A: Restoration of the Persen house began in 1999 after the occupants were moved out due to structural instability. During the restoration, the historic significance of the structure was uncovered and the decision was made to remove the contemporary walls to reveal the five different phases of the house. The house it left open to highlight the architectural significance of the different phases and how they interact with one another.
Q: Why is the house unfinished?
Q: How did the house get its name?
A: The Persen House is named for its longest living resident, Matthewis Persen. Born in the house in 1739 to Cornelius and Catharina Persen, Matthewis lived and worked out of this house until his death in 1819 at age 80.
Q: Why is the house historically important?
A: The earliest portion of the Persen House dates from c. 1661 and is one of four landmark buildings on each corner of John and Crown Streets in Kingston. This intersection is the only intersection in the United States with 18th century stone houses on all four corners. The house was built in 5 distinct phases from 1661 to 1922 and the phases represent distinct eras of American history; from the Dutch colonists, to the Revolutionary War, to the Industrial Revolution.
Q: What is the purpose/function of the Persen House?
A: The Persen House has been the home of doctors, tailors, innkeepers, druggists, grocers, and Ulster County government. It was burned at least twice, saw wars and revolution, and survived to tell its tale. To walk through this remarkable building, is to walk through Ulster County’s rich local history! The Persen House functions as Ulster County’s Heritage Gateway. Cultural heritage groups from throughout the county guest host at the House and share their treasure troves of history & culture with visitors.
Q: What are your hours and location?
A: You can view our hours, location and contact information for the (1) County Clerk's Office, (2) Motor Vehicles, (3) Archives and (4) Matthewis Persen House Museum.
Q: Can I get directions to your office?
A: The County Clerk’s Office is located in the Ulster County Office Building, 244 Fair Street, Kingston, NY 12401. Directions
Q: Do I need an appointment to come into the Clerk’s Office?
A: Yes Appointments are necessary for some of the transactions performed in the Clerk’s Office. You must make an appointment to do a DMV transaction at Make a DMV Appointment. Please go to https://clerk.ulstercountyny.gov/countyclerk/motor-vehicles/services for further information on DMV services. In addition, you must make an appointment to process a passport application by calling 845-340-3270. To obtain further information on Passport processing please go to: https://clerk.ulstercountyny.gov/countyclerk/passports/apply-for-passport
Q: What are the fees for the services provided by the Clerk’s Office?
A: Please refer to our Fee Schedule.
Q: What forms of payment do you accept?
A: Cash Personal checks (up to $2,500.00) Title Company’s and Attorney’s checks (up to $5,000.00) Certified Bank Checks Money Orders Credit Cards Exceptions: We do not accept cash for the portion of the passport fees which are payable to the U.S. Department of State. We do not accept personal checks for the payment of criminal fines, fees, and surcharges, nor for the filing of a business certificate.
Q: Where can I find the contact information for other Ulster County departments and elected officials?
A: Please visit https://ulstercountyny.gov/departments-agencies-a-z.
