The mission of the New Paltz Historical Society is to engage our community, and encourage its participation in the discussion, collection, interpretation, publication and enjoyment of our rich local history. We will help document and preserve the stories of the New Paltz area, share our varied historical interests, encourage continuing and original historical research, and plan public programs that further our mission.

Website here.

Last Monday of every month from 6:30 to 9:00pm.

Come out and learn the Lindy Hoppers’ Shim Sham, culminating in a performance in the New Paltz Halloween Parade! But that's optional.

During the 1930’s in Harlem, the Shim Sham was performed in clubs as the finale number with all the performers joining together on stage. 

In the 80’s, Frankie Manning introduced a version of the Shim Sham to Lindy Hoppers. It is still danced today worldwide and, in the spirit of its rich history, there are always multitude of technical and basic variations danced at the same time.

This class will continue with that tradition and offer alternates as well as the basics. Additionally, the challenge will be to travel with these classic solo jazz steps. This is for everyone regardless of experience. You can learn for the first time, reinforce what you know, strengthen your movement with traveling steps, or learn a new variation to showcase your personal style. It’s up to you! Here is a take, and here another.

See flyer here.

Questions? Email recreation@townofnewpaltz.org.

$10 per class. Walk-ins welcome.

Thursdays from 6 to 7pm. Starts Sept. 18th through October 23rd. (Community Center)

"Fun • Friendly • All Levels Welcome"

"Join us for lively line dancing, great music, and fun with friends!"

Every Tuesday from 5:45 to 6:45pm. (Community Center)

Do you know how to play Mah Jongg?  If so, Mah Jongg players meet to play on Mondays 12:30-3:00pm. Mah Jongg is a fascinating, rummy-like game played with tiles rather than cards.  The game originated in China in the 19^th century, then popularized in the United States at the beginning of the 20th century. The tiles depict Chinese characters rather than suits you would find in typical card games and players strategize to create a winning ‘hand’. 

Mah Jongg is enjoying a resurgence in popularity, with millions of dedicated players around the world and a variety of Internet and computer versions. Over time, after players become familiar with the elementary principles of the game, they develop patience in mastering the fine points and experience keen enjoyment invariably derived from the game.

Folks are welcome to participate once they have had experience playing the game, or observe these Monday sessions, however lessons cannot be given during or in between games on Mondays. The Lifetime Learning Institute, affiliated with the New Paltz University offers beginner classes in the fall. Beginners can read A Beginner’s Guide to American Mah Jongg and look at the National Mah Jongg League website.

Mondays from 12:30 to 3:30pm. (Community Center)

The Margaret Wade-Lewis Center's Community Library is now housed at the New Paltz Community Center while the Ann Oliver house is being restored. The Ann Oliver house is the future home of the MWL Center. Come peruse the collection which includes books on African-American art, culture, biography, and history. The book check-out form is on the top shelf.

Click here for the MWL Center's website.

We have been enjoying so much Melanie's incredible photographic art on our walls. The print sale will be a great opportunity to purchase unframed prints and see more of her beautiful photographs that didn't make it into this exhibition due to space.

From Melanie:

What to Expect: Participants of the Garden-Spruce Up Hour will be able to help NPCC's garden for an hour at 3PM. From 4-7PM, original framed and signed prints, bazaar-style pricing, artist meet-and-greet. 

Melanie Gonzalez is an Ulster County based photographic artist. Her photography has a concentration on vibrant double exposures of architectural landscapes and flora. Her sewing combines photographic studio skills with textile printing, patchwork quilting, including upcycled garments and accessories. She is also a recipient of the 2022-23 Creatives Rebuild NY Grant.

As a New York-based artist Melanie’s mission is to mesh the worlds of high art and daily living. She produces photo art under “Melanie Gonzalez Art” | Professional International Photo, Video and Sound established in 2014, and “Piedra y Sombra Designs” as part of Suzanna Productions (Photo | Sewing | Admin), est. 2019.

Full flyer here.

Thursday, September 3rd from 3:00 to 7:00pm. (Community Center)

The Mill Brook Preserve mission is to promote and protect biodiversity and wildlife habitats, while providing recreational and educational opportunities within the Mill Brook Preserve.

Mill Brook Preserve website here. 

Informational links here.