Bethlehem Historical Association Address: 1003 River Road  City: Selkirk State: NY Postal: 12158 Phone: (518) 767-9432 Fax: Longitude: -73.7663 Latitude: 42.5660 Bethlehem Historical Association   The Bethlehem Historical Association is located on Route 144 in the old Cedar Hill Schoolhouse. The building was originally a one-room school that was constructed in 1859. In 1907, architect Marcus T Reynolds (D&H Building, First Trust Bank, Gideon Putnam Hotel) redesigned the schoolhouse making several improvements that included a second room and the notable cupola. It continued as a school until 1960 when the school district was centralized and the brick building was abandoned. Many people who lived near the facility, who had gone to school there and were interested in the historical significance of the school and its area, organized an effort to save the school and find a use for it in the community. The Town of Bethlehem Historical Association was formed and received a charter from the New York State Board of Regents in 1965. By agreement, the Town of Bethlehem maintains the building and grounds and the Association maintains the museum and its collections. The Association is a membership organization which gathers and preserves historic items and information concerning the town's past. To adapt the school for museum purposes, the Association received a grant in 1968 from the New York State Council on the Arts. Exhibits in the permanent collection feature the Home, the Farm, the Hudson River, Ice Harvesting and, of course, the School. The Association has on file a wide selection of books, maps, pictures, video tapes, reports and artifact materials that can be made available to members and the public interested in studying the history of the Town of Bethlehem. Information courtesy of Bethlehem Historical Association [ Schedule ] June thru October sunday 2pm-5pm [ Admissions ] No charge, donations accepted back to top