A Message to Elementary and Middle School Educators

As an enhancement to your early New York curriculum, we invite you and your classes to visit the Vander Ende Onderdonk House. The history, location and contents of the house provide a rich educational and cultural experience for class and group visits.

Our school program is generally geared to third, fourth and fifth grade levels and complies with New York State curriculum standards; special programs can be adapted for other grades. Activities usually include a tour of the house and grounds; a slide presentation on early New York and local history and a colonial craft activity, although modifications to the program may occur due to time constraints, weather, size of group, etc.

This year, we have many surprises to share.  We completed the renovation of the house, beginning with the Onderdonk Parlour, which has been restored and decorated with original 19th century furnishings.  The Vander Ende Room has also been renovated to reflect the earliest colonial years of the house.

Weather permitting, students can bring their lunch and eat in the picnic area of our enclosed 1.5 acre site. We also have a small gift shop with colonial and inexpensive items geared toward children.

Please note that we can not accommodate multiple classes during single visits this year the size of your group must be limited to 35 students or less excluding parents and school staff.