Historic Hillsdale
What We Do
Promote the preservation of the unique heritage of the town of Hillsdale, including public buildings, homes, cemeteries, historic sites and trails, landscapes and other features of the town in order to protect and preserve that which gives Hillsdale its character and enhances our quality of life.
Historic Hillsdale Committee Membership
Lex Lalli, Chair (email: email hidden; JavaScript is required)
Timi Bates
Julia Brandi
Geoff Brookman
Tom Carty
Fran Eberhart
Mike Stertz
Amelia Robedee-Sydlosky
Joan Wallstein
Matthew White
Town Historian
Jeremy Dodds
Designation of Hillsdale Hamlet Historic District
Historic Hillsdale received grants from the Preservation League of New York State and The Berkshire Taconic Foundation and commissioned Larson Fischer Associates, preservation consultants, to conduct an extensive survey of the Hillsdale Hamlet. This culminated in the designation of the Hillsdale Hamlet Historic District now listed on the State and National Registers.
The complete survey is available for viewing at the Roe Jan Community Library or Hillsdale Town Hall. To read an abbreviated version of the Historic Hillsdale Survey, click here.
Tax Benefits
The Historic Hillsdale Committee has published a brochure to promote the tax benefits of life in Hillsdale’s historic district. Owners of historic residential and/or income-producing buildings in the District may qualify for federal and/or state income tax credits for rehabilitating their property. A handful of property owners have already taken advantage of this valuable tax credit and can attest to its straightforward process.
A federal and state tax credit is available to owners of historic, commercial, office, industrial or rental residential buildings, and a state credit to owner occupied residential structures. Be sure to get the facts before starting any renovations. Download brochure interior [PDF] with details. Exterior [PDF] here.
Contact email hidden; JavaScript is required if you want more information.
For information on the NYS and Federal Investment Tax Credit programs, including whether or not your property qualifies, contact: Sloane Bullough at The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation at 518-237-8643, ext. 3252 or go
to http://www.nysparks.com/shpo/tax-credit-programs/
Signs at 4 Entrances to Hillsdale Hamlet (E-W-N-S)
Commemorative signs, indicating the Hillsdale Hamlet as a National Historic Place are being installed. Matthew White, a Hillsdale
resident, designed these signs.
Hillsdale Methodist Church Bell Restoration
Historic Hillsdale contributed funds to restore the bell at the Church at the intersection of Routes 22 and 23. This building was highlighted as one of the most significant historic sites in Hillsdale.
Three Tours of Hillsdale Historic Properties
Each summer from 2009 – 2011, Historic Hillsdale organized a tour of several historic properties. These were made possible by the hard work of volunteers and the generosity of owners who allowed the public to tour their property.
Workshops and Public Meetings on the Tax Credit Programs
There were several public meetings and workshops to discuss the Survey and Application for historic status as they were being prepared, the benefits of designation, and the Tax Credit Programs available to structures in historic Districts.
Current Projects
- Town Hall Exterior Renovation – The Town Hall is one of Hillsdale most architecturally distinctive historic building. It is badly in need of restoration work on much of the exterior including the roof, brickwork and windows. Funds for this project are being solicited from State agencies, foundations and other donors. Bids are currently being taken for the work.
- Whipporwill Road Marker with Wallace Bruce Poem – Historic Hillsdale contributed funds towards the restoration of this historic plaque.
Future Projects
- Place plaques on historic structures in Hillsdale.
- List historic buildings in Hillsdale and/or extend the boundaries of the Historic District.
- Arrange informal lectures to discuss historic aspects of Hillsdale.
Support for Historic Hillsdale
Funds for projects completed and anticipated come primarily from private foundations, State and Federal agencies and contributions from the residents of Hillsdale.
Grants received or in the application stage:
- National Trust for Historic Preservation
- The J.M. Kaplan Fund
- The Rheinstrom Hill Foundation
- Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation
- The Preservation League of New York State
Special thanks to the following for their invaluable advice and assistance:
- Larson Fischer Associates
- New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation
- Preservation League of New York State
To become more involved in our work, volunteer, join our Committee or donate, please contact email hidden; JavaScript is required.
Committee Notes