The Gathering, a celebration of the Huguenots and their descendants, will take place Saturday, August 5. This will be the third Gathering in recent years, following the inaugural event in 2010 and another in 2014. The event brings together individuals from all over the country who trace their heritage to the region, including descendants of New Paltz’s original 12 patentees – in fact, this year’s Gathering coincides with the 340th anniversary of the signing of the 1677 New Paltz patent. Special tours and programs are planned throughout the day for both attendees of The Gathering and the public.

The day will begin with a breakfast for guests of The Gathering, followed by meetings of the descendants’ family associations. Guests will also have the opportunity to take a regular guided tour of the street or the new “In Her Words” women’s history tour, which is offered to the public once a month through October. Descendants will also learn about the current roof restoration project at the Jean Hasbrouck House.

After lunch, at 1:30 pm, both guests of The Gathering and the public are invited to a performance by historical balladeer Linda Russell, entitled “American Women in Song,” in honor of the centennial of the ratification of women’s suffrage in New York. The concert will explore the role of women’s lives in society from the 18th century to the 19th Amendment, featuring broadsides, laments, murder ballads, love songs, parlor melodies, and suffrage anthems that reflect the changing status of women in society.

For 30 years, Russell has explored America's past through song and has recorded eight albums of traditional and historical music. She served as 18th century balladeer at Federal Hall National Memorial in NYC, and her performances are in demand at historic sites, schools and community centers around the country. Russell has performed at Historic Huguenot Street a number of times, and her presentations never fail to be engaging, thoughtful, and informative. To register for Russell’s performance, visit huguenotstreet.org/rsvp. Registration for the performance is included for guests of The Gathering.

Following the concert, The Gathering’s descendants can partake in a local cider tasting with Awestruck Ciders, a game of croquet, and tours of the historic site.

The Gathering is sponsored by the DuBois Family Association, Freihofer's Bakery Outlet, P&G's Restaurant & Bar, and ShopRite of New Paltz.