What to do and see in Kingston, United States: The Best Places and Tips

Riverport Boat Building School at HRMM ​Riverport YouthBoat is designed to empower youth, build character and foster teamwork through the traditional craft of wooden boatbuilding and on-the-water activities. At the Riverport Wooden Boat School, students from diverse backgrounds work alongside skilled shipwrights and craftspeople. Through the boatbuilding process, students put STEM skills to work as they follow building plans, use specialized tools and materials, and solve problems. Riverport YouthBoat is funded by private donors and foundations to ensure all high-school aged children (14-18) have an opportunity to participate. Students must provide their own transportation and must complete an application and interview process before being accepted into the program. HRMM Exhibits 2017: The Modeler's Craft: An Artisan's View of Hudson River Boats Our new exhibit for 2017, "The Modeler's Craft" showcases boat models from the Hudson River Maritime Museum's collection, as well as exceptional models on loan from other organizations, including Friends of Historic Kingston and the Newburgh Historical Society. Featuring the West Gallery exhibit (above) and the "Charlie Niles Model Shop" in the rear of the East Gallery, this exhibit was made possible by generous support from Russell & Allynne Lange, Scenic Arts Studio, and The Estate of Charles Niles. 2017: Charlie Niles Model Shop Charlie Niles was a longtime supporter of the museum and over the years he donated a number of his tiny models of Hudson River Boats. A retired jeweler and watchmaker, Charlie made models as a hobby. When he sadly passed away at the age of 93 in 2015, his family generously donated the remainder of his model collection as well as his work desk to the museum. We have now recreated his workshop in the "Charlie Niles Model Shop," which also features open storage of the many models in the museum's collection. This installation will become part of our permanent exhibit in the East Gallery. White Oak, Shipwrights, and Varnish: Wooden Boat Building on the Hudson This brand new exhibit is our 2016 feature in the new Riverport Wooden Boat School. Using a number of historical artifacts on rope making, lofting, sail sewing, historic tools, and more as well as numerous historical images, this exhibit chronicles the history of wooden boat building in the Hudson River Valley with emphasis on Rondout Creek. Rowing on the Hudson This new exhibit in the East Gallery focuses on the history of collegiate, high school, and recreational rowing on the Hudson River as well as information about modern teams, including Kingston High School's varsity crew. Tugboats - Workhorses of the Hudson River Held over for another year by popular demand, this exhibit celebrates the workhorse of the Hudson River with a hands-on, interactive replica of a tugboat pilot house along with images and information about the important work tugboats did and still do on the Hudson. This exhibit is located in the West Gallery.

Built in 1676, the Senate House reflects the Dutch way of life that characterized Kingston in the 18th century. More importantly, it was the meeting place for the original New York State Senate after the Revolutionary War. History was made here as colonists shaped a newly created government. There is a collection of colonial-era artifacts, furniture, and a portrait gallery featuring the works of the famous colonial artist, John Vanderlyn. The Senate House State Historic site is comprised of 3 buildings: the 1676 Senate House, the Senate House Museum & Gallery, and the Loughran House (which houses staff offices and is open for special events only). The property welcomes individuals, families, school groups, scout troops and group bus tours. The site offers special educational programs for school field trips and home school groups. Check the website for special events listings.

You can reach this historic 86-year-old lighthouse by boat tours from the Hudson River Maritime Museum.