Hilltown
Mission and Vision

Our mission is to nurture and celebrate the restorative powers of learning, nature, the arts, and community.

We envision a world in which individuals nurture their passions and develop skills that enhance their connection to nature, to community, to one another and to themselves.

Campus History

1924
Country Forums on Human Relations

The roots of Hilltown Commons go back to 1924 when Laura Talmage Huyck convened “Country Forums on Human Relations” at her home as a reaction to the carnage of World War I.

The forums aimed to promote global understanding that would lead to peaceful resolutions of differences. Students came from many countries to discuss how to achieve world peace and mutual understanding.

1963
The Institute on Man and Science

In 1963, Huyck’s daughter Katharine and her husband P.L. Elmore and their friends Winifred and Everett Clinchy re-established these forums when they founded The Institute on Man and Science.

They donated their adjacent Huyck estates for the Institute’s 100 acre campus. Clinchy founded The National Conference of Christians and Jews and was a world leader in efforts to promote world peace. The two couples attracted a broad range of influential and world-renowned thinkers to take part in Institute programs.

Rensselaerville residents were invited to lectures and to discuss lecture topics with the speakers.

2012
Carey Institute for Global Good

Most recently, Bill Carey purchased the campus in 2012 with the goal to re-establish the original spirit of dynamic inquiry to empower people to make informed decisions that can create meaningful change in the world.

Bill died before the purchase was final, but fortunately Bill’s family and the W. P. Carey Foundation stepped in to complete the purchase and provided essential funding and operational guidance.

Rensselaerville Hamlet

Settled in 1787, this hamlet is the home to several historic residences,
a grist mill, 19th-century churches, and one of Albany County’s first public libraries.
The entire hamlet is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. 

A few local friends to visit:

  • Huyck Preserve


    The Huyck Preserve and Biological Research Station, founded in 1931, aims to protect the beauty of Rensselaerville Falls, Lake Myosotis, and the nearby areas. It conducts research on biodiversity and provides educational programs that connect people with nature.

    The Preserve has 12 miles of hiking trails open year-round. The most popular trail leads to the Rensselaerville Falls, which drop over 120 feet, located right behind the Visitors' Center. It manages over 2,000 acres of forests, fields, and wetlands, including Lincoln Pond and Hennicke Marsh.

    website

  • The Library

    Rensselaerville Library was founded in 1798 as "The Federal Library," making it one of the first libraries in Albany County. Its original 200 books were stored in various locations around town.

    The current library, established in 1896 as the Rensselaerville Reading Room and Library Association, is housed in a former boot shop. In 1996, the Library expanded by acquiring property from Vivian Anderson Borthwick's estate, who became New York State's youngest public librarian at age 15.

    website

  • Kuhar Cafe

    Micah and Rochelle run a farm-to-table restaurant that offers fresh, casual dishes made from their Rensselaerville farm and local ingredients.

    The menu changes daily, but some items, like the popular “Micah Burger” made from their grass-fed beef, are always available.

    The market sells products from local artisans, such as jewelry, soap, greeting cards, honey, and bread. They also host events featuring local bands and artists.
    website

  • Rensselaerville Historical Society (RHS)

    A nonprofit that aims to collect, preserve, and share the history and culture of Rensselaerville and nearby areas. RHS provides various programs for all ages, including lectures and events like the annual Rensselaerville Art Show.

    Located in an 1880 grist mill, volunteers give free tours during the summer. Their museum features a large collection of artifacts, photos, and documents that showcase the area's history and culture.
    website

Helderberg Hilltowns

Our campus is named in reference to the Helderberg Hilltowns, a local designation for the towns of Berne, Knox, Rensselaerville, and Westerlo. Situated atop the Helderberg Escarpment, these small, rural communities are the four western-most towns in Albany County and are known for their natural beauty and rich history.

  • BERNE


    Settled in 1795, Berne is flush with natural areas including Cole Hill State Forest, Fox Creek Park, Partridge Run Wildlife Management Area, and Thompson's Lake State Park.

    There are a number of farms (see: the Alpaca Shack) and historic buildings to visit and explore.

  • KNOX


    In the early 1800s, Knox had 15 one-room schools. School House No. 5, located on the grounds of Thacher Nature Center, is on the National Register of Historic Places. During the 19th Century, Knox manufactured millions of handmade, basswood pill boxes, earning its "Pill Box Capital of the World" nickname.

  • WESTERLO


    Formed in 1815, Westerlo has the largest population of the four Hilltowns and is named after Rev. Eilardus Westerlo.

    Recreation sites include Lake Onderdonk and Bear Swamp Preserve — a National Natural Landmark formed 13,000 years ago with the retreat of the last glacier.

  • RENSSELAERVILLE


    Settled in 1787, most of the town’s buildings are built in a Greek Revival style and date to the early 19th century.

    See if you can find the hamlet’s seven historical markers and be sure to visit The Huyck Preserve and Ten Mile Creek.