Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum. 94 Broadway, (across from City Hall), Newburgh. The Mystery Story Genre includes many outstanding aspects. The first, chronologically, must be “The Detective Story.” This type of story began with Wilkie Collins’ novel “The Moonstone” and reached its highest level with Arthur Conan Doyles’ Sherlock Holmes stories and Dorothy Sayers’ scholarly articles on “How to Write a Detective Story”. Detectives Manuscripts will be on display through Dec. 29. Hours: Thursday-Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday Noon – 4 p.m. Admission is free. 569-4997.

Knox’s Headquarters. Vails Gate. Tours of the 1754 Ellison mansion that served as headquarters to three of Washington’s top generals, walking trails, and the ruins of the Ellison’s 1741 grist mill overlooking the dramatic Silver Stream gorge. Wednesday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sunday, 1 – 5 p.m. 561-1765.

Mid-Hudson Children’s Museum. 75 N. Water St., Poughkeepsie. 50 interactive exhibits. Hudson River Dive. Enter a simulated dive bell and with the help of sound, light and motion effects, descend into the depths of the Hudson River to see what’s under all the water. Also new is Hands of History: The Battle for Liberty where you can take imaginary steps through the Revolutionary War in the Hudson Valley. Pretend to be a king, experience an old jail, declare your freedom and ring the Liberty Bell. Tuesday – Saturday 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday 11 a.m.-5 p.m. $7.50, under 1 and members free. 471-0589.

Montgomery Village Historical Museum. Former Methodist church, 142 Clinton St., across from the Fire Museum. Extensive historical artifact display. “Bits and Pieces About Our Montgomery Presidents – 1810-1929” is on display. Hours: Saturdays 1 – 4 p.m. or by appointment. 457-5135.

Motorcyclepedia Museum. 250 Lake St., Newburgh. More than 350 bikes are on display. Hours: Thursday – Saturday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Admission: $10 adults, $5 children under 12. 569-9065.

Museum Village. 1010 Rt. 17M, Monroe. A living history museum depicting life in the 19th century America. Make a candle, visit our weaver, printer, broom maker and more. Wind Steam Gasoline. This exhibit will be on display throughout 2010 and is designed to help the public understand the technology that so dramatically impacts our lives and community. Hours: Tuesday – Sunday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. $5. 782-8247.

The National Purple Heart Hall of Honor. New Windsor Cantonment State Historic Site, 374 Temple Hill Road (Route 300), Vails Gate. The Hall pays tribute to the extraordinary sacrifices of America’s servicemen and servicewomen killed or wounded in combat. Hours: Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sunday 1 – 5 p.m. Admission is free, groups of 10 or more $3 per person (reservations required). For more information call 561-1765 or visit www.thepurpleheart.com.

Neversink Valley Area Museum. 26 Hoag Road, Cuddebackville. 754-8870. Exhibit about the D&H Canal. Guided walking tours along the towpath. History Exhibit: The Million Dollar Club: A Partnership between Giants. Learn about the relationship between early banks and anthracite canals. Hours: Friday – Sunday, noon – 4 p.m.

Orange County Arboretum. Thomas Bull Memorial Park, Route 416, Hamptonburgh. Arboretum gardens will be lit with a charming garden themed light display featuring a variety of flowers and critters that illuminate the paths and gardens. Hot chocolate will be served. On display through Jan 1 from 5 – 8 p.m. 845-615-3828Free. Open dawn to dusk. 615-3828.

Orange County Firefighters’ Museum. 141 Clinton St., Montgomery. The one-time fire station is home to artifacts from fire companies throughout Orange County. In addition a painting of the Monell Engine Co. of Washingtonville by the late artist Jarvis Boone is on display. Hours: Saturdays 1 – 4 p.m. 457-9654.

Putnam Historical Society and Foundry School Museum. 63 Chestnut St, Cold Spring. Located in the original West Point Foundry Schoolhouse, overlooking the Hudson River, the museum houses an outstanding collection of paintings and artifacts from the region. $5, $2 seniors and children 7-12, free for members and children under 7. Hours: Wednesday – Sunday 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. 265-4010.

Storm King Art Center. Old Pleasant Hill Road, Mountainville. Storm King celebrates 50 years this year. Outdoor Sculpture Tours every Wednesday through Sunday at 2 p.m. Enjoy docent-led walking tour: Museum Hill. Experience and learn about sculptures from the permanent collection and special exhibition 5+5: New Perspectives. Hours: Wednesday – Sunday, 11 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., Saturdays Memorial Day – Labor Day open until 8 p.m. 534-3115

Val-Kill National Historic Site. Route 9G, Hyde Park. Tour Eleanor Roosevelt’s home. Hours: Thursday – Monday 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., with the last tour starting at 4 p.m. $8. 1-800-FDR-VISIT.

Vanderbilt Mansion Historic Site. Route 9, Hyde Park. Tour Vanderbilt Mansion NHS, which in terms of architecture, interiors, mechanical systems, road systems and landscape, is a remarkably complete example of a gilded-age country place, illustrating the political, economic, social, cultural, and demographic changes that occurred as America industrialized in the years after the Civil War. The mansion is decorated for a Gilded Aged holiday season. Hours: Daily 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. with the last tour at 4 p.m. $8, under 15 free. 229-9115.

Washington’s Headquarters State Historic Site. corner of Liberty & Washington Streets, Newburgh. Served as General George Washington’s army headquarters from April 1782-August 1783, his longest stay during the Revolutionary War. First government owned and operated historic house museum in the U.S., which marks the beginnings of the historic Preservation Movement. Birthplace of the Badge of Military Merit, the forerunner of the Purple Heart. Open 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. by appointment from November – April. Admission: Adults – $4, Seniors/Students – $3, children 12 and under – free. 562-1195.

West Point Museum. U.S. Military Academy’s Pershing Center, located outside Thayer Gate. “Documenting War.” The 150-year-old museum has nearly 65,000 artifacts – 2,000 are on display – that range from weaponry of Ancient Egypt to the present day. The history of the Army, West Point and the individuals important to the military academy are also on display. Hours: 10:30 a.m. – 4:15 p.m. 938-3590.