Welcome!
The archival, curatorial, and library collections of Historic Hudson Valley comprise
a broad spectrum of materials that represent the cultural and historical significance
of the lower Hudson River Valley. These materials—books, manuscripts, fine and
decorative arts, and historic artifacts—are far-ranging in scope and include significant
objects associated with the people who once lived and worked at Philipsburg Manor,
Washington Irving’s Sunnyside, and Van Cortlandt Manor.
Research opportunities
Historic Hudson Valley welcomes inquiries related to our historic sites and collections.
For in-person research, please contact the Archives & Collections Manager at
[email protected] or the Research Librarian at [email protected]
to discuss your interests and schedule an appointment. Visitors can digitally explore
the archival and curatorial collections through our Archives & Collections Portal and
the library collection through WorldCat. Additional details on each collection can be
found above.
The Women’s History Institute of Historic Hudson Valley offers Summer Research
Fellowships to support college, graduate, and doctoral students engaged in scholarly
research connected to the women who shaped the culture and chronicle of our historic
sites and of the lower Hudson River Valley.
FAQs
Where is the library located?
Our library is located at 639 Bedford Road, Pocantico Hills, New York. Visitation is by appointment only, to schedule a visit email [email protected]
How can I search your book collection?
You can explore our book collection through our online catalog at library.hudsonvalley.org. Use the search bar to find specific titles, authors, or subjects.
For primary sources and archival materials, browse our Manuscript Collection Finding Aid (PDF), which describes over 3,000 items related to Historic Hudson Valley properties and prominent families such as Beekman, Chadeayne, Conklin, Hamilton, Hoffman, Irving, Philipse, Schuyler, and Van Cortlandt, among others.
Do I need an appointment to visit the library?
Historic Hudson Valley’s Library is a non-browsing facility open to the public by appointment. To schedule a visit, email [email protected].
Can I request copies or scans of archival documents?
Photocopies of materials may be made, for a fee, in accordance with the rules and regulations of United States copyright law. Photocopies will be made by Library staff and mailed to the researcher at Historic Hudson Valley’s earliest convenience after receipt of payment. Not all materials may be photocopied, for reasons such as preservation, age, or rarity. Requests for photoduplication will be considered when such duplication can, in the staff’s judgment, be performed without injury to the document.
Permission to examine the manuscripts is not an authorization to publish, display, reproduce, perform, distribute, or prepare derivative works of them. To the extent that it may do so legally, Historic Hudson Valley will ordinarily grant publication rights for scholarly and other purposes permissible under United States copyright law upon written request by qualified applicants.
To request copies or scans of an item, contact our librarian at [email protected].
Can I donate books or historical items to the library?
Historic Hudson Valley is grateful for the donations to the archival, curatorial, and library collections received since our founding. Items considered for acquisition must conform to Historic Hudson Valley’s collecting objectives, be historically and culturally significant, and be in stable condition. Donation inquiries should be submitted in writing to the Archives & Collections Manager at [email protected]; please include a description (type, material, size, condition, historical/cultural relevance, and provenance) and photographs of the item(s).
Please note that Historic Hudson Valley cannot accept unsolicited donations either by mail or in-person. Unsolicited donations will be deemed abandoned, and Historic Hudson Valley reserves the right to dispose of such property as it sees fit.
Credits
Historic Hudson Valley is grateful to the foundations, corporations, government agencies, and individual donors whose enduring support makes our educational programs possible. This searchable collections portal was made possible by the following sponsors:
