Local College and University Links
Marist University is a private, comprehensive institution located on the Hudson River in Poughkeepsie, New York, with a branch campus in Florence, Italy. It offers a blend of liberal arts and pre-professional studies, emphasizing experiential learning and a strong sense of community. Marist is known for its high-quality teaching, excellent study abroad programs, and commitment to student success.
Vassar College is a highly selective, coeducational liberal arts college located in New York's scenic Hudson Valley. Founded in 1861 as a pioneering institution for women's education, it became coeducational in 1969, maintaining its commitment to a flexible and interdisciplinary curriculum. Vassar is renowned for its academic rigor, beautiful campus, and a strong sense of community that fosters intellectual openness and diverse perspectives.
Bard College is a private liberal arts college located in Annandale-on-Hudson, New York, known for its rigorous and interdisciplinary curriculum. It emphasizes critical thinking, close faculty-student interaction in small classes, and significant independent work, culminating in a senior project. Beyond its scenic Hudson Valley campus, Bard is also recognized for its commitment to public interest initiatives.
Dutchess Community College is a public community college located in the mid-Hudson Valley, part of the State University of New York system. It offers a wide variety of associate degrees and certificate programs designed for both career preparation and seamless transfer to four-year institutions. DCC is known for its affordable tuition, supportive environment, and modern facilities, including on-campus housing options.
Historic Landmark Links
FDR's lifelong home, Springwood, in Hyde Park, New York, began as a simple Italianate farmhouse before undergoing extensive Colonial Revival renovations in 1915 by Franklin and his mother. The grand yet understated mansion served as both a family residence and a political headquarters, reflecting the "old money" lifestyle of the Roosevelts. Its interior remains furnished as it was during FDR's lifetime, preserving elements from various periods of its expansion and his personal collections.
Val-Kill was once part of the larger Roosevelt family estate in Hyde Park, New York, and became the only home truly belonging to Eleanor Roosevelt. It initially housed Val-Kill Industries, a furniture and handicraft business she started with friends to provide employment for local farming families. After her husband's death, Val-Kill became Eleanor Roosevelt's primary residence, where she continued her work and entertained national and world leaders.
The Vanderbilt Estate in Hyde Park, now a National Historic Site, is a remarkably preserved Gilded Age country palace that served as a luxurious seasonal residence for Frederick William Vanderbilt and his wife, Louise. Designed in the Beaux-Arts style, the 54-room mansion showcases opulent interiors with European architectural elements and fine period reproductions.
Mills Mansion, also known as Staatsburgh State Historic Site, is a lavish 65-room Beaux-Arts mansion overlooking the Hudson River in Hyde Park, New York. Once the opulent country home of Gilded Age financier Ogden Mills and his wife Ruth Livingston Mills, it stands today as a remarkable time capsule preserving the original furnishings and demonstrating the extravagant lifestyle of America's elite during that era.
Norrie Point, part of the expansive Mills-Norrie State Park in Staatsburg, New York, is a scenic area along the Hudson River known for its recreational opportunities and environmental education. It features a marina, camping facilities, and the Norrie Point Environmental Center, which serves as the headquarters for the Hudson River National Estuarine Research Reserve and offers various educational programs.
Local Municipality Links
The town of Hyde Park, New York, nestled along the scenic Hudson River, is renowned for its rich presidential history, notably as the birthplace and home of Franklin D. Roosevelt. It seamlessly blends its historical significance with picturesque landscapes, offering residents and visitors a charming mix of cultural heritage and natural beauty.
The city of Poughkeepsie, New York, is a historic city located on the Hudson River, serving as the county seat of Dutchess County. It boasts a blend of urban revitalization and natural beauty, with landmarks like the Walkway Over the Hudson and a rich history reflected in its architecture and cultural institutions.
The Town of Clinton, New York, is a rural community in Dutchess County, known for its winding country roads, fertile farmland, and charming hamlets. Established in 1786 and named after Governor George Clinton, it boasts a rich history with evidence of early Dutch, German Palatine, and English settlers.
Rhinebeck, New York is a charming and historic village in the Hudson Valley, known for its picturesque main street, boutique shops, and a vibrant arts and culinary scene. It offers a delightful blend of small-town charm with sophisticated cultural attractions, attracting visitors and residents alike.
Field Trip Links
The John R. Kirk Planetarium at SUNY New Paltz is an indoor, domed theater seating forty three people, featuring a modern fish-eye lens projector that displays digital simulations of the sky. It allows audiences to view and zoom in on celestial objects, mimic cosmic motions, and even see the sky from different planets and moons.