Town of Colonie- Pruyn House

This beautifully restored home situated on 5 ½ acres is a connection to the Dutch heritage of this area. Built by Casparus Pruyn about 1830 as a country home for his wife, Ann, and their eight children, it is a blend of Federal and Greek Revival architecture. Along with his job as land and business agent for Stephen Van Rensselaer III, the last patroon, Mr. Pruyn used a portion of his over 170 acres for farming.
Over the years, the property had many owners, the longest being members of the Henkes family. John and Carrie Henkes purchased the property in 1893. In 1982, the Town of Colonie purchased the home, began extensive repairs and opened it to the public in 1985 as a historic and cultural center.

The interior original Greek Revival details include doors, moldings, grey marble mantles, newels, balusters and a majestic staircase.

There are ten outbuildings including the Buhrmaster Barn reconstructed on the grounds in 1987 and the Verdoy Schoolhouse which arrived in 1996. Other structures include a smokehouse, a potting shed, a woodshed/privy building, a carriage house, wellhouse and restroom facility.

The lovely herb and flower gardens maintained by two garden clubs are a focal point for this site. The gardens grace the grounds of the complex complete with brick walks, painted fences, and a sun dial.

The Buhrmaster Barn was originally located along the Mohawk River where it was rebuilt in the late 1800's following a fire. Displaced from its original spot in 1911 when the Erie Barge Canal was built, it was moved to Troy-Schenectady Road. When condemned at that location in 1987 by the Federal Aviation Administration, it was moved to its present home at the Pruyn House. Reconstruction contractors were visibly excited at the sight of many of the early features of the structure such as hand-hewn beams and wooden pegs. The barn features double doors, and is a lovely site for a summertime party when the gardens and the grounds are at their best. For a more detailed history click here.

The Verdoy Schoolhouse was built in 1910 and is a good example of the early one-room schools built in the Town of Colonie until the 1950's. In 1995 the North Colonie School district donated the schoolhouse to the Town of Colonie and it was moved to the Pruyn House where it has been restored as a living memorial to the Town's Centennial.

Take Exit 5. At the bottom of the ramp, turn RIGHT onto Rte #155. Just BEFORE the bridges turn LEFT onto Old Niskayuna Rd. DO NOT go under the bridges. The Pruyn House is about 1 mile down on the left (#207).

Take Exit 5. At the bottom of the ramp turn LEFT onto Rte #155. Go under the Northway bridges and take immediate first RIGHT onto Old Niskayuna Rd. The Pruyn House is about 1 mile down on the left (#207).

The Friends of Pruyn House through a Board of Trustees and Director manage the Pruyn House Complex. The Friends plan and pay for all the programming, special events, insurance, newsletters and many improvements and furnishings for the Complex. Money is raised through a membership program, rentals, grants, and fundraisers such as the summer Concerts in the Barn series. The Town of Colonie provides basic services, utilities, salaries and maintenance of the Complex.

The Pruyn House enjoys a wide circle of "Friends" who work to preserve and revitalize this beautiful property. Currently, our membership is over 600 in the different categories as shown below.

Classification	Annual Dues	Classification	Annual Dues
Senior Citizens	$ 12	Associate	$ 100 - $ 249
Individual	$ 20	Patron	$ 250 - $ 1,000
Family	$ 30	Corporate	$ 250 - $ 1,000
Supporting	$ 50- $ 99	Benefactor	$ 1,000+

Community Events

The Pruyn House Complex is available for use by members, civic organizations, businesses and private individuals.

Yes, on an annual basis the Friends of the Pruyn House will send you a letter requesting you renew your membership.

Yes, the Pruyn House complex has been the setting for many lovely weddings and receptions as well as rehearsal dinner parties, showers and anniversary parties. We simply provide the setting and you must arrange for a caterer of your choice and any decorating you wish. Liability insurance must be obtained by anyone using the Pruyn House. People using the the facilities are also required to obtain a liquor license and liquor liability insurance, if alcohol will be served.

The Buhrmaster Barn is available only in good weather, generally May through October, as there is no heating in the barn.

Sunday, October 26th, 3-4:30pm: A Fall Foliage Concert �Music From London 1730� will be presented by the Corelli Clash, a trio playing on recorders & harpsichord

November 20-23rd: Hudson Mohawk Weavers' Guild Show - Sale featuring hand-woven fashions, rugs and gifts designed and created by Guild members. Free. Thurs. 2pm-9pm, Fri. 10am-9pm, Sat/Sun 10am-5pm

Saturday, November 29th: Annual bus trip to New York City - Details to follow�

Holiday Activities

Saturday, December 6th, 10am-4pm: Greens Show � Holiday decorations by the Blue Creek Garden Club, theme � Holiday Magic� Free

Sunday, December 7th, 12:30pm � 4:30pm: FPH Open House � Come enjoy the Sunday festivities: music by the Recorders, punch & cookies, decorations. Free

Wednesday, December 17th, 7 PM: ARIA (formerly Albany Ensemble) - Holiday music; wine and cheese. Space is limited. RSVP (518) 783-1435. Admission: $8.00

Saturday, December 20th, 1pm - 3pm: Children's Holiday Party - Magician, face painting, a visit from Santa, & refreshments. Space limited. RSVP (518) 783-1435 Free

Sunday, December 21st, 3pm: Musicians of Ma'alwyck - Reception following performance. Admission: $17.00, $14.00 and $10.00

Note: Some Event Announcements are in Adobe Acrobat format. You can click the logo to the right to download the program if it is not already installed on your computer.

Mail: Pruyn House
Town of Colonie Cultural Center
207 Old Niskayuna Road
P.O. Box 212
Newtonville, NY 12128

Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00am - 4:30pm
Weekend Hours: Special events and tours by appointment