“A Roof Unlike Any to be Seen in the Valley”: The Roof System of the Jean Hasbrouck House, A Virtual Presentation by Ian Stewart

The Jean Hasbrouck house can be seen as an iconic structure in the history of both the Hudson Valley and the United States. Its expansive roof sets it apart from the other buildings of the period, both in size and scope. While not uncommon in the Netherlands and Germany, the Jean Hasbrouck House is one of the few of this style that survives in the United States. This talk will discuss what makes the Jean Hasbrouck House roof so distinct, and will offer other roofs as points of comparison. Utilizing knowledge gained during the restoration, architectural historian and timber framer Ian Stewart will speak about this distinct building and its counterparts. Drawing on his field research and work, both in the United States and in the Netherlands, Ian will show what makes the Jean Hasbrouck House so unique and important.

Ian Stewart has been working the preservation trades field for nearly two decades. He is a rare combination of tradesperson and academic. Dedicated to the furtherance of the traditional trades and crafts in America, Ian was the President of the Board of Directors of the Preservation Trades Network, is a member of the Timber Framer’s Guild, and is a member of the Traditional Timber Frame Research Advisory Group (TTRAG). Ian holds a Master’s degree in Preservation Studies at Boston University’s School of American and New England Studies. His thesis focused on Anglo Dutch houses of the Hudson Valley, particularly those built prior to 1830. Ian’s primary area of research has been the buildings constructed by Netherlandish immigrants to the United States, as well as the origins of those styles in Belgium and the Netherlands. His work in this field was recently recognized by the New Netherland Institute, who awarded him the Alice P. Kenney award in 2018. Ian constantly strives to bring attention to this unique style of construction, which has been greatly overlooked, despite its influence in American architecture.

$10 General Admission

$8 Discounted Admission (For HHS members, seniors, students, active military members, and veterans.)