In the mid to late 20th century, when women still fought for equal rights and career advancement, one Ulster County woman pushed the boundaries and became a leader among women in the Hudson Valley. Gale Brownlee was a woman of indomitable spirit who fearlessly pursued her goals. Throughout her career, she worked as a model, fashion designer, photographer, pilot, real estate broker, environmentalist, and activist. She effortlessly blended these together, making her the dauntless aviatrix we celebrate in this Historical Profile.
The Matthewis Persen House Museum & Cultural Heritage Center invites historical and cultural heritage groups from around Ulster County to Guest Host on Saturdays throughout the season each year. In 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, guest host organizations were not be able to join us.
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The Matthewis Persen House Museum & Cultural Heritage Center also functions as Ulster County's Heritage Gateway. Cultural heritage groups from throughout the county guest host at the House on Saturdays throughout the season. These guest hosts share their treasure troves of history and culture with visitors and often feature exhibits, lectures, programs, and even re-enactments!
The legacy of the Dutch settlers of Wiltwyck lives on at the Matthewis Persen House. The house sits on Kingston’s historic “four corners” and was originally owned by Gysbert Van Imbroch. An inventory listing Gysbert’s possessions at the time of his death in 1665 is brought to life through illustrations of clothing, kitchen items, and other articles used in 17th century daily life. The inventory also depicts items Gysbert used in his profession as a barber-surgeon as well as his book collection, one of the largest book collections in the New World.
