Time and the Valleys Museum

Connecting Water, People, and the Catskills
Exploring NYC’s Water Systems and the sacrifices made by local residents
to provide New York City with clean water.

Our Vision

The Catskills’ leading resource for exploring the history and future of access to clean water.

What our visitors have to say:

“Visiting the TATV Museum is a precious learning experience. Much appreciation for all the effort for preserving histories and reconnecting people with the water resources
of this area.”
2023

“What a treasure. Thank you!”
-Ron and Sally T., 2023

“It is a tribute to the people of this area that this wonderful exhibit is able to be viewed.”
2023

“What a great exhibit! Especially like all the historical info and the painted interpretations,
and especially the
Taggart art works!”
-Anne and George S., 2023

Verified
A lovely look back in the Past of the Lower Catskills A very well laid out history of the Catskills and the mountains around the museum..Wonderful photos and stories..Well worth the drive to Grahamsville,in fact the wonderful "secret" of the village.
Shamus Fla
2019-09-01
Verified
A great way to learn local history! I really enjoyed this museum! It told a lot about the history of the region, about water, and about the history of water getting to NYC (My son was not interested in this latter exhibit, but I found it fascinating!). The building, itself, is lovely, the layout of the exhibits is neat and clear, and it was fun and interesting going into the farm buildings, above the museum! The woman at the front desk, who was a living piece of this history/museum, herself, could not have been nicer or more helpful!
Joan K
2019-08-05
Verified
Enjoyable Afternoon for the Entire Family We've had a weekend house in the Neversink area for years, and decided to visit the museum on a rainy summer weekend with our 3 children. We will definitely be making a second visit! We went for 90 minutes, but everyone wanted to spend longer. There is plenty of local history and information about the importance of clean water and the construction of the reservoirs and tunnels used to transport water to NYC. The exhibits also reinforced subjects our children have learned in school - including geology, Native Americans (Lenape) and the history and technology of early farming communities. There are many interactive and hands-on exhibits for our youngest - including dress-up opportunities and a chance to construct a dam from sand. In short, we found the museum to be a "small town" gem.. In fact, as a family, we enjoyed it more than some museums we have visited In Manhattan and D.C. We were also were impressed that a small town has created a museum of such quality.
Amy M
2018-07-22
Verified
Informative My dad was born in Neversink. Him and my mother went dancing where water now covers the area. I don't remember the area before the dam, so it was great to see. I especially enjoyed the model showing the water level and what used to be.
1chevy
2017-10-16
Verified
Nice museum Nice museum that is just starting out. Quite a few exhibits for you to see. Definitely worth stopping by. Can't wait to go back and see what else they have added.
Joe S
2017-08-21
Verified
Nice exhibits, great story of the NYC reservoir system Time and the Valleys Museum is a great way to spend a few hours. My kids enjoyed the exhibits showing the extensive construction done to build the reservoir system. I found many parcels of land owned by my ancestors that were displaced by the infrastructure on the 3D displays. Overall an educational day that provides an appreciation of the resources we have today.
NYDiverAmy
2016-10-17
Verified
A nice day trip When traveling through our little town of Neversink, make sure to stop by the Time and Valleys Museum. It is beautiful, with a lot of history about the area. I have lived here in town for 15 years and never knew about some of the rich history of the surrounding area. The kids as well as adults will love seeing everything it has to offer.
pennyh764
2016-08-19
Verified
Surprising iLarge nfo in Small Package We went because we were interested in the background of the NYC aqueduct system & the history &controversy around it. Growing up in NYC, we never considered where our water came from. Living in the area & visiting the upstate areas & seeing the huge reservoirs, we started to hear the stories which piqued our interest. We stumbled across the museum last year while visiting the fair there., It was well worth it. We spent several hours there (we read everything) & came away with a new respect for the engineering involved. The additional info on the Lenape tribe, American Revolution, local family histories, how the resorts began, all added to our understanding of the area. Its a nice drive for the day. The museum has 3 floors with a lot of history. Donation is minimal & well worth the money. Nice day trip for older kids. Some interactive for younger ones but the older ones may appreciate the history more.
EnjoysDining727
2016-07-24
Verified
Surprising Gem in Rural Sullivan County Expecting a typical rural local museum (old, musty building) with some local history, we were blown away with a first rate building built in 2011 and wonderfully curated history of the Catskills and their connection to New York City. New York City could not exist without this area - it is the source of NYs drinking water. The museum tells the stories of the Catskill communities early history, then leads up to the development of the NYC reservoirs. Whole communities were destroyed to build the water system. Moving stories of those evicted, and then of those who labored to build the water system are well told. The reservoirs and the tunnels are marvels - and were not easy to build - numerous workman lost their lives. A fascinating view into history, politics, engineering and conservation over more than a hundred years. A side visit to the library in the same building is worth it - beautiful design.
BrianJ48
2015-07-30

Where we are located:


Accessibility

Time and the Valley’s Museum and all exhibitions are handicapped accessible. We are committed to making our facilities, exhibitions, and programs accessible for all audiences.

Parking – Designated spaces are available for people with disabilities

Service Animals – Service Animals are welcome in the building and on the grounds.

Wheelchair Accessibility – Entrances are accessible to wheelchair users. An elevator is located in the building to facilitate access to the upper and lower levels. A wheelchair is available for visitors that may require one.

Hours & Admission

Open:
Open by appointment
(845) 985-7700

Spring 2024:
Saturdays & Sundays
12pm to 4pm Memorial Day weekend through September.
Other days and times by appointment.

Adults: $5
Children (6 to 17): $2
Children under 6: FREE

More Information →

Things to do: