A Museum for Red Hook

Expanding programs and public hours at the Elmendorph Inn

Join Historic Red Hook in taking the next big step: launching new educational programs and expanded open hours that allow the Elmendorph Inn to connect visitors with the past in meaningful ways.

Get Involved
Make a Donation

We need your input—and your support.

We’re developing new tours, exhibits, and programs that tell the story of the Elmendorph Inn and the town of Red Hook. Your voice can help shape how history is shared—and your donation can help make it happen.

Complete!

Phase 1: Planning the Story

2024–2025 | Goal: $29,100

We’re developing our first interpretive plan. This includes archival research, community input, and work with expert consultants to define what stories we want to tell and how.

Funded by Arts Mid-Hudson, Ascienzo Family Foundation, Humanities NY

In Progress

Phase 2: Designing the Experience

2025–2026 | Goal: $64,700

We’ll create new tours, signage, school programs, and materials that bring the Inn’s stories to life for students, families, and visitors.

Partially funded by Arts Mid-Hudson, Ascienzo Family Foundation, Richard H. Jenrette Foundation, and individual donors.

Phase 3: Opening the Doors

2026–2027 | Goal: $56,200

With your help, we’ll open the Inn 3 days a week with a mix of guided and self-guided options, trained staff, and field trips.

Make a Donation

Pay online below or send us a check, payable to Historic Red Hook, PO Box 397, Red Hook, NY 12571.

As of 2026, donations up to $1,000 per person, per year are tax deductible, even if you do not itemize on your taxes. Please consult your tax advisor for details.

Choose a giving level

Hands-On History Sponsor – $200 Bring history to life by supporting interactive materials that invite visitors to touch, play, read, listen, and participate, including tavern games, reproduction objects, books, activity prompts, and take-home resources.

Historical Research Sponsor – $500 Help uncover the everyday people, places, objects, and events that shaped Red Hook’s history by supporting the research behind the exhibit.

Exhibit Design Sponsor - $1,000 Contribute to thoughtful visual design that makes the exhibit compelling, easy to understand, and in keeping with the historic character of the Elmendorph Inn.

Exhibit Production Sponsor– $2,500 Help turn the exhibit into a physical experience by supporting elements such as panels, maps, audio, images, and interactive displays throughout the Inn.

Open Doors Sponsor – $5,000 Prepare the Elmendorph for regular public open hours by contributing to needs such as visitor check-in tools, wayfinding, signage, seating areas, and resources that make the site easier to explore.

Student Learning Sponsor – $7,500 Make field trips and classroom learning possible by supporting the development of Historic Red Hook’s curriculum-connected lesson plans, hands-on activities, and other educational resources that help students explore Red Hook’s history through the Elmendorph Inn.

Visitor Experience Sponsor – $10,000+ Help create the full visitor experience at the Elmendorph Inn, including room-by-room storytelling to welcoming, flexible spaces for tours, programs, and community use.

Get Involved

By signing up, you'll receive occasional updates about the project, invitations to community workshops and focus groups, and opportunities to share your ideas, stories, and support. Together, we can build a museum that reflects the history—and heart—of our town.

Interested in doing more? You’re welcome to set up a personal meeting with our Director, Elisabeth Tatum, to explore ways you can contribute your ideas, skills, or support. Email director@historicredhook.org to schedule a conversation.