Camp Santanoni, a 12,900-acre wilderness estate established in 1892, and its 200-acre working farm, are an architectural wonder rich with the stories of the people who have lived and worked at, enjoyed, and preserved the site. While women have always played a central role at Santanoni, their stories have not always been told. This day-long excursion will weave their stories into the familiar Santanoni narrative and offer insights about the changing experiences of women in the Adirondacks since 1892.  For Anna Pruyn and her female guests, Santanoni was a place to relax and explore. Huybertie Pruyn especially enjoyed the opportunity to break free of expectations away from the eyes of her mother, the head of the Albany Anti-Suffrage Association. Later generations of women at Santanoni were less formal, but had no less fun, and have played critical roles in the advocacy and work to preserve Santanoni. For the female staff, being a woman in the woods was more work than play. Imagine arriving from Bulgaria to raise a family at the Santanoni farm like Pena Petoff. This outing will include stops at the Gate Lodge and farm complex before arriving at the main camp perched masterfully on Newcomb Lake. Eat your picnic lunch under the same eaves where Anna Pruyn took photographs and Huybertie made mischief.

This tour co-sponsored by the Friends of Camp Santanoni and the Town of Newcomb, and is led by Santanoni Interpretive Coordinator, Jennifer Betsworth. The tour begins at 9:30 AM and ends at 4 PM.

There is a suggested donation of $35. A limited number of seats are available on a horse-drawn wagon for an additional $30 fee.

Please note that this tour involves a wagon-ride or 9.8 hike/bike on a dirt road.

TOUR REGISTRATION INFORMATION