Slate Valley

Last Offered 2022. Not currently being offered.

Running approximately 24 miles along the border between New York and Vermont, the Slate Valley has been a source of slate since 1848 and is the only place in the world where such a wide variety of slate colors can be found. Over the past 160 years, this industry, which relied heavily on immigrant labor, has seen success and downturn, but also a resurgence that continues today.

On this tour, we’ll explore the history and process of slate quarrying at the Slate Valley Museum, and then see examples of the way slate is used during a walking tour of Granville. Next, we’ll travel to, learn about, and tour Hilltop Slate Company’s active red slate quarry, one of the nearly 30 quarries in operation today, to see first-hand how the stone is processed into roofing slate. Finally, we’ll visit the historic home of a former quarry owner that boldly features local slate in its construction.

This tour is led by Bob Isherwood and Slate Valley Museum staff, as well as generous property owners. The tour begins at 10 AM and ends around 3:30 PM.

The fee is $50 for AARCH members and $60 non-members.

TOUR REGISTRATION INFORMATION