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Visit the oldest building in Schoharie County. As a living history museum, the Palatine House demonstrates how traditions of the past have shaped the future. A natural spring bubbles from the rock ledge, winding its way into a creek. Enjoy a stroll through the certified nature garden and visit with scarecrow, Nicholas, as he stands guard over the vegetables. A walking tour of the neighboring cemetery, which dates back to the earliest settlers, is also available.
Open hours are Memorial Day through Columbus Day, Saturdays and Sundays 12:00 – 4:00 PM. Educational programming is available for groups.
History
This building, of a medieval German-style construction, was built by the Palatine colonists for their minister, Peter Nicholas Sommer, who arrived in Schoharie from Hamburg, Germany in 1743. The parsonage functioned not only as a home for Reverend Sommer, but also as a meeting place. The Palatine House continued to be used as the Lutheran Parsonage until 1801, when it became a caretaker’s residence. Later, it was rented as a private home until 1971, when, with the aid of the Presbyterian Church and New York State Historic Trust, the Schoharie Colonial Heritage Association restored the 1743 Palatine House into a "Living Museum".
See also: Schoharie Valley Railroad Museum
