The City of Kingston, NY

    Welcome to the City of Kingston, NY

    Kingston, dating to the arrival of the Dutch in 1652, is a vibrant city with rich history and architecture, was the state's first capital, and a thriving arts community. City Hall is in the heart of the community at 420 Broadway, and is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., except July & August (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.).  Come tour our historic City, with restaurants that are among the region's finest, and local shopping that promises unique finds.

    Historic Churches

    Kingston is home to many historic churches. The oldest church still standing is the First Reformed Protestant Dutch Church of Kingston which was organized in 1659. Referred to as The Old Dutch Church, it is located in Uptown Kingston. Many of the city's historic churches populate Wurts street (6 in one block) among them Hudson Valley Wedding Chapel is a recently restored church built in 1867 and now a chapel hosting weddings. Another church in the Rondout is located at 72 Spring Street. Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church was founded in 1849. The original church building at the corner of Hunter Street and Ravine Street burned to the ground in the late 1850s. The current church on Spring Street was built in 1874.

    Kingston, NY

    Kingston became New York's first capital in 1777, and was burned by the British on October 13, 1777, after the Battles of Saratoga. In the 19th century, the city became an important transport hub after the discovery of natural cement in the region, and had both railroad and canal connections.

    Kingston, NY

    The town of Rondout, New York, now a part of the city of Kingston, became an important freight hub for the transportation of coal from Honesdale, Pennsylvania to New York City through the Delaware and Hudson Canal. This hub was later used to transport other goods, including bluestone. Kingston shaped and shipped most of the bluestone made to create the sidewalks of New York City.

     

    Contact Us

    City Hall Address:
    420 Broadway
    Kingston, New York
    12401

    Phone:
    (845) 331-0080
    Email:
    [email protected]

    Kingston News

    2/28/2025 - City Hall to Host Textile Arts Showcase on March 29

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    February 28, 2025

     

    City Hall to Host Textile Arts Showcase

    ‘All Was Done By Hand’ Will Celebrate Women’s History Month

     

    KINGSTON, NY – Mayor Steven T. Noble is pleased to announce that the City of Kingston, Woodstock Weavers, and the Arts Society of Kingston will host a special event, All Was Done by Hand: Home Production of the Nineteenth Century, at City Hall on Saturday, March 29, 2025, from 11:00am to 4:00pm. The event is free and open to the public.

    Highlighting the role of textile work in the 19th century and its evolution into modern craft practices, the All Was Done By Hand event will feature demonstrations of various textile techniques and a “Fleece to Shawl” showcase illustrating the transformation of raw wool into a woven shawl through carding, spinning, and weaving.

    Demonstrations from Woodstock Weavers, Elmendorph Hand Spinners, Wiltwyck Quilters Group, DCSWGA Rug Hooking Group, Ulster Hand Spinners, and independent artisans from throughout the Hudson Valley will include weaving on a variety of looms, spinning yarn and wool processing, basket making, embroidery, quilting, rug hooking, and lacemaking. Spinning bees, which were used as protest in American history, and quilting bees will also be represented.

    The event will also feature educational materials that detail the history and significance of in-home textile production and the role it played in women’s work, especially during the period of Sojourner Truth’s life.

    Mayor Noble said, “We are proud and honored to continue our programming around the Sojourner Truth: First Step to Freedom statue’s installation at City Hall and are pleased to host this special Women’s History Month event. This showcase provides a rare opportunity to explore the craftsmanship and labor that sustained homes and communities in the past while recognizing its continued influence today. I want to thank ASK and the Woodstock Weavers for helping to bring this unique event to City Hall.”

    Carol Wood, President of Woodstock Weavers and event organizer said, “I am thrilled to present these demonstrations of the textile work of women living and working during Sojourner Truth’s time in Ulster County. At that time, raising sheep for wool and flax for linen was a necessity. Spinning yarn, weaving cloth, and outfitting a household were the domain of women and children, both free and enslaved. Our regional fiber arts organizations carry on and expand on these traditions, as art or craft rather than industry.”

    Amy Poux, Managing Director of Art Society of Kingston said, “The Arts Society of Kingston is thrilled to collaborate with the City of Kingston and Woodstock Weavers in presenting All Was Done By Hand. This event is a tribute to Women’s History Month, honoring the essential role women have played as the backbone of daily life and community through their artistry and craftsmanship. We are excited to shine a light on these contributions and inspire a deeper appreciation for the role of textile arts in history and contemporary practice.”

    The event is part of the City of Kingston’s Department of Arts & Cultural Affairs exhibition programming for

    Sojourner Truth: First Step to Freedom. On loan from SUNY New Paltz, the bronze statue by sculptor Trina Greene depicting Sojourner Truth is on display on the first floor and the FREEDOM! exhibition featuring local artists is on display on the ground floor.

    For more information about Sojourner Truth: First Step to Freedom exhibition and programming, please visit https://engagekingston.com/sojourner-truth-first-step-to-freedom.

    Special thanks to event sponsors Dutchess County Sheep and Wool Growers Association, Elmendorph Hand Spinners Guild, Ulster Savings, Woodstock Weavers, and Yarn Farm Kingston.

    Woodstock Weavers was founded in 1972 to foster interest in handweaving and textile arts. The guild hosts workshops, exhibitions, and other learning experiences, and meets in Port Ewen. woodstockweavers.org

    Arts Society of Kingston (ASK) is located in Kingston’s historic Rondout district. With monthly art openings, performances, and a variety of studio classes, ASK supports artists of all disciplines throughout their creative journey. Visit ASK at 97 Broadway and online at askforarts.org
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