Van Wyck Homestead Museum
See a working colonial kitchen and a collection of artifacts from the Continental
Army encampment of 1776-1783.  The house is believed to be the model for the Wharton House in the James Fenimore Cooper novel, The Spy.
About the Van Wyck House:
- The Van Wyck House was requisitioned by the Continental Army as officers' headquarters.
- Military trials were held here and orders for the army were issued from the house.
- It was visited by many notables, including: Washington, Lafayette, Van Steuben,
Alexander Hamilton, and John Jay.
- Also used by the Quartermaster Department for outfitting Continental troops with clothing.
James Fenimore Cooper & The Van Wyck House:
- The house is reputed to be the setting for Cooper's novel, The Spy.
- The real-life spy was Enoch Crosby, whose trial was held in the house.
- After the war ended, the house was given back to its original owners, and it stayed in the Van Wyck family for 150 years.
"James Fenimore Cooper was greatly influenced throughout his life by his natural surroundings.  This environment impacted his writings, which continue to influence us today.  Cooper's novels help to give us a sense of American history."
Hours:
The museum is open on Saturday and Sunday from 1-4PM from June through the end of October.
It is gladly open by appointment.
Directions:





-The museum is south of the village of Fishkill on Rt. 9

-Going north or south on Rt 9, the museum is at the
    intersection of Interstate 84.

-Traveling east on I-84, take Exit 13. Go straight ahead,     and the museum is in front of you.

-Traveling west, take Exit 13.  Go south on Rt. 9 under     the overpass. The museum is on the left.
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