Have you ever wanted to go back in time and speak to an 18th Century lady? Well, you can at Washington’s Headquarters State Historic Site. On Saturday, May 14th meet Cornelia Clinton, New York’s first First Lady, or on Sunday, May 15th visit Tryntje Hasbrouck, General Washington’s Newburgh landlady. Tours at 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM. Call for reservations.
The house afforded little in creature comforts for the General, Mrs. Washington and his staff. What mattered more was location! location!! location!!! The Hasbrouck farmhouse was ideally situated, offering access to, and a clear view of, the Hudson River and the Highlands.
On Saturday, Mrs. Clinton will be eagerly awaiting the arrival of her very dear friend, Martha. She’s very interested in checking on the suitability of the house as a headquarters for the General and a temporary home for Martha.
Visitors joining her as she appraises the new headquarters will hear about Cornelia’s Dutch background, her husband, Governor George Clinton, their home life, growing family and her own Revolutionary War experiences. She will also answer any questions guests might have as they accompany her.
On Sunday, you’ll find out what a French/Dutch Newburgh widow had in common with the Virginia-born Washingtons. Very simply – they both occupied the same stone farmhouse. Mrs. Hasbrouck is checking everything, making sure all is in order for her new renters. While she inspects the rooms, she’ll share information about all her tenants – past and present.
Guests will also be given an insight into her local background, her family and their wartime activities. She’ll also confide how her patriotic fervor was tested when she was asked to rent her home to the Washingtons.
Special Event admission price for these First Person Experiential Tours is $4.00 per person, children 6 and under are free. Reservations are required and should be made by Friday, May 13th. Call 845-562-1195 for details and directions.
Washington’s Headquarters State Historic Site is a registered national historic landmark. It is located at the corner of Liberty and Washington Streets within the city of Newburgh’s East End Historic District. The site is one of 35 historic sites within the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and is one of 24 facilities administered by the Palisades Interstate Park Commission in New York and New Jersey. For further information contact: (845) 562-1195. For more information about New York State Parks, please visit our website at www.nysparks.com.
