Mesier Homestead
Mesier Homestead & Museum
The Mesier Homestead and surrounding property was sold to the Village of Wappingers Falls in 1891, with the understanding that it forever be known as Mesier Homestead and Mesier Park. The Wappingers Historical Society acquired full custodianship of the Homestead in 2007, and through ongoing fundraising efforts has been able to restore the Homestead to its present appearance.
Our goal for 2022 and beyond is to restore the original 1741 building so it, too, can be a showcase of our Colonial history. Your membership, gifts, and in-kind donations will help us maintain and restore this jewel of Wappingers Falls!
Mesier Homestead and Museum Tours
Visit us and take a walk back in time......
The Mesier Homestead and Museum is open year-round for guided tours. Weekdays, our Signature Experience private tours are offered Tuesday – Friday from 10:30-4pm by appointment. These tours allow you to focus on items and topics that are of interest to you. You will able to converse with the guide, ask questions, take your time looking at the exhibits. Our youth tour is designed to engage and interact with young people, helping them to discover what life was like in times long ago. Simply put, our Signature Experience tours allow you to customize your visit with us, taking the time to explore what is of interest to you. So that we can provide the best experience for you, please reserved at least 48 hours in advance.
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One Sunday a month is our public tour day. Please check out EVENTS page for upcoming dates. Please allow 1 ½ hours for your visit. The first floor of the Homestead is wheelchair accessible. Click the "Learn More" button below for information about our Signature Experience tours and to make a reservation, or to see upcoming Sunday tour dates. You may also call us at (845) 632-1281 to schedule a visit.
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Come learn about the early history of the Mesier Homestead, which begins in 1741. Adolphus Brower and his son purchased land here, built the first stone house in the village and developed mills along the Wappingers Creek. Discover the story of Peter Mesier, a Tory loyalist, his store and the Wappingers Tea Party of 1777. Explore the Victorian Era-styled rooms of the Homestead and their displays of local antiquities, and see a portion of our collection of Native American artifacts.​ There is a Gift Shop onsite which features books on Wappingers and Hudson Valley history, children's items, local artwork and local souvenirs.
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Do you have a passion for history and enjoy sharing your discoveries with others? The 1741 Mesier Homestead and Museum welcomes new Docents and Greeters for our regular tour days and special events, as well as those interested in organizing some of our archives. You do NOT need to be a member of the Historical Society to be a volunteer. Training is provided. We welcome high school juniors and seniors, college students and the adult community to discover the surprising history of the Mesier Homestead and the surrounding area, and then share your enthusiasm with others!
or call (845) 632-1281
Greeters/Tour Guides/Administrative
Part of the Wappingers Falls Historic District built in the early 1740s by Nicholas Brower, who settled here and built this Homestead plus several mills along the Wappingers Creek. The Homestead was later sold to Peter Mesier, a Tory loyalist merchant from New York City. Beautiful Victorian details disguise the 18th c. fieldstone core of the historic Brower-Mesier Homestead, which sits on a village green that has been a public park since 1891.
Architectural Views of the Homestead
Click on the slider arrow on the right side of the Architectural Drawing of the Homestead to see additional views, or click anywhere on the picture to see it in a larger view.