Mount Gulian Historic Site in Beacon offers a talk about the local history of the Lenape Native Americans, the first inhabitants of the region. The talk, given by Harv Hilowitz, Contributing Scholar for the Maritime Museum in Kingston, focuses on Lenape life-ways before the contact period and delves into the Lenape diaspora, and current renaissance and return to the area.

For over 12,000 years, the ancestors of the Lenape culture lived and thrived in Lenapehoking, the land of the Lenape, which included the Hudson Valley.  Local tribes such as the Wappinger, Esopus and Tappan encountered Henry Hudson along the Mahicannituck in 1609, changing things dramatically forever.

Mount Gulian’s property was identified as the site of temporary Lenape encampments, and  was also the site of the Rombout Patent of 1683, the Indian Deed selling much of Dutchess County to colonial settlers.  Interaction with the Europeans forced the Lenape to develop survival strategies, resulting in a remnant leaving the area to live elsewhere.

Reservations are preferred but walk-ins will be accommodated if space allows.  Admission: $18/adults; $15/seniors; $12/children (5-15 years).  Mount Gulian members are free; membership is open to the public.  To make a reservation call 845-831-8172 or email info@mountgulian.org.  Payment may be made the day of the event.