If all the cars in the United States were placed end to end, it would probably be Labor Day weekend.
– Doug Larson
History surrounds us
Lately I’ve been hearing more and more about a reduction in student field trips due to pressures to remain in the classroom. While I wait out the Common Core guidelines to evolve into common sense, I invite you to try to visit some of these special places with your family on your own.
From a Child’s Perspective at Sunnyside
This Thursday, August 29 is the final day of Washington Irving’s Sunnyside’s popular summer public youth program, From a Child’s Perspective. All ages are welcome for this experience, which explores the daily life of children in the 19th century. This special house tour is different from the regular tour and focuses on the youngest residents of Sunnyside. Participants are encouraged to play traditional games of that era, try on period clothing and do hands-on activities such as stiltwalking and crafting.
Tours take place at 10:30 a.m., 12 noon, 1:30 and 3 p.m. Admission to the program costs $12, $10 for seniors, $6 for children age 3 to 17 and is free for members and children under age 3. Sunnyside is located at 3 West Sunnyside Lane in Tarrytown. For more information, call (914) 631-8200 or (914) 591-8763, or visit www.hudsonvalley.org.
Light Dragoons occupy Kingston’s Persen House
The Matthewis Persen House is another spot to visit with the family. Simply the location of the house itself is historic: It’s one quarter of the only intersection in the US with pre-Revolutionary stone houses on all four corners.
On Saturday, August 31, the British Brigade of the 16th Queen’s Light Dragoons reenactment group will occupy the house and “recruit” for the King. This living history is engaging and entertaining, and the fact that this house has been through it all only adds to the appeal.
The Persen House is located at 74 John Street in Kingston. For more information, call (845) 340-3040 or visit www.co.ulster.ny.us/countyclerk/persenhouse.html. To learn more about the present-day British occupying forces, visit https://16thqueenslightdragoons.blogspot.com.
Song & storytelling at Olana
Yet another entertaining and educational outing this weekend takes place at the Olana historic site, presenting “From Storm King to Kaaterskill: The Hudson River School in Story and Song” with the Hudson River Ramblers. Ramblers master storyteller Jonathan Kruk and local folksinger Rich Bala will perform during this event from 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, August 31: The Hudson River Ramblers turn the heritage of America’s First River into lively performances in authentic stories and songs.
This program is open to all ages, and admission costs $10 per person, $30 for families, plus a $5 vehicle entrance fee (or use your Empire Pass). Olana is located at 5720 Route 9G in Hudson. For more information, call (518) 828-0135 or visit https://olana.org. To learn more about the performers, visit www.hudsonriverramblers.com.
Join the family! 
