Thruway Authority, Historic Hudson Valley partner to sign for region's historic sites

Tarrytown, NY (May 15, 2009) - The New York State Thruway Authority, in conjunction with Historic Hudson Valley, today unveiled signs that are placed along the Thruway and designed to direct motorists to several of the region's historic places of interest.

"The Authority is pleased to partner with Historic Hudson Valley to promote these nationally recognized historic locations within the heart of the Hudson Valley," said Thruway Authority Executive Director Michael R. Fleischer.  "The Authority hopes that the additional signage will attract more visitors to these historic sites, thereby further educating the public on the importance of their preservation."

"Historic Hudson Valley is proud and honored to have its attractions featured in this Thruway project," said Waddell W. Stillman, president of Historic Hudson Valley. "The new signs will inform visiting travelers and remind local citizens that history and entertainment are just around the corner."

At 10:30 a.m. at Philipsburg Manor in Sleepy Hollow, New York, representatives from the Authority and Historic Hudson Valley were joined by elected officials when a replica of the signs placed along the Thruway was unveiled.

"All of our efforts to enhance tourism and to highlight the accessibility of the historic, recreational, and scenic treasures across our State are important for realizing economic development and vitality," said Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins (D-35th District). "I am honored to represent an area so rich in cultural and historic resources, and I commend the New York State Thruway Authority for their efforts to remind residents and visitors of the appeal that these attractions hold, well beyond our borders."

"Having this sign on the Thruway directing visitors to our wonderful historic sites is great," said Kim Sinistore, Director, Westchester County Office of Tourism. "This is the perfect location to let people know about the many attractions in Westchester County."

The signs have been installed at two locations along the Thruway in the Sleepy Hollow area: One northbound along I-87 just south of Interchange 9 (Tarrytown); the second southbound along I-87 just north of Interchange 10 (Nyack, South Nyack).

The signs highlight Kykuit, the Rockefeller estate, Union Church of Pocantico Hills, Philipsburg Manor, Van Cortlandt Manor, and Washington Irving's Sunnyside. 

Historic Hudson Valley is a network of living history museums, open to the public with a full calendar of special events, such as is Animals & Acrobats, which re-creates an early American traveling circus, at Van Cortlandt Manor over Memorial Day weekend, Saturday, May 23, through Monday, May 25.

The mission of the private, not-for-profit Historic Hudson Valley is to celebrate the history, architecture, landscape, and material culture of the Hudson Valley, advancing its importance and thereby assuring its preservation.  For more information about Historic Hudson Valley, visit http://www.hudsonvalley.org/.