Old Road Society of Philipstown
Preserving roads that serve as our cultural heritage
PRESERVE ROADS That
Serve As Our Cultural Heritage
A nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving historical roads
Preserving Old Albany Post Road
“Preservation engages the past in a conversation with the present over a mutual concern for the future.”
— William J. Murtagh, First Keeper of the National Register of Historic Places
America's Oldest Road
OAPR is an unpaved dirt road that was built before the N.Y. State U.S. Route 9. It has been in continued service since 1669, most notably during the American Revolutionary War. The 6-mile section of the dirt road retains the original stone walls and mile markers placed by Benjamin Franklin.
About Our Society
For more than 25 years, the Old Road Society has been protecting the integrity of the historic Old Albany Post Road, its surrounding stone walls, and the scenic view of Philipstown's dirt roads.
With a set of purposeful bylaws, our 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization composed of passionate volunteers aims to preserve all of the town's unpaved roads. We’ll do this by promoting collective action and educational efforts within our community.
Our Mission
The Old Road Society is dedicated to the conservation and preservation of the historic Old Albany Post Road and all of Philipstown's unpaved roads.
Our Motivation
The Old Albany Post Road is equally important to the birth of our nation as the Hudson River. Both served as main passages during the American Revolutionary War. The historic road is a living monument with its remaining six-mile stretch in the Hudson Highlands. For these reasons, we believe that the Old Albany Post Road is worthy of preservation.
The Society has hired Ken Skorseth who wrote a book on dirt and gravel maintenance. We are grateful to Mr. Skorseth for lending his expertise and knowledge, but we need funding for his engineering service and cost-effective maintenance guidance. If you’re interested in taking part in our cause, get in touch with us today. We look forward to hearing from you!
How to Become a Member
Since 1984, the membership fee at the Old Road Society costs for only $20. We are a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization, and we assure you that the fees and donations are fully tax deductible as specified under federal laws. If you want to join us, you can mail your $20 membership check to our business address.