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MISSION
The Friends of Mills of Staatsburgh supports and promotes the preservation, improvement, and interpretation of Staatsburgh State Historic Site, one of the finest surviving great estates of the Gilded Age. We sponsor educational programs, secure funds for preservation and interpretation, and support the research library and educational materials to keep this history alive for Dutchess County and the Hudson Valley. We accomplish this through membership and fundraising.
We are committed to preserving this extraordinary Beaux-Arts landmark and ensuring its relevance for generations to come.
WHAT THE FRIENDS DO
In 1988, eight visionary people came together with the desire to support preservation and improvement of the mansion and grounds of the Staatsburgh State Historic site. From that desire, the Friends of Mills Mansion was formed. In 2019, the name was changed to Friends of Mills at Staatsburgh to more closely align with the official name of the Staatsburgh State Historic Site while keeping the Mills family close to its heart.
Staatsburgh is a New York State Historic Site located within the boundaries of Mills-Norrie State Park. While the State operates the Site, it’s the Friends of Mills at Staatsburgh who contribute to the preservation and restoration of the interior. We do this by hosting fundraising events, by maintaining a strong community of members, and by operating the Museum Gift Shop at Staatsburgh. The Friends regularly underwrite the costs of conservation projects and help develop education programs.
The success of the public/private partnership between the state and the Friends has remained a vital part of the growth and development of the site. In general, New York state maintains the infrastructure of the house – this includes the daily operations and maintenance of the physical plant. The Friends have been instrumental in the restoration of the contents – its furnishings, draperies, and upholstery. Together, the State Site team and the Friends prioritize and select which rooms to focus on based on current restoration, preservation, or reparation needs.
The Friends are also committed to supporting educational programs at Staatsburgh. To do so, we work with the Site’s Education Director to understand the need and help fund research or materials needed in the development of new programs.