Putnam County Historical Society
& Foundry School Museum
63 Chestnut Street
Cold Spring, NY 10516
(845) 265-4010
http://www.pchs-fsm.org/

This wonderful little museum in beautiful Cold Spring, New York features an array of permanent and changing exhibits that are interesting and educational.

Throughout the year a calendar of special events and activities combines well with a Museum tour to provide a complete day's recreation.

Some of the features of the Museum are, the world-renowned painting The Gun Foundry by John Ferguson Weir; the Foundry Room, exhibiting memorabilia of the West Point Foundry; The Parrott Gun of Civil War fame; the School Room of the original Foundry School, a 19th century Country Kitchen, an Indian Dugout Canoe; and much more.

Several hands-on Educational Program for School Groups are offered:

A Day in the Life of a 19th Century Child School Outreach Program for 1st , 2nd and 3rd grades: What was life like for children at work and at play in the mid-1800's? Join us for a one hour workshop in which your students will be coached in 19th Century etiquette, play 19th century games and experience writing with slates and chalk, quill pens and ink. Classroom visits are also available with this program if your class is not able to visit the museum.

The West Point Foundry and Natural Resources School Outreach Program for 4th grade: The West Point Foundry was one of the major industrial sites during the 19th century. What role did location play in choosing Cold Spring for the West Point Foundry? During this 2 hour program, students will learn what impact the natural resources of this area had on the creation of the West Point Foundry and the town that grew up around it. Students will explore paintings, photographs and artifacts pertaining to the foundry and view the remains of the foundry on a hike through, Scenic Hudson's West Point Foundry Preserve. A classroom visit can also be arranged prior to your visit to the museum.

The West Point Foundry and the Civil War School Outreach Program for 8th grade: The West Point Foundry and its Superintendent Robert Parrott were instrumental in changing the outcome of the Civil War. What is the Parrott Rifled Cannon and why was it different than other munitions of the time? During this 2 hour program students will learn about the Parrott rifled cannon and its creator Robert Parrott as well as how the munitions of the 19th century were made. The students will also view the ruins of the West Point Foundry on a hike through Scenic Hudson's West Point Foundry Preserve. A classroom visit can also be arranged prior to your visit to the museum.

Cost for school programs is $3.00 per student. Chaperones are free.