Bronck Museum
1663 Stone House
In January 1662, Pieter Bronck entered into a contract to purchase from the Katskill Indians a tract of land known by the Indian name "Koixhackung". Choosing a site at the base of the Kalkberg Ridge, Pieter built his dwelling, a small single room structure with cellar and storage garret. The original massive beams, wide floor boards, cellar hatchway, and early Dutch door still dominate the interior. This house is the oldest surviving dwelling in Upstate New York.
1685 Stone Addition
The first expansion of the original structure to accommodate the growing family. This "west wing" consists of a hallway, main room, and loft. The great storm of 1792 caused extensive structural damage, requiring rebuilding . It was during this rebuilding that the distinctive paneling was installed.
1738 Brick House
An excellent example of rural Hudson Valley Dutch architecture modified by a federal period taste. This four room dwelling has a large attic and cellar. The structure's size attests to the growing affluence of the Bronck family. Shortly after completion, the brick dwelling was connected to the stone dwellings with the construction of the "hyphen hallway".
Kitchen Dependency
Built in federal period on the foundation of an earlier structure. A house in miniature, with main room, loft, and cellar, it faces the rear courtyard in a manner typical of the detached kitchen in a plantation economy. On display are local furniture and equipment used in the preparation and serving of food to a large household of family and servants.
House Furnishings
The rooms are furnished with period furniture. In addition, china, glass and silver from several generations of Broncks as well as other Greene County families create a gracious atmosphere. Throughout the houses are important works of art by Ammi Philips, Nehemiah Partridge, Ezra Ames, John Frederick Kensett, Richard Hubbard, and Benjamin Stone. The "west wing loft" houses an important collection of regional textiles, as well as weaving and spinning equipment.
Bronck Barns
Victorian Horse Barn
A converted Victorian horse barn, is now home to an exhibit featuring various aspects of Greene County life. The famous model of the Catskill Mountain House occupies the entire center of this building.
Dutch Barn
Is representative of the New World Dutch barn. Dutch barns were specifically suited to a farm economy based on wheat production. This barn retains its massive anchor beams supported by columns linked together with 50' long purlin beams which support the weight of the roof. The early thrashing floor with pegged 3 inch thick oak planking, remains intact.
Thirteen Sided Barn
Built in the 1830's is the oldest, documented, multisided barn in New York. The weight of the roof of this unusual structure rests solidly on its thirteen sides. The only interior framing, apart from the side walls, is a single center pole.
Directions to Bronck Museum
- From Thruway Exit 21B, Coxsackie: South on 9W 3¾ miles; at RED BARN turn right on Pieter Bronck Road.
- From Traffic Light at 9W and 81: South on 9W 1½ miles; at RED BARN turn right on Pieter Bronck Road.
- From Catskill: North on 9W; then left on County Rt. 42
