Young - Morse Historic Site

PO Box 1649
370 South Road
Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
(845) 454-4500
http://www.morsehistoricsite.org/

Surrounded by 150 acres on a bluff above the Hudson River, the beautiful estate, Locust Grove, was purchased by Samuel F.B. Morse in 1847. He then hired famous architect, Alexander Jackson Davis, to remodel and enlarge the house in the Tuscan Villa style which was popular in the 1850's. Few changes have been made since then.

In 1901 Martha and William Young purchased the house, adding to it their beautiful collection of 18th and 19th century furnishings, including a complete set of Elizabethan Revival furniture. Annette Innis Young maintained the house and collections of her family, later endowing a trust in perpetuity to maintain Locust Grove as an historic site and wildlife sanctuary for the "enjoyment, visitation and enlightenment of the public."

Today visitors will enjoy a tour of this fabulous house with its period furnishings, accessories and collections of the original owners. The Morse Room is filled with his memorabilia, including an extensive collection of early telegraph equipment and a model of his first telegraph.

Throughout the year several very special events are held here -- call for calendar.

The Annete Innis Young Memorial Wildlife Sanctuary is a beautiful wooded area between the house and the Hudson, and home to a wide variety of wildlife. More than 4 miles of trails are available to hikers, nature-lovers and photographers.

Hours: May thru November, open Daily from 10am - 3pm. Open in December for special events. Call for details. Open year-round for Groups by appointment.

Admission: For Mansion Tour, Orientation Video and Morse Exhibit: Adults $9.00, Youth 6 - 18 $5.00. Video & Morese Exhibit only: Adults $5.00, Youth 18 and under FREE.
Groups of 10 or more: $8 - $14 per person.

Group Reservations: At least 2 weeks in advance.

Lunch: Picnic facilities in pine grove.

Handicapped: Call for details.

Directions: Taconic Pkwy North to Rt. 55 west to Rt. 9 South. 2 miles to Locust Grove.

Or I-87 North to I-287 East to exit 1, Rt. 119. Turn left from exit and at next light left onto Rt. 9A North. Take 9A into Rt. 9 north. Locust Grove is about 10.8 miles north of Interstate 84 on Rt. 9.

Time: 2½ hours north of the George Washington Bridge.

Nearby: Frances Lehman Loeb Art Center (Vassar College), Vanderbilt Mansion .