Hidden Treasures of the Hudson Valley

New York’s Hudson Valley boasts mainstream historic sites such as Lyndhurst, the Sunnyside estate, Franklin D. Roosevelt Home and Presidential Library, and the Vanderbilt Mansion, which attract thousands of tourists every year. At the same time, a number of relatively unknown yet historically significant locales in the region often go unnoticed.  In some cases they are hidden in plain view, positioned along main thoroughfares or in the midst of city centers. 

Join author and speaker Anthony Musso as he reveals historically significant sites located throughout the Hudson Valley region that are for the most part unknown and under the mainstream tourist radar, and are featured in his three-volume "Hidden Treasures of the Hudson Valley" book series.

The sites that will specifically be highlighted in this talk include a Fishkill homestead established by Cornelius Van Wyck in 1732 that was commandeered by General George Washington to serve as headquarters for the Fishkill Supply Depot during the American Revolution and that now serves as a museum offering guided tours and frequent Revolutionary Encampments. You will hear about the only domed octagonal residence in the world, built in 1859 and located in Irvington, which was featured in The Beatles' "Magical Mystery Tour" and now offers visitors a unique tour to observe its fine details and craftsmanship. 

Open to the public through local historical societies and other civic groups, discover and then visit Quaker meeting houses that were a critical part of the Underground Railroad.  Hear about the ‘76 Tavern built in 1688 that became a military prison during the American Revolution and is now a dining establishment with its interior space untouched from its infancy.  Learn about the rustic cabin that was home to renowned American naturalist and author John Burroughs, and discover the residence and art studio of Jasper Cropsey, one of the more successful artists of the Hudson River School of Art in Hastings, that offers a glimpse into his life and work.

Discover the structure that has the distinction of being the oldest Jewish home in North America and that was Built in 1714 in Newburgh by Luis Moses Gomez as a trading post for Native Americans and early settlers. Through the years it was owned by a militia captain and later a renowned artist who established a paper mill on the grounds. It welcomes visitors to tour the home and property.

The sites featured are excellent venues for day trips, weekend getaways or a more extended trip into an area that spans from Westchester and Rockland counties north to Columbia and Greene counties in the Hudson Valley.

The historically rich sites in “Hidden Treasures of the Hudson Valley” are tied to early American industry, entertainment and the American Revolution. Within the pages of Musso’s book, existing structures that served as early stagecoach stops, prominent inns and other buildings that served as meeting places for some of the nation’s early political leaders are featured in narratives that describe each one’s fascinating history. With 55 sites featured in each volume, the conclusion of each chapter includes physical addresses and contact information. Copies of the book will be available for purchase.

Anthony Musso is the author of 10 books ranging from topics including Franklin Roosevelt and the Post Office, “Setting the Record Straight,” about the infancy of rock and roll, “Hidden Treasures of the Catskills,” and “Mothball Fleet on the Hudson.” For 25 years Musso wrote two weekly columns for Gannett Newspapers’ and is the former editor of an 85,000 circulation monthly magazine published in New York City. Musso maintains a busy schedule of speaking engagements and his latest book is titled “Madams, Mobsters and Murders in the Hudson Valley.” 

This program is made possible with the support of the Friends of the Livingston Public Library.