East Fishkill Historical Society

Annual Strawberry Festival - June 2, 2024
2024-06-02 13:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | Brinckerhoff House Historic Site, 68 North Kensington Drive, Hopewell Junction, NY, 12533, United States
We have been presenting this annual community event for over 50 years. Come and join your neighbors as we celebrate the return of summer. Live music, tours of our farmhouse and out buildings, demonstrations, animals, children’s games, food for purchase and our famous Strawberry Shortcake while supplies last.

Meet the Author: Mark Perlman
2024-05-05 13:00 - 15:00
As part of our Meet the Author series, please join us as Mark Perlman reads from and discusses his book “The Reluctant Soldier.”

The Reluctant Soldier: A Novel by Connecticut Author Mark Perlman Revives the Fascinating Story of the Harlem Hellfighters and Much More

The Reluctant Soldier follows the adventures and misadventures of Virgil Carpenter, a teacher at the City College of New York, who becomes an unwitting combatant in World War I and joins the famous Negro regiment, the Harlem Hellfighters. His fictionalized story draws him into the most important events of the twentieth century. An extremely rich documentation on Black Americans in the369th Infantry Regiment.

Virgil becomes an ex-patriot in Paris during the exciting “jazz era” of interwar period and meets famous ex-patriots such as Josephine Baker, Ernest Hemingway, Eugene Bullard and Sylvia Beach, to name a few. When World War II breaks out, he is recruited into the intrigue of the French Resistance.

The post-war years, the interwar period in Paris, provides a vivid backdrop to Virgil’s traumatic and complicated life. Racial segregation and prejudice faced by African Americans are an integral part of American history. This novel addresses this difficult legacy. It also addresses the slow, but steady progress of Black minorities to be accepted and valued in the complex American culture.

Mark Perlman is a resident of Fairfield County, Conn. He has a passion for military history that has taken him to the battle fields and cemeteries of France. The French language version of the The Reluctant Soldier has been published in Europe under the title Le Soldat Involontaire. https://TheReluctantSoldier.com.

Reception to follow in the Brinckerhoff One Room Schoolhouse

Civil War Weekend 2024
2024-04-27 10:00 - 2024-04-30 16:00
Join us for living history demonstrations all weekend long. There will be tours of our beautiful grounds, farmhouse, ice house, school house, barn, blacksmith and equipment. Tactics and weapons demonstrations – muskets & cannon. Historic trades – camp cooking, period music & artifacts

Refreshments on-site Noon – 2 pm.

Meet the Author: Cait Johnson
2024-04-14 13:00 - 15:00
For our April Meet the Author Series you are invited to a special spring event featuring the return of local author Cait Johnson with a receptive to follow…

Cait Johnson is the author of six popular books of spiritual non-fiction, including Witch Wisdom for Magical Aging, Witch in the Kitchen, and Celebrating the Great Mother. She is a freelance editor, ghost-writer, and developmental editor, as well as a counselor and creative midwife, helping people to live their most authentic and joyful lives.

Meet The Author: Elizabeth Cunningham
2024-03-10 13:00 - 15:00
Widely known for The Maeve Chronicles, Elizabeth is the author of five other novels and four collections of poems. My Life as a Prayer, her debut work of nonfiction. Elizabeth lives right here in the Hudson Valley. There is a reception following Elizabeth’s presentation to “Meet the Author”.

Annual Christmas Open House
2023-12-03 13:00 - 16:00
Join us as we welcome our neighbors to help ring in the holiday season. The Brinckerhoff Farmhouse will be decorated in fine greenery for the start of the holiday season.

Santa and Randolph the Reingoat will be back for you and your family to take pictures with. A $5 donation for photos and a donation of canned goods that will go to the Fishkill Food Pantry would be greatly appreciated.

We will have children’s crafts in our one room schoolhouse. Mulled Cider and nibbles will be served in the farmhouse as well as Hot Chocolate and s’mores outdoors.

Annual Members Meeting & Volunteer Thank You Potluck
2023-11-18 16:00 - 18:00
An overview of the past year and a sneak peak at what is ahead for 2024 and the future of the East Fishkill Historical Society. Opportunity to meet fellow members and find out how to get involved. Please plan to bring and share a dish in true pot luck fashion.

Author Series: Featuring John Lipman
2023-11-18 13:00 - 15:00
East Fishkill Historical Society Author Series: Featuring John Lipman

Come and hear author John Lipman talk about his book, “Alfred B. DelBello: His Life and Times.” Published in 2022 by Atmosphere Press, the biography chronicles the riveting career of an extraordinary political leader during his rise from the trailblazing mayor of Yonkers, N.Y., to the remarkably successful county executive of Westchester. Known for his bipartisanship and popularity on both sides of the aisle, DelBello became lieutenant governor of New York in 1982, elected on a “split ticket” alongside Gov. Mario Como. Frustrated by an administration that resented his success and tied his hands, he departed political life two years later – realizing that friends and foes don’t fall neatly along political lines.

John will be coming to the Brinckerhoff House Historic Site, Saturday November 18th from 1pm till 3pm. Talk and “Meet the Author Hour” $15 per.

A resident of Cape Cod, Massachusetts, Lipman has written extensively on legislative and environmental issues in newspapers, periodicals and public reports. In 2016, he drafted numerous environmental opinions for both Democratic and Republican state legislators in the Chesapeake Bay region that were published in newspapers, including The Baltimore Sun, The Philadelphia Inquirer and The Washington Post.

Author Series: Featuring Cait Johnson
2023-10-29 13:00 - 15:00
Cait Johnson is the author of six popular books of spiritual non-fiction, including Witch Wisdom for Magical Aging, Witch in the Kitchen, and Celebrating the Great Mother. She is a freelance editor, ghost-writer, and developmental editor, as well as a counselor and creative midwife, helping people to live their most authentic and joyful lives.

Cait is coming to Brinckerhoff House Historic Site as the first in our Author Series on Sunday, October 29 from 1:00 – 3:00ish.

As a Wise Woman herself, she will discuss the traditions of Wise Women, Healers, and Midwives of the Revolutionary Era in the Brinckerhoff House Schoolhouse.

Her fascinating lecture will be followed by an informal “Meet the Author” hour in the 1700’s kitchen of Brinckerhoff House where tea will be served alongside delicious treats from Cait’s cookbooks. $15 per person includes lecture and meet the author hour.

Reserve your space by purchasing tickets below:

5th Annual Rombout Colonial Days
2023-09-23 10:00 - 2023-09-24 16:00
Step back in time and witness what life was like in the Hudson Valley during the 1770’s, featuring 2nd NY Provincials, 2nd Regiment of the Dutchess County Militia, Hathorn’s Regiment, the 23rd regiment of foot Royal Welch Fusiliers, woodworking, blacksmithing, cooking and baking demonstrations, and much more.

Children 13 and under are free.

East Fishkill Historical Society Annual Strawberry Festival
2023-06-04 13:00 - 16:00
SUNDAY, JUNE 4, 2023 | 1 PM – 4 PM

We have been presenting this annual community event for over 50 years. Come and join your neighbors as we celebrate the return of summer. Live music by Americana singer/songwriter Don Lowe, tours of our farmhouse and out buildings, demonstrations, animals, children’s games, food by The Dog House food truck for purchase and our famous Strawberry Shortcake while supplies last. This is a free community event but donations are always appreciated.

Civil War Weekend
2023-04-22 10:00 - 2023-04-23 16:00
Tactics and Weapons Demonstrations, Blacksmithing, Wood Working, Camp Cooking, Musical Performances, Artifact Displays and more…

Sponsored by the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area

EFHS Holiday Tea
2022-12-10 13:00 - 16:00
Enjoy some afternoon tea in our wonderful historic setting. Two seatings: 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. This event is now Sold Out!

EFHS Annual Christmas Open House and Holiday Food Drive
2022-12-04 13:00 - 16:00
The Brinckerhoff Farmhouse will be decorated in fine greenery for the start of the holiday season. Santa and Randolph the Reingoat will be back for you and your family to take pictures with. A $5 donation for photos and a donation of canned goods that will go to a local food pantry would be greatly appreciated.

The Brinkerhoff House Ghost Hunt with Celebrity Guest John Zaffis
2022-11-12 18:00 - 22:00
East Fishkill Historical Society and Full Moon Paranormal presents the Brinkerhoff House paranormal investigation featuring SYFY’s Haunted Collector John Zaffis

Want to explore an 1785 dutch farmhouse & carriage barn, ice house, and an 1820 one room school with a SPECIAL CELEBRITY GUEST? Our featured guest speaker, John Zaffis, will be joining us on this epic ghost hunt!

John Zaffis is considered one of the foremost authorities in paranormal investigation today, with more than 40 years of experience studying and investigating the field. Studying under his aunt and uncle, Lorraine and Ed Warren, broadened Zaffis’ expertise beyond ghost hunting to also include demonology and cases of possession and exorcism. Over the years, Zaffis has collected hundreds of infested items that are currently housed for safe keeping at the John Zaffis Paranormal Museum. He wrote and starred in the 2010 documentary Museum of the Paranormal, which gives the viewer a tour of his museum and the stories behind some of the objects. Zaffis was the host of the SyFy television series Haunted Collector from 2011-2013 and has been featured on Travel Channel’s Ghost Adventures, A&E’s Ghost Hunters, Discovery Channel’s A Haunting in Connecticut and Little Lost Souls as well as Unsolved Mysteries. John will have his books available for purchase and signing.

Also meet Tim Dalton and his famous haunted doll Bella! This is one event you do not want to miss!

Tickets are $85 each and include lecture, ghost hunt and light refreshments. You must be 16 or older to join this event. Sorry, no refunds, all tickets are final.

Tickets are only available online. This event is being organized and is presented by Full Moon Paranormal in coordination with the East Fishkill Historical Society.

EFHS Annual Members Meeting and Pot Luck
2022-11-05 16:00 - 18:00
An overview of the past year and a sneak peak at what is ahead for 2023 and the future of the East Fishkill Historical Society. Opportunity to meet fellow members and find out how to get involved. Please plan to bring and share a dish in true pot luck fashion.

4th Annual Rombout Colonial Days Weekend
2022-10-01 10:00 - 2022-10-02 16:00
Join us for our 4th annual Rombout Colonial Days weekend. For the 4th year in a row we are presenting what has become one of our favorite events. Come see what life was like for the civilian and military population here in the Hudson Valley. Cooking and Baking demonstrations, Woodworking, Blacksmithing, Broom making, Gunsmithing, Military drills, Games, House tours, and much more. A $5.00 suggested donation is requested. This event will once again be a part of the Hudson River Valley Ramble.

Hours:

Saturday, October 1, 2022 – 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Sunday, October 2, 2022 – 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Annual Strawberry Festival - 2022
2022-06-05 13:00 - 16:00
Join us for one of our favorite signature events. There will be demonstrations, tours of buildings and site, animals, hayrides, crafts, music and of course our famous strawberry shortcake, while supplies last.

Come meet your neighbors and celebrate the start of summer.

Civil War Weekend - 2022
2022-04-30 10:00 - 2022-05-03 16:00
In partnership with the Dutchess County Historians office and the New York 150th Historical Association, the East Fishkill Historical Society is proud to present a Civil War Weekend. Join us as we interpret and celebrate the all volunteer Dutchess County NY 150th Infantry Regiment that formed in the city of Poughkeepsie, which local farmer Richard T. Van Wyck of Johnsville/Wiccopee joined at the age of 24. There will be demonstrations, presentations, tours of our buildings, and viewings of period artifacts not so often seen by the public.

Banjo Concert w/ Max "Lumpy" Rowland
2022-04-29 19:00 - 20:00
Join us in our one room schoolhouse as we present a pre Civil War Weekend intimate concert with musician Max ” Lumpy” Rowland as he performs an assortment of Civil War era songs.

Old Time Maple Sugaring
2022-03-19 11:00 - 15:00
(NOTE: New Date Change from Original Due to Inclement Weather Prediction)Learn about our early settlers and what they learned from their Native American neighbors and how this spring tradition has evolved into the industry of today. Sample maple sap, local syrups, and treats made from maple syrup. Video presentation in our schoolhouse

Annual Holiday Open House
2021-12-05 13:00 - 16:00
Our annual open house is back!

The Brinckerhoff Farmhouse will be decorated in fine greenery for the start of the holiday season.

Santa and Randolph the Reingoat will be back for you and your family to take pictures with. A $5 donation for photos and a donation of canned goods that will go to the Fishkill Food Pantry would be greatly appreciated.

We will have children’s crafts in our one room schoolhouse. Mulled Cider and nibbles will be served in the farmhouse as well as Hot Chocolate and smores out doors.

Come join the EFHS and your neighbors as we kickoff the holiday season.

Annual East Fishkill Historical Society Membership Meeting
2021-11-13 15:00 - 17:00
An overview of the past year. Election of board members. Meet fellow members. Get involved. Sneak peak at 2022, and the future of the East Fishkill Historical Society. Refreshments will be served.

Workshop: Colonial Broom Making
2021-11-06 13:00 - 14:30
Learn to make your own authentic Colonial era broom. The history of brooms will be discussed. All materials will be provided. Limited to 12 participants.

All workshops benefit the East Fishkill Historical Society, and will be held outdoors. In case of inclement weather, they will be held in our one room schoolhouse

Workshop: Besom Making
2021-10-23 13:00 - 15:00
Learn to make and decorate your own Besom or Witches broom. The History of Besoms will be discussed. All materials will be provided. Limited to 12 participants.

All workshops benefit the East Fishkill Historical Society, and will be held outdoors. In case of inclement weather, they will be held in our one room schoolhouse.

Workshop: Corn Husk Dolls
2021-10-16 13:00 - 15:00
Learn to make and decorate your own corn husk dolls. Fun for the whole family. The history of corn husk dolls will be discussed. All materials provided.

All workshops benefit the East Fishkill Historical Society, and will be held outdoors. In case of inclement weather, they will be held in our one room schoolhouse.

Barn Sale
2021-10-16 09:00 - 15:00
— Rain Date is Sunday, October 17, 2021 —

The East Fishkill Historical Society will be holding a Barn Sale, selling surplus items that are currently overwhelming our facility including art work, books, furniture, historical literature and other items..

Please RSVP and stop by to browse the grounds, explore the items and hopefully find a treasure! For everyone’s safety, we encourage proper face masks to be worn at all times while on the grounds and practice safe social distancing. We hope you consider joining us.

We also welcome the community a space to sell your own unwanted items for a $20 donation. You’ll need to bring your own table and pop-up, we provide the space. Please sign up for your booth below:

Workshop: Elderberry Syrup and Fire Cider
2021-10-02 13:00 - 16:00
Learn to make your own immunity boosting elixirs and take them home. The History of Elderberry Syrup and Fire Cider will be discussed. Limited to 6 participants. All materials provided.

All workshops benefit the East Fishkill Historical Society, and will be held outdoors. In case of inclement weather, they will be held in our one room schoolhouse

Rendezvous with Rachel Revere™ IN-PERSON
2021-09-25 14:00 - 2021-09-26 14:00
History At Play™, LLC is proud to present “Rendezvous with Rachel Revere” sponsored by the Brinckerhoff House Historic Site/Home of East Fishkill Historical Society as part of the 3rd Annual Rombout Colonial Days Weekend and Encampment on Saturday Sept. 25th, 2021. Sunday’s performance will be “A Revolution of Her Own! Deborah Sampson.” @ 2pm. A $5 donation is requested.

This program is part of the Hudson River Valley Ramble. This immersive solo performance escorts viewers back to May 2, 1775. Rachel Revere has only heard from her beloved husband Paul once since his legendary midnight ride on the 18th of April. Still isolated from one another due to the Siege of Boston, Rachel desperately creates a plan which shall safely take her children: six step-children from Paul’s first marriage and a newborn baby of their own, from the reach of the British Regular Army in Boston. In this program, the audience is invited to assist Rachel, as she carefully considers the dangers and demands of their escape plan. Find out if Rachel is successful in her perilous mission to unite her family, amidst the wake of an American Revolution.

Running Time: Approx. 30 minutes, followed by educational lecture and real-time Q&A.Researched, written, produced and performed by Judith Kalaora. Copyright History At Play™, LLC 2018. Originally commissioned by the The Paul Revere House / Paul Revere Memorial Association.No recording, reproduction, distribution, nor download of this program is permitted.

History At Play™, LLC (HAP, LLC) was founded in 2010 by Artistic Director Judith Kalaora to chronicle the lives of influential and often forgotten women. Offering solo and ensemble immersive living history productions, HAP, LLC is woman-owned and operated, with a commitment to employ artists worldwide. Kalaora is a professional educator, award-winning playwright, and living historian. She graduated Syracuse University Magna cum Laude and attended the Globe Education Program of Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, London, England. www.HistoryAtPlay.com

Presented in part by M&T Bank.

Photo: Claudia Gustafson Fine Art See Less

3rd Annual Rombout Colonial Days Weekend and Encampment
2021-09-25 10:00 - 2021-09-26 16:00
This program is part of the Hudson River Valley Ramble. There will be living history demonstrations that will show what life was like for soldiers, camp followers and civilians during the American Revolution. Musket drills, cooking, baking, colonial games, wood working, gunsmithing and blacksmith demonstrations. There will also be live presentations by History At Play, LLC each day.

Join crafts people, artisans, members of the 2nd New York, 5th New York, 1st Ulster Militia, the 23rd Regiment of Foot Royal Welch Fusiliers, and other living historians as they present lively demonstrations each day.

Activities: Tours of our Dutch Colonial Farmhouse, one room schoolhouse and other buildings. September 25th Rendezvous with Rachel Revere, by History At Play. September 26th A Revolution of Her Own: Deborah Sampson, by History At Play. Performances each day at 2pm.

Additional Equipment Required: If you desire, bring a lawn chair.

Viviana Podhaiski Photography
