Online Collections Database

Explore the archival collection of the Putnam History Museum in our online database. The online database includes finding aids, photographs, paintings, postcards, archival documents, maps, books, and more.

Click here to begin your search.

Featured Collections

West Point Foundry

Cold Spring

Barry C. and Mary Jean (MJ) Ross Hudson River Postcard Collection

Held at the Putnam History Museum, The Barry C. and Mary Jean (MJ) Ross Hudson River Postcard Collection creates a trip up the Hudson River from New York Harbor to the river’s source in the Adirondacks – with an emphasis on the river’s passage through the Hudson Highlands.

The Ross’ followed one simple rule in choosing a postcard: it had to prominently show the Hudson River, although the river did not need to be the focus of the card. The Ross’ focused on the Hudson River for its incredible place in America’s history, art, culture, and industry. The Hudson was a key to the success or failure of the American Revolution; the Hudson Valley was the birthplace of the first great American School of painting – the Hudson River School; the Hudson was central to the first burst of American tourism – facilitated by the steamships that plied the river and the railroads that traveled on its banks; and the Hudson – together with the Erie Canal – mightily contributed to New York’s becoming a commercial powerhouse.

The Ross’ recommend viewing the collection south to north – starting with views in New York Harbor to the river’s source in the Adirondacks. Click here to begin your trip.

The PHM collections initiative is funded by a grant from the Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley and the ongoing support from museum members and community.