Thomas Cole Historic House

The Thomas Cole National Historic Site (TCNHS) will develop an interpretive plan for the home and studio of artist Thomas Cole (1801–1848), founder of America’s first major art movement now known as the Hudson River School of landscape painting. Since Cole’s home opened to the public eight years ago, the historic site has grown and changed significantly, with an expanding audience, staff, and operating budget. Feedback from TCNHS audiences has revealed the need for new site-specific research and redesigned visitor experience. Through research, benchmarking of other historic sites’ programs, prototyping, outcome-based evaluation, and continuous consultation with a team of museum specialists and scholars, TCNHS will create a free-choice learning environment where visitors of all ages, interests, and backgrounds can find meaning and inspiration in Thomas Cole’s life and work.