300 Years of History in the Heart of
New Paltz, New York

Family Crests

In the mid 20th century, Historic Huguenot Street experienced tremendous growth.  With this came greater interest in genealogy and understanding the European roots of the families that founded New Paltz or were part of its early history.  Several families hired private researchers to determine authentic heraldry. The result was that families decided to accept specific researched designs.

You will note that not all of the early families are represented below.  The Dutch did not use the heraldic system, so families such as the Schoonmakers and Terwilligers opted not to research or adopt a family crest.

Each of these crests (also known as coat of arms) is available from the Museum Shop at Historic Huguenot Street.  Crests are silkscreen printed on thick parchment stock in vivid colors.  A brief booklet about the crests is also available, as are a variety of items of interest to descendants.