Four Corners Historic Marker
This Historic Marker was made possible through a grant from the William G.
Four Corners Historic Marker
Submitted by bcarlson on
Subtitle:
PERSEN POINT OF VIEW
Geoff Miller Receives Lifetime Achievement Award
Ulster County Historian Emeritus Geoffrey Miller Receives National Lifetime Achievement Award
KINGSTON, NY — Acting Ulster County Clerk Taylor Bruck is proud to announce that Geoffrey Miller, long-serving County Historian and current Associate Historian, has been awarded the 2025 Individual Lifetime Achievement Award by the American Association for State and Local History (AASLH). The award will be presented this September at the AASLH Annual Conference in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Guardians of the Gateway: Recognizing 10 Years of Persen House Guest Hosts in 2020
The Matthewis Persen House Museum & Cultural Heritage Center invites historical and cultural heritage groups from around Ulster County to Guest Host on Saturdays throughout the season each year. In 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, guest host organizations were not be able to join us.
Guest Host at the Persen House
Submitted by nextstep on
Subtitle:
GUEST HOSTS
Guest Hosts
The Matthewis Persen House Museum & Cultural Heritage Center also functions as Ulster County's Heritage Gateway. Cultural heritage groups from throughout the county guest host at the House on Saturdays throughout the season. These guest hosts share their treasure troves of history and culture with visitors and often feature exhibits, lectures, programs, and even re-enactments!
Gysbert's Inventory
The legacy of the Dutch settlers of Wiltwyck lives on at the Matthewis Persen House. The house sits on Kingston’s historic “four corners” and was originally owned by Gysbert Van Imbroch. An inventory listing Gysbert’s possessions at the time of his death in 1665 is brought to life through illustrations of clothing, kitchen items, and other articles used in 17th century daily life. The inventory also depicts items Gysbert used in his profession as a barber-surgeon as well as his book collection, one of the largest book collections in the New World.
Gysbert's Inventory: A Reflection of 1665 Dutch Life
The legacy of the Dutch settlers of Wiltwyck lives on at the Matthewis Persen House. The house sits on Kingston’s historic “four corners” and was originally owned by Gysbert Van Imbroch. An inventory listing Gysbert’s possessions at the time of his death in 1665 is brought to life through illustrations of clothing, kitchen items, and other articles used in 17th century daily life.
How did the house get its name?
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.
How do I get to the Strand/Waterfront from here?
Downtown Kingston (also known as the Strand, Rondout or Waterfront) is located approximately 2 ½ miles southeast of the Persen House. For more information, please visit ulstercountyalive.com/guides or use 1 West Strand, Kingston in your GPS.
How Many & Counting
51,000 Visitors & Counting!
The Matthewis Persen House Museum welcomes an average of 4,935 visitors annually. Since opening in 2010, a total of 51,425 visitors have come through our doors, the majority of which are from the United States. Visitors from New York State represents about 59.6% of our guests.
In House Videos
There are several short videos available to view at the Persen House. You can choose whichever one piques your interest, or even all of them! When visiting the house, please ask one of our docents and we would be happy to change or restart the video of your choice.
Is the house open all year?
The Persen House is open spring through late fall each year. For more information, please visit the Persen House home page and view our hours of operation and season schedule.
July Events at Persen House
The Ulster County Clerk’s Office is excited to continue its 2025 season at the Matthewis Persen House Museum with a dynamic lineup of guest hosts throughout the month of July. Located at the historic corner of Crown and John Streets in uptown Kingston, the Persen House is a vibrant hub for local history, culture, and community connection.
June Events at Persen House
Matthewis Persen House Museum Welcomes June Guest Hosts
Ulster County Landmark Features Living History, Music, and Games for All Ages
KINGSTON, NY — The Ulster County Clerk’s Office is pleased to announce a vibrant lineup of guest hosts and programs at the Matthewis Persen House Museum throughout the month of June 2025. Located at the historic intersection of Crown and John Streets in uptown Kingston, the Persen House offers visitors the chance to explore centuries of local history through engaging exhibits and interactive events.
