History
Image credit: Worthpoint
Crailo State Historic Site
Our chapter is named after the Crailo State Historic Site, also known as Fort Crailo and the Yankee Doodle House. It is a historic, fortified brick manor house in Rensselaer, New York. The word Crailo is derived from kraaien bos (Dutch for "crow's woods") and refers to Kiliaen van Rensselaer's estate in Huizen, Holland, which is also named "Crailo." Fort Crailo is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The house was built in the early 18th century by Hendrick Van Rensselaer, grandson of the First Patroon. Hendrick died in 1740 and his eldest son, Johannes, inherited Crailo. He remodeled the house and added an east wing in the Georgian style, reflecting the increasing influence of the English on the Albany-area Dutch. Crailo was remodeled in the Federal style in the late 18th century.
Image Credit: Fort Crailo Facebook Page
Fort Crailo served as a boarding school for boys in the 1840s and later as a church rectory. Each new venture brought more changes to the structure. Fort Crailo was donated to the State of New York for development as a museum in 1924.
Today, Fort Crailo tells the story of the early Dutch inhabitants of the upper Hudson Valley through exhibits highlighting archeological finds from the Albany Fort Orange excavations, special programs, and guided tours of the museum.
Today, Fort Crailo tells the story of the early Dutch inhabitants of the upper Hudson Valley through exhibits highlighting archeological finds from the Albany Fort Orange excavations, special programs, and guided tours of the museum.
Image Credit: Fort Crailo Facebook Page
Fort Crailo Chapter, NSDAR
On December 23, 1933, the 176th chapter in New York was organized at the Fort Crailo Historic Site in Rensselaer. New York State Regent Mrs. Hamilton Gibbes gave the oath of office to the new officers. Ruth Electra Schaefer presented the new chapter with a gavel made of wood from the battleship Revenge, which saw nine days of action on Lake Champlain during the American Revolutionary War. The gavel is still used today at chapter meetings.
Fort Crailo turned out to be a "war baby" with the early members holding many events to raise funds for the efforts of World War II. They donated to the Red Cross, Guide Dogs for the Blind, and the "Metal Locator" fund. We were one of four chapters to host the 48th state conference in 1943, which Vice President General Mrs. George Duffy stated as "one of the finest state conferences . . . attended." Since 1940, Fort Crailo has been recognized for its service efforts in history, genealogy, and participation in the National All-American Chorus.
As a chapter, we strive to uphold the NSDAR motto of "God, Home, and Country" and support the mission of promoting historic preservation, education, and patriotism through our programs, activities, and participation in the community.
Fort Crailo turned out to be a "war baby" with the early members holding many events to raise funds for the efforts of World War II. They donated to the Red Cross, Guide Dogs for the Blind, and the "Metal Locator" fund. We were one of four chapters to host the 48th state conference in 1943, which Vice President General Mrs. George Duffy stated as "one of the finest state conferences . . . attended." Since 1940, Fort Crailo has been recognized for its service efforts in history, genealogy, and participation in the National All-American Chorus.
As a chapter, we strive to uphold the NSDAR motto of "God, Home, and Country" and support the mission of promoting historic preservation, education, and patriotism through our programs, activities, and participation in the community.
Historical Documents
Chapter News ClippingsImage Credits: Old Fulton New York Post Cards
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Chapter RecordsThese Images belong to the Fort Crailo Chapter, NSDAR
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Photos courtesy of the Fort Crailo Chapter, NSDAR, unless otherwise noted.
Website was last updated May 01, 2024 by the chapter webmaster.
Photos courtesy of the Fort Crailo Chapter, NSDAR, unless otherwise noted.
Website was last updated May 01, 2024 by the chapter webmaster.
