LOWER HUDSON

Haverstraw Brick Museum

https://www.haverstrawbrickmuseum.org/

12 Main Street

Haverstraw, NY 10927

Hours: Saturday and Sunday (1-4 PM) or by appointment (Tuesday-Thursday, 11 AM - 4 PM). Call to confirm hours.

Phone: (845) 947-3505 Email: [email protected]

 

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."