Self-Guided Brochures
Enjoy the following self-guided history publications created by the Putnam History Museum. Check-out our calendar for upcoming in-person programs and tours here.
If you enjoy this programming and would like to support us, you can make a donation here.
Thematic Booklets
Black History in Putnam County
This booklet provides a brief introduction to several influential Black individuals who lived in Putnam County; from the arrival of enslaved Africans to the Civil War and the Civil Rights Movement.
Indigenous Peoples in Putnam County, a Student Companion Guide
This booklet provides an overview of the PHM’s award-winning exhibition, Indigenous Peoples in Putnam County. While this booklet was developed for school-aged children, the information and activities will be enjoyed by all ages.
History Hikes
History Hike self-guided brochures tell the story of the land that you are hiking upon. These vary in difficulty, so be sure to check the individual hike before embarking upon your adventure!
Benedict Arnold’s Flight Path
Travel back in time to the American Revolution in Garrison, New York. General Benedict Arnold is infamous for his thwarted plan to surrender American-controlled West Point to the British during the Revolutionary War. This hike follows the escape path Arnold took when his treason was discovered. Along the way, you’ll discover why the General was driven to betray the Revolution and how prominent local loyalist Beverly Robinson aided his mission.
Little Stony Point
On this History Hike of Little Stony Point in the Hudson Highlands State Park, you’ll encounter scenic views of the Hudson River, Storm King Mountain, and beyond. This trek through history will introduce you to how this important landmark was a key player in the 1960s Environmental Movement.
Mountain Avenue and Nelsonville Cemetery History Hike
Do you know how modern cemeteries came to be? Learn about the history of Philipstown through some of its notable inhabitants interred in these adjacent cemeteries! From Irish immigrants and Civil War generals, there is a bit of history for everyone.
North and South Redoubts History Hike
The Revolutionary War saw the construction of West Point, a fortress with defensive works on both sides of the Hudson River. The North and South Redoubts in Garrison were two of these structures that still stand today. Explore this slice of Revolutionary history in our backyard!
History Crawls
History Crawls are self-guided walking and/or auto tours of a specific area. They include prompts that help you reflect on the history before you, and are great for the whole family!
American Revolution in Putnam County
During the American Revolutionary War, Putnam County served as a crossroads for Loyalists, Patriots, and everyone in between. Travel some of the most important Revolutionary sites across the region and discover history in the unlikeliest of places. This crawl is county-wide, so driving to many of the sites is a must.
Garrison’s Landing & Arden Point
Located between the Hudson River and the Metro-North Railroad, Garrison’s Landing has shaped, and in turn been shaped by, the evolution of transportation in the Hudson Highlands. This history crawl will take you from Garrison’s Landing to Arden Point. Along the way you will learn about the area’s Native American history, historic architecture of Garrison’s Landing and its preservation, the Hudson River Railroad, and how Arden Point got its name.
Cold Spring
Get to know the history of Cold Spring in this guided walk around town. From its earliest days as a company town to its emergence as an antiquing capital of the Hudson Valley, you’ll learn a little bit of everything in Cold Spring’s vast history!
Upper Main Street and Nelsonville
Explore the hidden places most people don’t see in Nelsonville and Upper Main Street! Old clubhouses and hidden histories abound. Whether you’re new to town or a local looking to deepen your understanding of the area, this history crawl will take you on an educational journey.
History Hunt
Every year in August, the Putnam History Museum runs a county-wide family scavenger hunt for historically important sites. You can see the ones from previous years below. If you’d like to get involved in the current year’s search, check out our events page for more details!