From the Archives

Rhinebeck Historical Society

From Ferncliff to the Galapagos Islands!

Philanthropist Vincent Astor (1891-1959) made a lasting impact on Rhinebeck history, yet his passion for natural history and impact on the The Zoological Society of New York, Museum of Natural History, Brooklyn Botanic Garden and New York Aquarium may not be as well known.

Fences: Keeping ‘em in or Keeping ‘em Out!

Squabbles over fences leave some irate and some tolerant while others become nostalgic. A quick search for “fence” in the archives revealed this unsigned Olin Dows print in “The Southlands Foundation Collection (TSF)”. Despite burned edges, the brush strokes and details evoked memories of winter on the farm. 

The Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome

Look to the sky! The Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome exists because Cole Palen (1925-1993) caught the romance of flying as a young boy and never abandoned his dream of creating a living museum.

The "Good Old Days" in Rhinebeck (1890-1920)

Photos, paintings and maps hold a prominent place in the archives and remain some of researcher Bonnie Wood’s favorites. This post explores the Robert Asher Collection of glass plate negatives and some other gems from the archives! Read more below.

Gems from the Newly Digitized Rhinebeck Gazette

Have you ever imagined what it would be like to step back in time to Rhinebeck in 1858? This is your opportunity! The Strong family’s donation of issues previously missing from the archives and a community supported digitization project resulted in a fully accessible source. 

Researching House History in Rhinebeck

Have you ever wondered about the history of a house in the Village? This month “From the Archives” discovers documents, maps, photographs and postcards featuring 23 Livingston Street, a residence whose history seems almost fictional. 

A School Bell for the Archives?

Would the Rhinebeck Historical Society like a school bell for the archives? When we responded, “Yes!”, Nancy Kadlecik donated the bell and sent an interview with her father, Rhinebeck native William Gilbert Haines, to provide provenance. We were captivated by the school memories! But there was so much more.

Firefighting in Rhinebeck: Sleight’s Relief Hook and Ladder Company, No. 1

Since I wanted to learn more about Sleight’s Relief Hook and Ladder Company, No. 1, we read the article “The Fire Department” included in Illustrated Rhinebeck dated October 13, 1896. Click below to see what we found out. 

Skip to content