The Mountain House: Dreams in the Sky

Summer is underway at the Historical Society of Woodstock with our new exhibit, The Mountain House: Dreams in the Sky, now open and receiving wonderful reviews from those who have visited. Dreams in the Sky offers Woodstockers and visitors alike a unique look at a long lost era as Overlook Mountain – home to the Cold Spring (MacDaniels) Farm House (1863), Mead’s Mountain House (1865), the Reynolds House (1898) and the grandest of all Woodstock’s offerings, the Overlook Mountain House (originally built in 1871) - beckoned those from New York City in search of a connection with nature, summer air, and a touch of romanticism as inspired by artists such as Thomas Cole.  High in the morning clouds, socialites, bankers, the idle rich, authors, artists, and even presidents (Ulysses Grant visited Overlook in 1873) mingled as they took their meals, sought entertainment in the company of others, and explored their physical surroundings where, as an Ulster and Delaware Railroad advertisement offered, they could climb “to the breezy crest that pierces the clouds and (bathe) in the filmy vapor that flits up the mountainside.”

Featuring a remarkable display of photographs, artwork, artifacts and text, The Mountain House: Dreams in the Sky, is open to the public, free of charge, every Saturday and Sunday from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m.  The exhibit runs June 12 through July 25th. The Historical Society of Woodstock is located on lower Comeau Drive (directly across from the old Woodstock firehouse.)

The Catskill Mountain House and The World Around - Excerpts from a new film by Tobe Carey

In keeping with HSW’s exploration of the role mountain houses of the 19th century played in our region, excerpts from a soon-to-be released documentary film, The Catskill Mountain House and The World Around will be shown at the Historical Society of Woodstock on Sunday, June 27 at 3PM. Filmmaker, Tobe Carey, will be on hand to speak and answer questions about the making of the film. The LIMITED SEATING preview showing will include segments from the full length documentary which will be available in early fall, 2010.

The story of the rise and fall of the Catskill Mountain House is a compelling tale of steamboat and railroad empires, bitter rivalries, exclusive private preserves, fabulous art and picturesque landmarks that celebrated the Catskills as part of the American "Grand Tour” and as America's "First Wilderness."

Folksongs of the Catskills - the Spirit of Camp Woodland

The Historical Society of Woodstock Victory Garden Project

Through the support of generous Woodstockers and your membership dollars, the Historical Society of Woodstock is bringing back the Victory Garden. During World War II, victory gardens flourished all around Woodstock. In an effort to bridge past with present, HSW is launching a multi-generational gardening effort involving young people from Woodstock and “mentor gardeners” (who remember Victory Gardens and/or who love to garden). Those involved will help with interviews and research about World War II gardens in Woodstock and will plant and nurture a small vegetable garden behind the Historical Society's Eames House. Along the way, they will also learn the importance of local homegrown food today. Participants will enjoy a final harvest of the garden with a potluck feast at the end of July. This fun and engaging project could use a few more Mentor Gardeners and interviewees. So, if you have memories of World War II, or just want to get involved in this exciting project, contact Jill Olesker at jillsylvia2004@yahoo.com or call 679-2904.

Exhibition of Vintage Holiday Cards from the HSW Archives

November 20 - December 12 from the HSW archives

Exhibit of Vintage Holiday Cards from the HSW archives, crafted by Woodstock artists, offer a unique glimpse of Woodstock winters past. Our Holiday Sale includes: the world famous “HSW Cookie Collection” cookbook, hand-made mittens, books on local history, vintage postcards, giclée prints, hand-made ornaments, gifts from local craftsmen, homemade cookies, and a ginger bread house raffle! Saturday, November 20, 10:00-3:00 p.m. Opening – Holiday Exhibit and Sale Sunday, November 21, 1:00-4:00 p.m. Exhibit and sale continues… Winter Memories of Woodstock, longtime Woodstockers remember winter days and nights ... interviewed by the children in the Historical Society of Woodstock History Club.

Saturday, November 27, 10:00-3:00 p.m. - holiday sale and exhibit continues.
Sunday, November 28, 1:00-4:00 p.m. - holiday sale and exhibit continues.

Saturday, December 4, 10-3:00 p.m. - holiday sale and exhibit continues.

Winter Tales: Stories and Family Art Workshop, 1:00-3:00 p.m. Storyteller Jill Olesker will tell winter tales based on the books of Woodstock children’s book writers and illustrators Maud and Miska Petersham. Then, inspired by these stories and the exhibit ofWoodstock artists' holiday cards from the collection of the Historical Society of Woodstock, you are invited to join WAAM arts educator Beth Humphrey to create your own memorable cards.

Sunday, December 5, 1:00-4:00 p.m., holiday sale and exhibit continues.
Saturday, December 11, 10-3:00 p.m., holiday sale and exhibit continues.

Sunday, December 12, 1:00-4:00 p.m., holiday sale and exhibit continues.
The First Christmas Eve on the Village Green - A presentation by Woodstock town historian Richard Heppner that tells the tale of the very first Christmas Eve on the Village Green, Woodstock’s oldest and most beloved tradition.