MVHS is a 501c3
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Every little bit helps!
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Minisink Valley Historical Society
Welcome
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Fort Decker: On Sat., Oct. 28th between 1 & 4 PM, the Minisink Valley Historical Society volunteers will host it last regular 2023 opening of the Fort Decker Museum of History, located at 127 West Main Street in Port Jervis, NY. The Navasing Long Rifles, a colonial reenactor group, will be in attendance - rain or shine. Dressed in typical period attire, these historians will portray and share their knowledge of colonial times as "living history" - contemporary to the period of this building serving as an 18th century stone fort.

MVHS Archives: Our archives at the Port Jervis Library are accessible by appointment. We are limited on the number of people we can accomodate in our room, and request that anyone wishing to use the archive - first make an appointment. Please plan ahead, especially If you are traveling from a distance, and contact us before finalizing your trip. We abide with the regulations of the Port Jervis Library - as the archive is located on the Upper Floor - accessible to that level by elevator. Should the library ever be closed - we cannot access.
Email: minisinkvalley@gmail.com
Also, please watch the Minisink Valley Facebook page for updates.


Do check back here and on our Facebook page for all updates.
Please keep in mind that while we could not remain open due to COVID, we still had expenses. We depend on your generous support to maintain the buildings and grounds, pay utilities, etc. We also welcome anyone interested in assisting as tour guide at the fort. Please contact the society.
Fort Decker Maintenance Fund
Urgent Message

All of us involved with the history of the Minisink Region share a common link - an uncommon love for the preservation of history. Part of that history is Fort Decker, constructed prior to 1760, and attacked during Joseph Brant's raid on the Minisink in 1779.

Unfortunately, time has ravaged our beloved Fort, and she now needs our help. Won't you consider making a small contribution of $10 (more if you can) to help keep the Fort from further decay? This will be a yearlong effort to raise funds for the restoration.

Please make a donation and pass the word of our efforts to your family, friends and co-workers to support this cause.

Fort Decker damage 1
Within the yellow oval is the area of severe water damage.

Fort Decker damage 2
While there is a need to re-point the entire building this side is critical.

Fort Decker damage 3
Through the years different styles and types of masonry techniques have been applied to the building.

Fort Decker damage 4
Much of this patch work has been deteriorating and needs our attention.

Fort Decker damage 5
The spaces at ground level make wonderful entry ways for moisture and furry little critters.

Fort Decker damage 6
The inside of the second floor fireplace - The water no longer leaks into the chimney since the copper caps were installed in 2011.

Fort Decker damage 7
Damage to second Floor plaster wall against chimney and fireplace.

Minisink Valley Historical Society is a 501c3 - your tax-deductible gift in any amount is an investment that will be of direct benefit to Fort Decker. Minisink Valley Historical Society is an all volunteer organization.

Please take a moment to click on the "Donate" button
or mail your contribution to
MVHS, PO Box 659, Port Jervis, NY 12771.

Click Here to download a printable pdf donation form/flyer.
minisink history
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Above is a random photo from our Old Photographs page.

Welcome to our website and the historic Minisink Valley, where some of our nation's earliest history occurred. The Minisink Valley is an area which reaches from Minisink Ford, New York, to Lackawaxen, Pennsylvania, to the Delaware Water Gap at New Jersey and Pennsylvania, including:

in New York:
  • City of Port Jervis
  • Town of Deerpark
  • Cuddebackville
  • Rio
  • Huguenot
  • Westbrookville
  • Town of Forestburgh
  • Town of Greenville
  • Town of Lumberland
  • Town of Mamakating
in New Jersey:
  • Wantage Township
  • Montague Township
  • Sandyston Township
in Pennsylvania:
  • Dingmans Ferry Township
  • Borough of Matamoras
  • Borough of Milford
Click Here to see a general map of the Minisink Valley region.

The Minisink Valley Historical Society is located at 125-133 West Main Street in Port Jervis, New York. The Fort Decker Museum of History, a stone house built in 1760, and listed on the National Register of Historic Places is the Society's museum. The Robert Kleinstuber House, which is located behind it, is the center of the Society's day-to-day activities and is the location of the Society's storage facilities.

Copyright © 2023 The Minisink Valley Historical Society. All rights reserved.
Revised October 8, 2023