Matthewis Persen House Museum Opens for the 2025 Season on Saturday, May 24
Ulster County Landmark Welcomes Visitors with Exhibits, Special Guests, and Cultural Programs
KINGSTON, NY — The Ulster County Clerk’s Office is proud to announce the season opening of the Matthewis Persen House Museum on Saturday, May 24, 2025. Located at the historic intersection of Crown and John Streets in uptown Kingston, the Persen House will be 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. through October 25, 2025.
Built in the 17th century and expanded over time, the Matthewis Persen House is one of the oldest and most significant buildings in Ulster County. Operated by the Ulster County Clerk’s Office as a cultural heritage site, the museum highlights the rich and diverse history of the region through a rotating schedule of exhibits and events.
This season, visitors can explore artifacts uncovered during the archaeological excavation of the Persen House site in the early 2000s, offering a direct link to the lives of those who lived and worked in the building over centuries. The museum also features its permanent exhibit, Gysbert’s Inventory: A Reflection of 1665 Dutch Life in Wiltwyck, based on the original 1665 probate inventory of Gysbert Van Imbroch, which provides a rare glimpse into daily life in colonial Kingston. Harambee will also be installing a special season-long exhibit soon, and we look forward to welcoming their powerful and meaningful contribution to the space.
Throughout the season, nearly every Saturday will feature guest hosts, including local historians, historical societies, cultural organizations, period musicians, artists, re-enactors, and even vintage baseball players, bringing the past to life and offering engaging experiences for visitors of all ages. A full schedule of hosts and exhibits is available at https://clerk.ulstercountyny.gov/archives/persen-house.
Acting Ulster County Clerk Taylor Bruck expressed excitement for the new season:
“The Persen House is more than a historic structure—it’s a gathering place where our community connects with the people and stories that shaped Ulster County. We are proud to welcome new and returning visitors this year and look forward to another season filled with discovery, learning, and shared heritage.”
Ulster County Historian Eddie Moran, who will be managing the Persen House and leading its programming efforts, also shared his enthusiasm:
“The Persen House is an incredible resource for exploring Ulster County’s layered and diverse past. I’m honored to guide its next chapter and look forward to working with local partners to create programs and exhibits that invite curiosity, spark conversation, and reflect the many communities that call this region home.”
Admission to the Matthewis Persen House Museum is always free. For more information about the site, upcoming events, and to schedule a group tour or school field trip, please contact the Ulster County Historian at (845) 340-3415 or historian[at]co.ulster.ny[dot]us. You can also visit us online and on Facebook for updates and announcements.
