What is the Stockade National Historic District? Why is the Persen House a part of it? What else is there to do/see in the Stockade area?

The Stockade National District is commonly referred to as Uptown Kingston and it is the original site of the Dutch Settlement of Wiltwyck. In 1658, Director General Peter Stuyvesant ordered the residents of Esopus and the surrounding area to move their homes to a defensible location and surround it with palisades, or a stockade. This order was made to prevent attacks from the local Native Americans. The order itself is the oldest record in the Ulster County Archives!

What kind of records do you have? What is an archival record?

A portion of the records produced or collected during the normal activities of the government of the County of Ulster have been identified as "archival" because of their enduring administrative, legal, fiscal, historical or research value. They include certain court records, naturalization records, estate records, poorhouse records, property records, or tax records, for example.  To search our online databases, visit our Search Records page. 

When Cultures Collide Archaeology Add-on

A PDF of Powerpoint slides focusing on field archaeology featuring images of archaeological finds and techniques.

When Cultures Collide Archaeology Add-on

When Cultures Collide: The Story of the Esopus Natives and their Encounter with European Colonialism

This curriculum consists of fourteen (14) Lesson Plans, which are based on pre-written history artifacts and historical documents. Each lesson plan provides teachers and students with Document-Based ..

The Story of the Esopus Natives and their Encounter with European Colonialism

Who'll Weep for Me? - A Teacher's Guide to The Rise of the Poorhouse System in Ulster County

A curriculum appropriate for fourth, fifth, seventh, and eighth grades. The curriculum gives students an opportunity to examine and interpret archival documents that reveal the social and ..

Who'll Weep for Me?

Why is the house historically important?

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. 

Why is the house unfinished?

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. 

Wiltwyck Curriculum: A Look at Life in a Dutch 17th Century Ulster County Town

A curriculum published by the Ulster County Clerk's Office covering life in Wiltwyck during the 17th century

Wiltwyck Curriculum

Wiltwyck: A look at Life in a Dutch 17th Century Ulster County Town

A curriculum appropriate for grades four through seven.  Using historical records, students will delve into the life and times of a 17th century Dutch Colonial family to ..

A look at Life in a Dutch 17th Century Ulster County Town

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