Palatine House 1743 Museum, Schoharie

About Palatine House 1743 Museum

Palatine House 1743 Museum is the oldest building in Schoharie County and operates as a living history museum demonstrating how past traditions shaped the region's future. Visitors explore the medieval German-style structure built by Palatine colonists for their minister, Peter Nicholas Sommer, who arrived from Hamburg in 1743. The grounds feature a natural spring bubbling from rock ledge that winds into a creek, a certified nature garden, and a scarecrow named Nicholas standing guard over vegetables. A walking tour of the neighboring cemetery, dating to the earliest settlers, is available. The building itself served as both a parsonage and meeting place where Reverend Sommer held services before a stone church was erected in 1750. Guests may bring a picnic to enjoy the peaceful setting. Educational programming is available for groups. The museum operates seasonally with published hours, and visitors should contact the director for specific information and group bookings.