Matthewis Persen House Museum Welcomes June Guest Hosts
Ulster County Landmark Features Living History, Music, and Games for All Age

 

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.

June’s programming includes historical reenactments, live Civil War-era music, a visit from a vintage baseball club, and an immersive three-day experience in colonial play. All events are free and open to the public.

June Schedule of Guest Hosts:

  • Saturday, May 31 – Kingston Guards Vintage Baseball Club
    Step back in time with the Kingston Guards, Ulster County’s own vintage baseball club. Players dressed in 19th-century uniforms will be on hand to share the history of the game and their club, providing a fun and educational experience for sports fans of all ages.
  • Saturday, June 7 – Hank Yost, WWII Reenactor and Historian
    In honor of the 81st anniversary of D-Day, WWII reenactor Hank Yost will return to the Persen House with a special presentation on the Allied invasion of Normandy and the sacrifices made by the Greatest Generation.
  • Saturday, June 14 – Friends of Historic Kingston – NYS Path Through History Weekend
    Learn about Kingston’s architectural and cultural heritage with the Friends of Historic Kingston. Their knowledgeable volunteers will share insights into local landmarks and preservation efforts.
  • Thursday, June 19 – Closed in Observance of Juneteenth
    The Persen House will be closed in recognition of Juneteenth, the national holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States.
  • Saturday, June 21 – Veterans in a New Field: Civil War Era Concert
    Enjoy a stirring musical performance by Veterans in a New Field, featuring authentic Civil War-era songs played on period instruments. Their spirited renditions bring to life the voices and emotions of a divided nation.
  • Thursday to Saturday, June 26–28 – Colonial Game Days
    Families are invited to join us for Colonial Game Days, a special three-day event filled with hands-on activities and historic games from the 17th and 18th centuries. Try your hand at hoop rolling, graces, and other pastimes that entertained generations of children long before screens and smartphones.

As an official site in New York State’s Path Through History Weekend, the Persen House is honored to take part in this statewide initiative, which celebrates destinations of historical and cultural significance. Its inclusion highlights the vital role the Persen House plays in preserving and sharing the rich history of Ulster County and New York State.

Throughout the season, the Persen House also features exhibits that delve into Ulster County’s rich and complex past, including Gysbert’s Inventory: A Reflection of 1665 Dutch Life in Wiltwyck and an upcoming season-long exhibit from Harambee.

Acting Ulster County Clerk Taylor Bruck remarked:
“The Persen House is a living classroom and a space for community connection. Each guest host adds another layer to the story we’re telling—one that honors our shared heritage while making history come alive for today’s audiences.”

Ulster County Historian Eddie Moran, who oversees programming at the site, added:
“Whether you're a longtime resident or a first-time visitor, there’s always something new to discover at the Persen House. June’s programs reflect our commitment to inclusive, hands-on, and family-friendly history.”

The Matthewis Persen House Museum is open to the public Thursdays and Fridays from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Admission is always free.

For more information, including a full schedule of events and exhibits, visit https://clerk.ulstercountyny.gov/archives/persen-house, follow us on Facebook, or contact the Ulster County Historian at (845) 340-3415 or countyhistorian[at]co.ulster.ny[dot]us. 

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