About Us

The Association is a group of enthusiasts, from all walks of life, who are dedicated to preserving our rural heritage. Major activities of the Association include the Antique Machinery and Rural Life Days Festival, and development and maintenance of an Antique Museum Village on the Dutchess County Fairgrounds.

The Antique Machinery Show is held June 14th-15th 2008 at the Dutchess County Fairgrounds. Exhibitors from all over the Northeast display antique engines, tractors, vintage vehicles, as well as providing many working and educational displays of our rural mechanical past. The Museum village is also open during the show.

The Museum Village consists of the large museum building and a separate blacksmith shop. Other buildings are planned and exhibits continue to grow and change. The large museum building contains a series of exhibits designed to show rural life in the 1870 to 1930 era. Each exhibit is designed to illustrate a particular craft or way of life. Examples include: woodworking, printing, clock making, ice harvesting, a general store, textiles, and many others. Many vintage farm implements are also displayed.

The Museum Village is open and staffed during the Dutchess County Fair each August as well as during our May show. Tours for school children and other groups are conducted by appointment at other times.

The Association and its members also participate in other machinery shows and festivals throughout the Northeast. At these shows and at our monthly meetings they exchange information, and enjoy the company of others with similar interests.

The Association meets the second Tuesday of the month, usually at Historic Upton Lake Grange Hall in Clinton Corners N.Y. A brief business meeting is followed by a presentation on a subject of interest to Association members. There is an annual Christmas buffet in December.

Anyone sharing an interest in our Association and its activities is invited to attend our meetings. Membership in the Association is open to all.

If you would like more information or perhaps have period items you would like to donate to the Association call Jim or Carol Boice at 845- 266- 5212. Membership includes a quarterly newsletter with informative and entertaining articles. Annual dues are $10.00 - Checks payable to C.M.V.C.A.