundational history. This 10-acre National Historic Landmark District and museum in New Paltz, New York, preserves one of the oldest continuously inhabited streets in the United States, showcasing the legacy of French Huguenot refugees and the diverse cultures that shaped early America. It's a place where 300 years of intertwined histories, from Indigenous peoples to European settlers and enslaved Africans, come vibrantly to life through preserved architecture and compelling narratives.

Visitors can explore seven historic stone house museums, each filled with period artifacts and offering a glimpse into colonial life. Key structures include the Jean Hasbrouck House, a National Historic Landmark famed for its original jambless fireplace, and the DuBois Fort, which now serves as the visitor center. The district also features a reconstructed 1717 French Church, a replica Esopus Munsee wigwam representing the region's Indigenous history, and an early 18th-century burial ground. Beyond the buildings, extensive archives and collections, including African-American history, Civil War items, and colonial manuscripts, provide a rich tapestry of stories.

A visit to Historic Huguenot Street is an immersive educational experience, revealing the architectural evolution from Dutch colonial to Georgian styles and highlighting the resilience and cultural exchange that defined the Hudson Valley. Whether you're a history enthusiast, an architecture admirer, or seeking a unique family outing, the district offers engaging programs and a serene, bucolic setting to reflect on the diverse origins of the nation. It's a memorable destination that inspires new perspectives on American history. Wondering what that bird or insect is? Find out on your visit using the Snappit nature app.