Tours of the David Crawford House in the City of Newburgh have started back up for the season.

Visitors will step back in time through three floors of the restored house-museum built in 1830.

"You are looking around at not just the house that hasn't changed much, but you're looking out at the part of the community that has changed the least, " Newburgh City Historian Mary McTamaney said.

It's a chance to learn about the success story of the man who made the mansion.

David Crawford was a leader in the 19th century and maritime entrepreneur who helped transform the city he called home.

"Within 15 years, he had made so much money moving goods from the Mid-Hudson to New York that he was able to build this home for his family," McTamaney said.

In fact, one room is dedicated to the history of shipping on the Hudson River.

The fascinating permanent collection is filled with scale models of sailing and steam-powered vessels made with intricate detail.

The Crawford House doubles as the headquarters of the Newburgh Historical Society, which has been collecting local artifacts and archives for more than 70 years.

"Our collection, it is a bit eclectic," museum manager Jeffrey Doolittle said, "walking into a museum like this, you are able to transport through your imagination."

Even to 1950s Newburgh!

A new exhibit, titled Downing Park — A Family Haven, offers visitors the opportunity to explore the City's central park in bloom during the mid twentieth century.

It's a collection of photographs taken by lifelong resident Louis S. McTamaney, the father-in-law of the city's historian Mary McTamaney.

The never-before-seen photos candidly capture the heart and history of Newburgh.

"He puts you in this time-period and you're able to follow what he's looking at in these really still soft moments," Curator Varvara Mikushkina said.

A visit to the Crawford House is a visit to a museum on many levels, from period furnishings to local artwork and more.

It's a living vault of the story of Newburgh and beyond.

"All of the changes that have taken hold in our country have happened here," Doolittle said, "and Newburgh provides incredible evidence to explore and think about."

Visitors can book private tours or visit any Sunday afternoon through the end of the year.

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