named programs · 5 · from sources
What they call their work
KIOSK Project
Installed interpretive signs along the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail to educate the public about the region’s historical and geological significance.
Natural News Publication
Periodical for members featuring historical research, event recaps, geology notes, and updates on Society projects related to Rosendale and the cement industry.
Reconfigured Cement Museum
Exhibit space dedicated to the history and technology of Rosendale cement, featuring artifacts, test briquettes, industrial tools, and interpretive displays.
Society Library and Archives
Curates and maintains a specialized collection of books, manuscripts, maps, and documents related to the Rosendale cement industry, industrial archaeology, and regional history for research and public access.
Widow Jane Mine and Snyder Estate Programs
Hosts public events, educational tours, film shoots, art exhibitions, and seasonal activities such as the Subterranean Poetry Festival and geology walks at historic sites.
activities · 8 groups
What they do
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Historic Site Designation Advocacy 1 activity
- Advocates for historic preservationSecured the listing of the Snyder Estate Natural Cement Historic District on the National Register of Historic Places through primary research and preparation of nomination materials.
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Historical and Genealogical Research 1 activity
- Conducts and promotes historical researchConducts and promotes original historical research focused on New York State, particularly the Rosendale Natural Cement District, including publishing biographical information about Jane LeFever Snyder, adapting and publishing historical maps, and publishing copyrighted works such as "Stories of Rosendale" (1998).
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Onsite & Outreach Environmental Education Programs 1 activity
- Hosts educational programs and eventsHosts natural cement mortar workshops, educational geology walks, bird walks in partnership with the John Burroughs Natural History Society, and annual themed projects such as the Eotechnic Sensorium in 2017 to promote public engagement with local history and natural sciences.
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Performing Arts Venue Rental 1 activity
- Operates Widow Jane Mine as historic site and event venueOperates the Widow Jane Mine as a publicly accessible historic site and performance space, hosting musical performances, recordings, film and media production, and special events such as benefit performances, outdoor sculpture exhibitions, and site-wide festivals.
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Local History Museum Operations 1 activity
- Operates a museum on Rosendale natural cement historyOperates a museum dedicated to the history of the Snyder Estate, the Rosendale Cement District, and Rosendale, displaying artifacts, photographs, and historical materials related to the Rosendale Natural Cement industry and its role in constructing major American landmarks. The museum is open to the public until September 2026 and offers daily self-guided tours from 10AM to 6PM.
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Local History Archival Access 1 activity
- Preserves and displays historical collectionsMaintains and displays a large collection of horse carriages and sleighs acquired by A.J. Snyder II, and preserves and provides access to historical materials such as a 1903 Consolidated Rosendale Cement Company property map and a historical paper on the old stone houses of Rosendale. Also maintains a library collection of books on the cement industry, Rosendale, and estate-related topics, assembled by founder Dietrich Werner, available upon request via email.
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Local History Publishing 1 activity
- Produces and distributes historical publicationsProduces a periodical titled 'The Natural News' for members, featuring articles on local history, geology, events, and organizational plans, and has published a 52-page brochure promoting the use of blended cement for large-scale engineering projects.
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Uncategorized 4 activities
- Cosponsors historical conferencesCosponsored the American Natural Cement Conference in Rosendale, NY, held from March 31 to April 2, 2005, to promote knowledge exchange on natural cement history and technology.
- Maintains historic infrastructureMaintains the Snyder Estate barge slip, a historic structure connected to the D&H Canal, and provides a report on its history and preservation.
- Preserves and shares oral historiesPreserves and presents oral histories of Rosendale, including personal narratives recorded in 1989 by William G. Williams and an edited transcript of a 1986 videotaped oral history by Walter G. Williams, which is also made available with a slideshow via YouTube.
- Supports archaeological and historical investigationsHosted archaeological investigations of the Snyder Canal Slip and adjacent D&H Canal prism and towpath in 2011, contributing to the understanding and preservation of regional industrial heritage.
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financials · form 990 · fy2024
revenue
Total revenue$138K
Contributions & grants$138K100%
Program service revenue$00%
Investment income$60%
Other revenue$0
expenses
Total expenses$142K
Program expenses51%
Admin / overhead24%
Fundraising25%
Salaries & benefits$0
Grants paid out$0
Largest expense lineFacilities
balance sheet
Total assets$546K
Cash$5K
Investments$0
Liabilities$24K
Net assets$522K
Liquid reserves0.4 mo
3 years on record · 2022–2024 · YoY revenue +60.2%
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2024
Who runs it
board members · 6
- ALTHEA WERNER — Trustee
- ANDREA BROWN — Treasurer
- ANTON WERNER — Trustee
- DIANA SMITH — Trustee
- HENRY H LOWENGARD — President
- LOUISA DUFFY — Secretary
relationships · 22
Who they work with
- American Association for State and Local History Partner — Collaborated on early drafts of the National Historic Landmark proposal and later nomination efforts for the Snyder Estate Natural Cement District.
- D&H Canal Museum Partner — Recommended related destination with shared historical themes in the region.
- Edison Coatings Partner — Corporate sponsor of the American Natural Cement Conference, involved in the production of Rosendale natural cement.
- History Alliance of Kingston Network — CHHS is a member organization of this regional historical network.
- History Alliance of Kingston Network — Member organization participating in regional history initiatives including the Hudson Valley History Hunts.
- Jason Adams Partner — Provided a slideshow and recording from YouTube for use in presenting Walter Williams' oral history.
- John Burroughs Natural History Society Partner — Sponsors bird walks hosted by CHHS.
- Kurtis Burmeister Partner — Donated the book "Geology of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park" to the Society Library.
- Linda Tantillo Partner — Donated the book "Specifications for Concrete" to the Society Library.
- Michael Pavlov Partner — Donated the book "The Industrial Archeology of a Rosendale Cement Works at Whiteport" to the Society Library.
- National Public Radio Partner — Featured the Widow Jane Mine on NPR's "All Things Considered" in 2004.
- New York State Education Department Government — Chartered by the New York State Education Department.
- New York State Historic Preservation Office Government — Collaborated with staff to evaluate, review, revise, edit, and finalize the National Register nomination.
- New York State Museum Partner — Collaborated on archaeological investigations of the Snyder Canal Slip and D&H Canal.
- Northeast Chapter of The Association for Preservation Technology International Partner — Cosponsored the American Natural Cement Conference in 2005.
- PayPal Partner — Platform used for receiving donations.
- Snyder Estate Partner — Preserves and interprets the Snyder Estate, including its D&H Canal barge slip, as part of its historical programming.
- Stan Graham Partner — Donated the "Image Album & Scenes Remembered" CD series to the Society Library.
- TicketSpice Partner — Platform used for processing donations.
- Tim Allred Partner — Donated the book "Bats of the United States" to the Society Library.
- Widow Jane Distillery Partner — Has a partnership with CHHS, likely related to shared cultural or site-based connections to the Widow Jane Mine.
- Widow Jane Mine Partner — Manages the Widow Jane Mine as a historic site and public performance space.
strategies · 3
How they approach the work
Named approaches extracted from this org’s sources. Where others share an approach, follow it to see the full set of orgs running it.
- Contextualized Historical Interpretationmethodology: historical_contextualizationBy organizing historical resources around their first or most significant users, the organization improves public understanding because contextual framing helps visitors make meaningful connections between people, places, and industrial developments.
- Expert-Led Education and Original Researchmethodology: expert_led_educationBy using expert-led programming and conducting original research, the organization advances public understanding of regional industrial history because specialized knowledge enhances accuracy and depth of historical interpretation.
- Preservation Through Multifaceted Documentationmethodology: multisource_documentationBy combining archaeological documentation, oral histories, and specialized archival collections, the organization preserves industrial heritage because diverse source types create a more complete and accessible historical record.