First step complete in $1.2 million Vanderpoel restoration

By Paul Crossman
Hudson-Catskill Newspapers

Published:

Sunday, August 23, 2009 2:15 AM EDT

KINDERHOOK — The archaeological research and excavation at the Vanderpoel House that began in early June was only the first step in what is estimated to be a $1.2 million effort to restore the historic site on Broad Street in Kinderhook.

According to Ann-Eliza Lewis, executive director of the Columbia County Historical Society, the excavation was a necessary first step, as restoring the house without it would almost certainly cause damage or changes to some or all of the artifacts underground.

Renovation on a larger scale, said Lewis, should begin in some form this fall.

The house itself is a distinguished example of Federal period architecture, located in the Kinderhook Village National Register Historic District. Originally the home of prominent lawyer and politician James Vanderpoel and his family, the house now reflects an elegant lifestyle in a prosperous, early nineteenth-century village.

The research and excavation was focused mainly around the perimeter of the house, and looked for historic drainage techniques (since the house sits on a very high water table), and artifacts, many of which were found including a collection of ornate ceramic material, and over 20 straight sewing pins, which are very rare.

Another goal of the research and excavation was to help define the dimensions of a back porch which was found to once be an addition to the house. According to Lewis, this was also very successful, and there is a good chance that it will become part of the ongoing restoration effort.

The historical society has a $1.2 million capital campaign underway to fund the complete restoration of the house, and until that goal is reached, the society will undertake small tasks that will move the restoration process along with the goal of opening the entire house to the public sometime in the not-so-distant future.

“We plan to carefully spend the money we have raised so far,” Lewis said. “It was raised for the restoration, and we want people to know it’s going to good use.” She went on to say that the historical society also intends to apply for grants from various sources to help raise the portion of the restoration money that cannot be satisfied by donations.

The Columbia County Historical Society is a private, not-for-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and interpretation of the history and culture of Columbia County. The society owns the Columbia County Museum, the James Vanderpoel House, the 1737 Luykas Van Alen House, and the Ichabod Crane Schoolhouse.

Anyone interested in making donations to the society to help support the restoration can contact Ann-Eliza Lewis, the executive director of the CCHS. For more information on the society as a whole, call 518-758-9265, or visit their website at www.cchsny.org.

To reach reporter Paul Crossman call 518-828-1616, ext. 2266, or e-mail pcrossman@registerstar.com.

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