Exploring New York’s Revolutionary War Flags: A Legacy of Liberty
One of the most difficult things about writing about the Revolutionary War is trying to imagine what an American soldier would have seen and felt. Imagine yourself as an Albany County militia man at the Battle of Saratoga. You’ve just emerged from the woods and are forming up into lines for battle. Ahead of you…
The Saga of Timothy Tickler
In late 18th century America, the most petty, brutal political battles were often duked out on newspaper pages. It was common practice for one to publish their political opinions under a pseudonym. John Dickinson penned his famous series of essays under the simple “A Farmer”, Thomas Paine often wrote as “Vox Populi”, and the writers…
The Lives of Livingston Ladies: The 20th Century
Tours at Clermont are typically framed around the last generation to live in the house. This means that we frequently discuss the last two girls to grow up here – Honoria Alice Livingston and Janet Cornelia Livingston. However, these two share a half-sister – Katharine – who was a product of their father, John Henry’s…
Lives of Livingston Ladies: Alice Delafield Clarkson Livingston
Alice D.C. Livingston, third wife of John Henry Livingston and mother to Honoria and Janet Livingston, features heavily in our current interpretation of Clermont and its landscape. As the last “lady” of Clermont, Alice’s personal style and aesthetic has persisted into the present, defining the furnishings and art which decorate the mansion and the careful…
Lives of Livingston Ladies: Janet Livingston Montgomery
Janet Livingston Montgomery, eldest daughter of Margaret Beekman Livingston and Robert the Judge, is a staple in our Legends by Candlelight tours here at Clermont. Most of that is due to her tragic love story with Richard Montgomery, a soldier in the American Revolution, but there is an element of Janet’s story that reads so…
Lives of Livingston Ladies: Margaret Beekman Livingston
Margaret Beekman Livingston was born on March 1st, 1724 – meaning Happy Belated 301st, Margaret! After losing her mother at a young age, Margaret’s father, Henry Beekman, sent her to live with an aunt in Brooklyn. The idea of a widower raising a daughter alone was not socially acceptable in the Colonial Era (nor by…
The Chancellor’s Coffee Urn: Coffee and Consumption in the Colonies
“When I first came to this House it was late in the Afternoon, and I had ridden 35 miles at least. “Madam” I said to Mrs. Huston, “is it lawfull for a weary Traveller to refresh himself with a Dish of Tea provided it has been honestly smuggled or paid no Duties?” / “No sir,…
Alice as Artist
“The ideal of the artist is to materialize [her] thought, in a splendid form. [Alice] strives for this and achieves it through her sincerity and the depth of her conception.” – Revue du Vrai et du Beau, 1928 In July of 1928, Revue du Vrai et du Beau published a short article on a selection…
Create Your Own History at Clermont State Historic Site
Welcome to Clermont State Historic Site, where breathtaking views of the river and mountains awaits you! Home to the Livingstons, Clermont offers the perfect outdoor wedding venue for those seeking to exchange their vows amidst nature’s beauty. With Clermont’s serene surroundings and historic significance, this venue provides a unique and unforgettable experience for your special…
The Chancellor’s Dessert Service: Pots de Crème
Dartes Freres, Pots de Crème set, ca. 1804, porcelain and gold enamel. Clermont State Historic Site. According to the Livingston family lore, “Chancellor Livingston’s Dinner Set,” which includes approximately 60 pieces, was brought back by the Chancellor from Paris, France around 1805 at the end of his diplomatic tenure as the Minister to France. Select…
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Clermont State Historic Site 