Saturday, December 20 | 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Olana State Historic Site
Come celebrate the changing of the seasons during this special community day from 1:00-5:00pm on Saturday December 20th. Join us at Olana for an afternoon of free activities to celebrate the season!
Did you know the artist Frederic Church was inspired by the Hudson Valley’s beautiful winter landscape? Welcome winter by learning more about the science of snow, exploring Olana’s historic house, participating in seasonal artmaking, and visiting with everyone’s favorite miniature donkey, Hank!
Events throughout the day include:
- An afternoon bonfire
- Free access to Olana’s historic interiors
- Seasonal Storytelling for Families
- Workshops and Walks on the Science of Snow with “Nature Sarah”
- Winter Choir Performance by Catskill High School Musicians at 2pm
- Refreshments for purchase provided by Cidiot and others
- Artmaking activities led by The Olana Partnership Educators
- Hank, the miniature donkey, and friends!
- And more!
SPECIAL EVENTS
Free Historic Interiors Access 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Discover the global treasures of Olana’s Main House interior in your own time for free during this special community event. Enjoy free access to Olana’s historic interiors during this self-guided opportunity.
House entry will be available on a first come first served basis. More information to come!
Walks with Nature Sarah 1:00 PM + 3:00 PM
Local outdoor educator Nature Sarah will lead two family-friendly walks! Join to brush up on your Earth Science and learn about solstices and sunsets. A nature-themed scavenger hunt will be available for younger participants. Each hike will start from the Historic House and follow the Ridge Road (0.6 mi). The route is considered easy with minimal elevation gain and short distances of steep grade. Strollers welcome.
Sun Gazing 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
View the sun directly through specially equipped solar telescopes from 1:00 PM until sunset (around 4:00 PM). Amateur astronomers from the Mid-Hudson Astronomical Association will help point out sunspots and other solar features using specially designed filters. Please DO NOT attempt to view the sun without a provided specially fitted telescope as it can cause permanent eye damage or total blindness.
Astrology Readings 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Derek James Smith of Constellation in Catskill will share a presentation and discussion around the Astrology of Frederic Church and Olana to kick off the afternoon at 1:00 PM. This introduction will study Church’s natal chart to provide an introduction to Astrology’s possibilities for aficionados and beginners alike. From 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM, Derek will offer interactive outdoor Astrological readings for those curious to learn more about the craft.
Sunset Singalong with the Hudson Community Choir – 3:45 PM
Close out the day with a special performance by the Hudson Community Choir beginning at 3:45 PM. The Hudson Community Choir is a space where singers of all ages come together in song.
