SILENT AUCTION
We've put together a wonderful array of 12 silent auction prizes, all featuring unique experiences that highlight our beautiful village, town, hamlets and the surrounding mid-Hudson Valley ~ think private tours of interesting places not generally open to the public. Four Wappinger artists have volunteered their time and talents to each create a unique piece of art from furniture that was once in the village of Wappingers Falls meeting room. Scroll down to preview all the wonderful silent auction items that are part of our Gala. BUT, if you can't wait, or won't be able to attend that evening, you have the opportunity to "Buy it Now" at a set price, and then it's yours! No one else will be able to bid on it. "Buy it Now" will be available until noon on Wednesday, June 11, 2025.
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Exclusive Inside Look at Village of Wappingers Falls Landmarks! Explore our History at the Iconic Buildings Surrounding Mesier & Zion Parks with a Private Walking Tour for up to Ten (10): The WF Post Office Lobby & Murals; Oddfellows; Zion Church, followed by Wine & Cheese reception inside Mesier Homestead
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Explore the nooks and crannies of historic buildings surrounding Zion & Mesier Parks during this guided walking tour for up to ten people. Begin at the former Wappingers Falls Post Office (now the Police Station), a Roosevelt-era WPA building, see the beautiful lobby and murals painted by Henry Billings. Then, head next door to the Lafayette Lodge No. 18 of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, founded in 1838. Explore the 1877 Lodge and discover how this fraternal organization continues to enrich the lives of the community for well over a century!
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There can be no better guide than Fr. Alex Herasimtschuk to share the history and treasures of Zion Episcopal Church. The Church, built in 1835, came about through the efforts of prominent village families – Mesier, Clapp, Grinnell. Its bells ring out daily over the streets of the village – and if the stars align just right, you may even have an opportunity to go up into the bell tower during your private tour!
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Finally, your explorations bring you to the place from where the village began – the 1741 Mesier Homestead. There, you’ll enjoy refreshments and explore the first dwelling here in the village - the little house at the rear of the Homestead. Journey through time with the beautifully decorated Victorian-era rooms of the Homestead, and see artifacts related to life during the heyday of the village.
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The winner of this auction will receive contact information from the WHS office. This exclusive opportunity is limited to your group of up to 10 people and will take place at an agreed-upon date and time.
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Experience the Unique Whimsical Architecture of 1870’s The Armour-Stiner Octagon House in Irvington, NY on a Private Tour for Your Group of up to Ten (10) People.
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This unique and unusual house, built in 1859–1860 by financier Paul J. Armour, was based on the architectural ideas presented by Wappinger resident and Phrenologist Orson Squire Fowler in his writings, The Octagon House: A Home for All Occasions. Fowler believed that octagonal houses enclosed more space, provided more interior sunlight, and that its rooms were easily accessible to each other. Fowler's ideas gained significant traction in the mid-to-late 19th century.
The Armour-Stiner Octagon House as seen today is beautifully restored to its 1870s appearance inside and out, but it wasn’t always this way. After the Armour and Stiner families built and decorated this whimsical structure in the third quarter of the 19th century, the house began to suffer structural degradation that brought it to the edge of collapse. Learn about the history of this National Historic Landmark, the motives behind its unique shape, and most recently its restoration from near-ruin, as you privately tour the veranda and three primary floors.
This Auction item offers the opportunity for your group of up to 10 people to privately tour the Armour-Stiner Octagon House in Irvington, NY on one of their special, themed tours (the Classic Tour; the Preservation Tour; or the Decorative Tour).
The Winner of this auction will receive contact information from the WHS office. The Armour-Stiner Octagon House offers set tour times Thursday – Monday. Valid for 2025 – 2026 tours; not available during the peak months of October – December.
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Messenger of the Homestead
Honoring the spirit of the land, the Mesier Homestead, and those who came before.
Acrylic on historic chair, refinished and painted by Brian Zickafoose, 2025.
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One-of-a-kind chair by Brian Zickafoose
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Brian Zickafoose is a nationally recognized muralist, fine artist, and illustrator whose vibrant works explore themes of spirit, nature, and transformation. With murals and paintings installed across New York, Connecticut, and beyond, Brian is known for merging visionary imagery with community storytelling. Learn more at: [www.brianzickafoose.com]
Messenger of the Homestead was created as a special one-time tribute for the Wappingers Historical Society, transforming a refinished antique chair into a symbolic work of art. Painted in acrylic and mixed media, the piece captures the deep roots and living spirit of the land — a celebration of heritage, memory, and renewal.
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
Gold Sponsors
Silver Sponsors
Denny & Rosemary Evaul​
Bronze Sponsors
Grace & Michael Martin​
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Alison Spear & Alex Reese
Marcy L. Wagman
Donors
Tompkins Community Bank
Richard Tallman
Lafayette Lodge No. 18, I.O.O.F.
Delehanty Funeral Home
Legion Fireworks Co. Inc.
Jack & Beth Devine
Viscount Wines & Liquors
Claudia Sweeney
Laura & Rob Landau
Wappingers Congress of Teachers
Sponsorships are Available. More information? 845-632-1281