Newburgh Candlelight Tour Returns, Raises Funds For Preservation

The Newburgh Historical Society hosted its Annual Candlelight Tour on December 14 from noon to 5 p.m., opening 16 homes and buildings for a self guided exploration of the city's architectural heritage. The event began at the Captain David Crawford House at 189 Montgomery Street, which was decorated with live greens in a 19th century style and served as the central welcome site for visitors.

Attendees experienced live holiday music from noon to 2 p.m. and viewed the 2025 exhibit, Downing Park, A Family Haven, as part of the afternoon program. The tour was staged rain or shine and offered a mix of private residences and public buildings that together illustrated Newburgh's historic streetscapes and varied architectural eras.

Ticket sales were structured at $35 in advance and $40 the day of the event, with proceeds directed to the Society's preservation and education efforts. Those proceeds provide operating funds for maintaining historic properties, running programs for local schools and the public, and underwriting future conservation projects. For this reason the tour functions as both a cultural event and a key line item in the local historic preservation finance mix.

Beyond the direct benefit to the Society, the tour has community and economic implications. Seasonal events like this tend to concentrate foot traffic in downtown corridors, offering a potential boost to nearby restaurants, shops and service providers during a critical holiday period. They also raise visibility for Newburgh as a heritage destination, which can influence longer term visitor patterns and philanthropic support for local cultural institutions.

Organizers advised that more information is available at newburghhistoricalsociety.org or by calling (845) 561-2585. With ticket revenue and community interest, the Candlelight Tour continued to serve as a practical fundraising tool and a visible reminder of the preservation work that sustains Newburgh's historic fabric.