The Society for the Preservation of Hudson Valley Vernacular Architecture

         Vernacular architecture is the common way of building; it is a product of regional culture and tradition.  Hudson Valley vernacular architecture originated soon after the arrival of the Dutch ship the “de Halve Maen” (Half Moon) in 1609.  The architectural tradition it brought with it was centuries old and stemmed from the traditional building practices found in The Netherlands and the bordering German provinces. 

          The New World Dutch vernacular building tradition persisted through the colonial period in despite of the influx of other cultures and traditions.  Since the end of the Revolution the region's vernacular architecture has increasingly reflected the complex social and cultural forces at play in the Valley, but a distinctly Dutch character remains.  

          The Society for the Preservation of Hudson Valley Vernacular Architecture is a not-for-profit society, granted a provisional charter by New York State Department of Education with a mandate to document and preserve the Hudson Valley's regional architectural heritage.  To fulfill this mission we work in cooperation with historic property owners, both public and private. Taking numerous study tours each year, we survey and record local dwellings and agricultural structures, then make available information which accurately interprets the past.

          If you own an historic building and would like to add to our database, please contact us to schedule a visit with our survey team.  We rely upon the generosity of private owners to further our research!