Statement of Significance (as of designation - June 23, 1965):
Between 1836 and 1848 this substantial, early 19th century, 2-story brick residence was the home of Thomas Cole, one of America's most prominent landscape and allegorical painters and a principal figure in the Hudson River School of Painting. Cole's frame studio stands in the yard.

Condition:
In June 1998 the Greene County Historical Society acquired the Landmark, using a matching grant from New York State's Environmental Protection Fund. The new owner must now address problems resulting from the long-term lack of maintenance, including water penetration of both masonry and wood framing systems of the main house. A detailed condition assessment report has identified the exterior work needed to correct the long-term water damage.

Recently, with the help of a matching state grant under the Environmental Protection Fund, the house's wood shingle roof has been restored and other repairs are underway. The main brick house of 1815, which had been severely deteriorated on the interior and the exterior has been almost completely restored. Cole’s Old Studio is scheduled for complete restoration by year 2003. The National Park Service, Boston Support Office, is completing a General Site Management Plan. This National Historic Landmark is an affiliated site of the National Park Service. Congressman Sweeney has been very helpful.

Recommendation/Change since last report:
Additional funding is needed to undertake other repair work and complete the restoration of the property.