New York State Division for Historic Preservation Opens Its Doors at Peebles Island State Park  

The New York State Division for Historic Preservation will open the doors of its Peebles Island headquarters to the public for the first time in more than 15 years during a three-day Open House — Thursday, October 15 – Saturday, October 17, 2026. Free and open to the public from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. each day, the Open House will offer a rare, behind-the-scenes look at how New York preserves, protects and shares its history.   

The special event will feature recent projects and ongoing work of the Division for Historic Preservation (DHP), part of the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP). Visitors are invited to explore the buildings and grounds of the Peebles Island Resource Center, meet with staff, participate in hands-on activities, watch demonstrations, hear presentations, explore specialty projects, and tour spaces. Attendees of all ages are encouraged to bring their curiosity and questions as they interact with archaeologists, historians, conservators, curators, historic preservationists, environmentalists, designers and technical experts. 

“Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, New York is making historic investments in preserving our past and finding new ways to connect people with the stories that shaped our state,” said OPRHP Commissioner Kathy Moser. “Peebles Island is where so much of the behind-the-scenes work to preserve and share New York’s history happens. As we commemorate the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, there is no better time to open the doors at Peebles Island and give New Yorkers an insider’s look at the people, expertise and craftsmanship that bring our history to life.”   

The Peebles Island Resource Center is home to DHP, including the New York State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) and the New York State Bureau of Historic Sites (BHS). SHPO administers programs such as the State and National Registers of Historic Places, historic rehabilitation tax credit programs, historic preservation technical assistance consultation and review, the Certified Local Government (CLG) program, archaeological expertise, historic preservation grants, resource surveys, education and outreach. The Bureau of Historic Sites provides museum and historic preservation technical support to New York’s state-owned parks and historic sites, including collections care, conservation of objects, preservation of historic buildings and landscapes, research, exhibitions, interpretive signage and educational resources.  

Located at 1 Delaware Avenue North, Cohoes, NY 12047, Peebles Island State Park sits at the confluence of the Hudson and Mohawk rivers. The park offers fishing, spectacular river and rapids views, and miles of trails through a gently rolling and wooded landscape.  

Parking is available at the park but may become limited during the event. Carpooling is encouraged.