Visitors to Newburgh’s Historic District are awestruck by its rich architecture and its sweeping views of the Hudson River. For the past four decades, supporters from all over have joined the Newburgh Historical Society in celebrating a treasured architectural history during the annual Candlelight Tour.
The self-guided tour will take place this year on Saturday, December 9, between 12 p.m. and 5 p.m. (Snow date of Sunday, December 10). The 1830 Captain David Crawford House, the Society’s headquarters located at 189 Montgomery Street, is the starting place for the Tour and will be decorated in 19th-century holiday splendor.
The house tour features a diverse assortment of public and private spaces within and just beyond the City of Newburgh. These include city and suburban houses, homes in the rehabilitation process and some of Newburgh’s most important landmarks.
The Crawford House will be decorated with natural greens, floral arrangements and fruit decorations typical of the 19th century. Neighbors will open their fascinating houses and buildings, showcasing their historic significance or their modern take on holiday expression.
Samantha Wiley, President of the Historical Society, said: “The Candlelight Tour is a unique opportunity to see all that Newburgh has to offer. Highlighting Newburgh’s breadth of architectural styles, the tour reaffirms how special Newburgh’s history is and how this legacy continues through the community today.”
The annual tour is the Historical Society’s major fundraiser. The money raised is used to fulfill the Historical Society’s mission to preserve the history of the greater Newburgh area by promoting an appreciation of the region’s unique attributes and protecting its architectural, cultural and historic resources. This year, the Historical Society offered over 25 free public programs and began digitizing its collection.
Tickets can be purchased online at newburghhistoricalsociety.com or by calling (845) 561-2585. Visitors will save $5 off the $40 ticket price at the door by purchasing tickets in advance. An illustrated guide booklet and a custom map will be provided, to add historical context and enrich the visitor experience.
The Crawford House, a historic house museum and Society’s headquarters, located at 189 Montgomery Street within the City of Newburgh’s Historic District is open for tours by appointment. For more information about admission, tours, or programming please call (845) 561-2585.