Haverstraw Brick Museum
LOWER HUDSON
http://www.haverstrawbrickmuseum.org/
12 Main Street
Haverstraw, NY 10927
Hours: Wednesday, Saturday,and Sunday(1-4 pm)or by appointment.
Phone: (845) 947-3505
Historical Description:
Haverstraw, New York was once the brick making capital of the world. The brick making industry began in 1771. At this time, Jacob Van Dyke discovered the vast amounts of yellow and blue clay along the Hudson River Shores. Brickmaking soon became a way of life, with over thirty-seven brickyards in Haverstraw alone. Manufacturers took advantage of easy access to New York City via the Hudson River. Haverstraw, located in Rockland County, was destroyed by a landslide on January 8, 1906 because of the excavation of clay for brick making. Eventually the clay deposits upon which the brickyards depended were soon depleted. The Great Depression dealt the final blow and brickmaking died out as an industry in Haverstraw. The last yard closed in 1941. All that remains is the brick museum, and the historic brick buildings.
The Site:
The Haverstraw Brick Museum contains artifacts, materials, dioramas, historical displays, and information about the brick making industry. The Brick Museum’s purpose is to "preserve, research, collect, and exhibit the industry, culture, and life of brick making."
Directions:
From Tappan Zee Bridge: New York State Thruway to Exit 12, then take Route 303 North to 9W North. Take a right turn at New Main Street, Haverstraw, and end at 12 Main Street.
From Nanuet: Proceed east on Route 59 to Route 303 North. Take 303 North to 9W North. Take a right turn at New Main Street, Haverstraw, and end at 12 Main Street.
From Pearl River: Take Orangeburg Road to Route 303 North. Take 303 North to 9W Norh. Take a right turn at New Main Street, Haverstraw, and end at 12 Main Street.
From Points North: Palisades Parkway South to Bear Mountain Traffic Circle, to 9W South. Left at New Main Street, Haverstraw to 12 Main Street.
From Points South/New Jersey: Palisades Parkway South to Bear Mountain Traffic Circle, to 9W South. Left at New Main Street, Haverstraw to 12 Main Street.
