Stockade District in Kingston in Ulster County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

The Matthewis Persen House

Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), June 19, 2026

1. The Matthewis Persen House Marker

Inscription.
Ulster County invites you to the Person House, one of our oldest, most significant buildings and witness to many important moments in Ulter County's history. It was burned at least twice, saw wars and revolution and was home to doctors, tailors, grocers, druggists and innkeepers. Walking through the house is a walk through time. Please join us at the Person House located at 74 John Street in the Stockade Historic District in uptown Kingston.

The Persen House, named after its longest resident Matthewis Persen (1739-1819), and owned by Ulster County since 1914, has undergone extensive restoration since emergency repairs in 1999 revealed its historical significance. A Historic Structure Report discovered that it was built in five phases from 1661 to 1922. The house has witnessed the entire history of Kingston and even pre-dates the formation of Ulster County, so by touring the house, guests learn many important aspects of our local history.

Historical societies and cultural groups from around the county have lined up to host the site for tours on Kingston Market Saturdays under the direction of the County Clerk's Office.

Nina Postupack
Ulster
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County Clerk
Please see the schedule of events for all activities taking place at the Person House by visiting www.ulstercountyny.gov/countyclerk.

Erected by Ulster County, New York.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Anthropology & Archaeology • Colonial Era • Notable Buildings. A significant historical year for this entry is 1914.

Location. 41° 56.017′ N, 74° 1.242′ W. Marker is in Kingston, New York, in Ulster County. It is in the Stockade District. It is on John Street east of Crown Street, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 74 John St, Kingston NY 12401, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Upstate New York

and in the Hudson Valley.

It is also in the American Northeast,

in the Mid-Atlantic,

and on the Eastern Seaboard. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Netherland

and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.

Other nearby markers. At

The Matthewis Persen House Marker near the east side of the house image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), June 19, 2026

2. The Matthewis Persen House Marker near the east side of the house

least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Four Corners (within shouting distance of this marker); The Story of Historic Kingston (within shouting distance of this marker); Kingston Academy (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Kingston Academy (within shouting distance of this marker); Old Stockade 1658 (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named The Story of Historic Kingston (within shouting distance of this marker); The Pike Plan (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Sojourner Truth (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Kingston.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 22, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 22, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 17 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 22, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.