Matthewis Persen House to receive repairs with $558K grant

KINGSTON, N.Y. (NEWS10)-- Ulster County was awarded a $558, 232 grant from the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation for repairs to the historic Matthewis Persen House. According to the county, repairs will be made to the roof, heating systems and to the exterior.

The house serves as a museum showcasing the colonial history of Ulster County and the Hudson Valley. According to the county, the house has stood through two fires, wars and revolutions, and parts of the stone building date back to 1661.

"We are incredibly grateful for this crucial support toward the preservation of the Matthewis Persen House," said Eddie Moran, Ulster County Historian. "With its earliest portion dating to 1661, the house played host to, and continues to reflect, the diverse cultural groups who have called this land home, including Esopus native people, Dutch and English colonists, and free and enslaved Africans. Support for historic preservation such as this is vital to ensuring this important historic site and innovative museum can continue to introduce visitors to the complex history of Kingston and the surrounding region for generations to come."

The county has owned the museum since 1914 and housed the Board of Elections and the Cornell Cooperative Extensions' agricultural services. In 1999, the offices relocated for roof stabilization repairs and now serves as an interpretive space for visitors.

"The Persen House has seen a fairly dramatic increase in attendance over the past five years, from roughly 3,000 guests per year to over 6,000 guests in 2024," said Taylor Bruck, Acting Ulster County Clerk. "As one of the oldest structures in the County, it was imperative that we properly care for it by fixing the leaky roof. This grant will go a long way in realizing that goal, and I couldn't be more proud of our staff and everyone who helped us preserve our important history." 

With repairs, the building will be able to be open longer. Currently, the building is unheated and is open seasonally. With adding heat to the building, the museum will be able to expand the season.

"The Persen House is a historical treasure we intend to preserve for generations, and I want to thank the State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation for this significant grant to make needed repairs," said Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger. "To be able to learn about our past in a building steeped in over 360 years of that history is a truly unique experience, and through the dedicated efforts of the County Clerk's Office, we are making the most of this asset to enrich public understanding of our shared history."