“Our ‘pathway’ is straight to the ballot box, with no variableness nor shadow of turning.... We demand in the Reconstruction suffrage for all the citizens of the Republic. I would not talk of Negroes or women, but of citizens.”
Pathway to the Ballot Box is a unique immersive theatre experience that will guide visitors on a journey through more than 300 years of local women’s history. Visitors will come face-to-face with characters inspired by the real women of New Paltz’s past and learn of their challenges, triumphs, fears, and accomplishments.
Dates
Saturday, August 21 to Sunday, August 22
Saturday, August 28 to Sunday, August 29
Saturday, September 4 to Sunday, September 5
Tour Times
11 AM, 11:30 AM, 12 PM, 3 PM, 3:30 PM, and 4 PM.
This immersive theatrical experience will bring guests through decades of women's history on the street. Audiences will get to see the 10-acre National Historic Landmark District come to life, and peak inside some of our Historic Structures, including the Jean Hasbrouck House, the Deyo Family House, and the 1717 Church and burial ground.
Tour capacity is extremely limited, so pre-registration is highly encouraged.
Prices
General admission is $25.
Discounted tickets of $20 are available for HHS members, seniors, active military members, and veterans.
Admission for college students, teens, and kids is $10.
Children under the age of 6 are free.
More
A VIP luncheon experience starting at 1:15 PM will treat visitors to delicious local catering, provided by Valley Home Dining, and the opportunity to have thoughtful, inspiring conversations with a featured guest, including “Pathway to the Ballot Box” producers, writers, actors, consultants, local historians, women’s rights advocates, and more.
Visitor Policies
Pathway to the Ballot Box is approximately one-hour long. The experience will guide visitors to and through several the historic structures on Huguenot Street. Please dress appropriately and wear comfortable footwear. Visitors will be expected to stand for most of the experience, apart from the final two performances, which will take place in the 1717 French Church. Lightweight, handheld, folding stools, as well as a transporter, are available in the Visitor Center for guests to checkout and use during the tour. Please call ahead if you would like to reserve one for yourself or someone in your party.
HHS does not require proof of COVID-19 vaccination to participate in this immersive theatre experience. Groups will be capped at 10 attendees per tour. Masks are not required for vaccinated individuals while the group is stationed outdoors or while walking from house to house. However, we do ask that you please wear appropriate face covering when entering any of our buildings, as the historic nature of the homes means you will be gathering in smaller spaces where social distancing may be difficult.
If you have experienced any symptoms related to the COVID-19 virus within 14 days leading up to the date or your scheduled tour time, please contact education@huguenotstreet.org. Your registration can either be cancelled or moved to a later tour time. For a full admission refund, cancellations must be made no later than 72 hours leading up to your scheduled tour time.
Pathway to the Ballot Box discusses topics such as slavery, racial discrimination, violence, and sexual situations. Parental supervision is required for children under 13.
P.J. Griffith Creator/Director
P.J. is the Artistic Director of ClockJack Productions, which specializes in creating site-specific, immersive theatrical experiences in unexpected places. Recent productions include Fairytale Farm for The Coggeshall Farm Museum in Rhode Island and Nevermore—The Fantastic Terrors of Edgar Allan Poe, Midwinter Mischief, and Haunted by History—A Phantasmagoria for Old Sturbridge Village in Massachusetts. P.J. is a graduate of NYU’s Tisch School of The Arts.
Andrea Varga
Andrea Varga is an Associate Professor of Theatre Design at SUNY New Paltz. She holds an MFA in Costume Design from Florida State University, a BFA in Theatre Design, BS in History, and Certificate of Women’s Studies from Utah State University. She has worked as a designer and assistant designer on Broadway, Off-Broadway, in television, and in academia for many years. In 2018 and 2019 she collaborated with The Studios of Key West and The Tennessee Williams Museum/Key West Art and Historical Society on the productions of Underwater and Life Story directed by Stephen Kitsakos. As an educator and artist, Professor Varga works to incorporate sustainability education and practice into her craft, courses, lectures, and leadership on campus and in her community.
