Get on the Half Moon

Here is more info from Dutchess Tourism about a Quadricentennial event in Poughkeepsie over Memorial Day weekend that we first told you about last week.

Tour the HALF MOON ship in Poughkeepsie on Memorial Day weekend

Get ready to go way back in time, as the Half Moon sails into Dutchess County and docks at Waryas Park on Main Street from Saturday to Monday, May 23-25. No, not the Dutch East India Company ship that sailed into New York Harbor in 1609, but the beautiful full-scale, operating replica of the Dutch ship. The Half Moon (Halve Maen in Dutch) now serves as a traveling museum, conducting programs about the history of the Dutch colony, New Netherland. Walk the plank and tour inside the wooden ship, where Hudson and his crew of 23 ate, slept and worked for an entire year. Learn about their remarkable journey and the Native Americans they met on our shores.

The Half Moon is open for guided tours in Poughkeepsie on Sunday and Monday of Memorial Day weekend from 12 noon to 5 pm; the last tour is given at 4 pm. Admission is $7, and $5 for seniors and students ages 12-18; children under 12 are $1, and must be accompanied by an adult. You can buy your tickets in advance online through Pay Pal at www.dutchesstourism.com

Enjoy plenty of waterfront activities before and after your tour! On Sunday only, there's a free Early American family festival from noon to 4 pm also at Waryas Park. Dutchess County Tourism and City of Poughkeepsie host the Half Moon for this, the first time ever the ship docks in Poughkeepsie.

Sponsors are Central Hudson Gas & Electric Company, Marist College, Poughkeepsie Journal and the County of Dutchess. Don't miss this chance to discover the Hudson and 400 years of history for yourself!

The Quadricentennial celebration is a unique opportunity to explore our county’s wonderful assets, our rich history and scenic beauty. The Half Moon stays in Poughkeepsie to host school children and conduct group tours on Tuesday and Wednesday. Visit www.Dutchess400.com and www.halfmoon.mus.ny.us  for information.