Take A Drive Through History, Courtesy Of The Columbia County Historical Society

For over a hundred years, the Columbia County Historical Society has been preserving and presenting the history and culture of the Hudson Valley county with innovative programs, exhibits, and a full archive. You’d think after a century, the work would be done. But darn if the organization hasn’t come up with yet another inventive program to explore and learn about Columbia County’s past: its Drive Through History self-guided road trips. Two itineraries were introduced a few weeks ago, and two are being unveiled this week.

“Our office has been closed, and we don’t know when we’re going to open,” said the Society’s executive director, Lori Yarotsky. "So we started thinking about road trips. In addition to my direction and input, our curator and curatorial assistant, and our library researchers have all been involved in recommending, vetting and researching the itinerary locations. We have drawn on the extensive material in our research library and our collections.”

First up were Sacred Spaces (Part 1) and Legends and Folklore. Maps and itineraries for each are available for free download on the CCHS website.

Austerlitz District 4 schoolhouse

“Even if you’ve lived here a long time, you may not know the stories,” said Carrie Rodgers, project manager and writer. “History is literally everywhere you look in Columbia County. In researching, I found endless stories and possibilities.”

Sacred Spaces (Part 1) takes participants to historic houses of workshop and cemeteries dotting the county’s pastoral landscape, from simple country churches to Germantown’s grand Gothic Reformed church. Many of the sacred spaces are on the National Register of Historic Places and date back to the county’s earliest days.

In Legends and Folklore of Columbia County, those curious about obscure stories will have the opportunity to explore folk tales, strange occurrences and spooky legends. The names of Ichabod Crane abnd Harry Houdini pop up; a former “electric park” (a generic term back in the day for amusement parks), a possible cannibal incident in Austerlitz, and other mysteries await as well.

Each itinerary suggests dining options and recreational places en route. Stop and start at any point, do a few at a time, pack a picnic and enjoy Columbia County’s stellar scenery along the way.

"We’ve had people writing to let us know what a great idea these tours are,” said Yarotsky. “It’s good for all ages. You can learn history and feel like you’ve accomplished something.”

It's a safe way to go exploring, but that's not all.

Empire Brickyards, Philmont

“The tours add a layer of purpose and meaning," said Rodgers. "A woman in Hudson told me it was the perfect thing for her and her young kids. In the absence of other things to do, or uncertainty about going out, people are taking these excursions.”

The CCHS plans to bring out two itineraries approximately every four weeks until Thanksgiving, and then will probably continue the series next summer. New tours launching this week are Artifacts of History, which will explore the mill ruins and old factories that were instrumental in the growth of the county; and Political Stories (“more than Martin Van Buren,” Rodgers quipped).

After rescheduling First Columbians (the Society’s annual fundraising event) three times, Yarotsky realized they wouldn’t be able to do the gala as usual. A special surprise road trip is being planned to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the James Vanderpoel House. The mobile fundraiser, “Drive Through Federal Style” will come with "Federal Style swag." 

Especially now, with the leaves just beginning to turn (no, too soon!), there couldn’t be a prettier place to go for a road trip than Columbia County. That’s arguable, of course. But the impressive depth and breadth of the CCHS’s Drive Through History itineraries? Dare anyone to quibble with that.