Old Underground Railroad stations, abandoned industrial buildings, and Quaker houses will appear on the historic map of the Hudson Valley on Saturday, June 7. These hidden treasures in plain sight are part of a project led by journalist and writer Anthony Musso, which will be presented at the Peekskill Museum starting at 2 p.m.

Hidden Treasures of the Hudson Valley – Volume 2 is Musso’s research compiling approximately 55 sites spread across eight counties that hold historical significance and generally remain outside the scope of tourists and even the common memory of the local population. Among the most notable are the West Point Foundry, where the Parrott Cannon was developed during the Civil War; an 18th-century tavern that served as a military prison for the British spy connected to Benedict Arnold; and the birthplace of the American circus concept.
The exhibit, free for museum members and costing $10 for the general public, will also include other historical references such as the home of Joel Spingarn, where the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) was founded. Additionally, sites like the theater that inspired key elements of the I Love Lucy show and a mansion so lavish it gave rise to the expression “keeping up with the Joneses” will be highlighted.
The talk at the Peekskill Museum is expected to last nearly two hours. Hidden Treasures of the Hudson Valley – Volume 2, the book lending its name to Musso’s seminar, is part of an ongoing series serving as both a field guide and a logbook. Each entry includes a brief profile of the site, its approximate location, and the historical context surrounding it. According to the author, many of these places are visible to anyone, but the lack of signage or documentation has contributed to their neglect.
The event, which anticipates a significant audience due to the author’s reputation, is part of the museum’s city agenda aimed at sparking public curiosity about historical topics. For more information, visit the museum’s website.