A Year in Review

Dear Friends,

As I reflect on my first year as executive director, one word stands out: community. We are truly fortunate to live in a region that holds its historic sites close to heart. Over the past year, the many stories people have shared with me about their deep connections to Clermont has been inspiring.

Clermont is considered by many to be a welcoming haven, a sanctuary to pause, reflect, and reconnect with nature, history, and family. From intimate weddings and family picnics to hikers exploring our trails, to nature lovers soaking in the stunning views of the Hudson River and Catskill Mountains, Clermont offers something for everyone. This historic site truly serves as a living history lesson, a window into a bygone era that shaped our nation. Listening to the diverse stories of those who visit reminds me of my connection to this special place—and the shared love for Clermont that unites us all.

Regardless of what brings you to Clermont, one thing is certain: this place continues to inspire and bring people together. As a National Historic Landmark, it remains a beacon of beauty, culture, and history, offering enrichment to all who visit.

Chancellor's Dinner

I am deeply grateful for our community of local businesses, neighbors, volunteers, and supporters who helped make last year a resounding success. The return of our Chancellor’s Dinner, our second Tea at Clermont Gardens, and our cherished Holiday Candlelight Evening were all made possible by your generosity. We also hosted a variety of programs including bird walks, a book signing, a geology tour, and our Harmonies on the Hudson concert series. What began as a small gathering of 10-15 concertgoers has now blossomed into over 100 attendees per event. We know you love the concerts, and we’d love to host even more. We continue to seek grants and sponsorships to expand this beloved series.

Redefining the Family

Additionally, Friends of Clermont was honored to be a part of the award-winning “Redefining the Family” exhibit, which opened in June. It’s exciting for us to be a model for the state’s Our Whole History initiative, which highlights the diverse histories of all New Yorkers.

The positive feedback from visitors about the improvements made to the historic gardens was so rewarding. Thanks to the Friends of Clermont, nearly $200,000 has been invested over the past three years for our gardens. Mary Hughes and her team worked tirelessly on the restoration and maintenance of the walled, wilderness, and cutting gardens. This funding would not be possible without our dedicated community of donors.

Last year marked the launch of our first formal volunteer program. We now have dedicated volunteers supporting our Harvesting History garden, tending to ornamental gardens, assisting at events, and much more. We received an overwhelming response through our annual survey, and I look forward to connecting with interested volunteers. I will share a recap of the survey results with all of you soon.

I am grateful Emily Meyer joined our team as Advancement Manager in August. Emily has been instrumental in working with board member Heather Rogers in advancing our communications, marketing, and social media initiatives, as well as enhancing donor engagement. Additionally, Emily is growing and diversifying our online gift shop and manages the fulfillment of orders, including those some of you may have placed.

Fall garden clean-up

A heartfelt thank you to the Alexander and Marjorie Hover Foundation for their generous support of our Harvesting History program. With the oversight of the state's Horticulturist, Leslie Reed, this program educates local school children about where fresh food comes from and the importance of healthy eating. In 2024, over 950 children participated, and the program expanded to serve 100 individuals in senior housing and community organizations that support those with disabilities. Harvesting History partners include: Operation Unite New York in Hudson, the Edward J. Arthur Elementary School in Athens, and the Hudson Youth Department, just to name a few. This program provides a sense of purpose for many. Surplus food from our onsite teaching garden is donated to the Germantown Food Pantry and the Salvation Army in Hudson. Our successful holiday food drive at the Visitor Center this past holiday season, in partnership with Clermont State Historic Site, provided food to the Germantown Food Pantry, and was a testament to the generosity of our community.

Our community of individuals, families, and businesses have all played a pivotal role in making 2024 a memorable and successful year. Whether you attended an event or program, donated to our silent auction, became a member, sponsored a program, volunteered, or simply shared Clermont with others, your support means the world to us. I want to express my gratitude to our donors from outside the region—many of whom are descendants of the Livingston family, former area residents, or supporters who follow us online and want to help with our work. Collectively, 2024 was one of our most successful fundraising years on record, and we welcomed over 80 new members. But none of this would have been possible without the strength of our community, dedication of our board of trustees under the leadership of Craig Diehl, and our partnership with the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation, and Geoff Benton and his incredible team at Clermont State Historic Site.

As I look to the year ahead, I remain optimistic about our future. While there is much uncertainty, I am confident that our community will continue to rally around us. Rest assured, your beloved Clermont State Historic Site will remain a place of solace, refuge, community, and inspiration for all who seek it.

With deepest appreciation,

Randy Tryon

Executive Director

Friends of Clermont