Steepletop

Steepletop, a farmstead in Austerlitz, New York, served as the home and inspiration of Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Edna St. Vincent Millay for the last twenty-five years of her life. This National Historic Landmark features the 1892 white clapboard farmhouse where Millay lived with her husband, Eugen Boissevain, and the writer’s cabin, in the midst of whispering pines, plants and flowers that she nurtured from the ruins of the original farm.

The inspiring grounds and gardens include the poetry trail, which features many Millay poems and the family gravesite.

The Millay Society's mission is to illuminate the life and writings of Edna St. Vincent Millay and to preserve and interpret the character of Steepletop—her home, gardens, and frequent inspiration for her poetry—a place where nature inspires the creative spirit.

TIMELINE

2018
Unable to secure financial sustainability, Steepletop closes to the public indefinitely. The Millay Society announces that the property will be maintained.

2016
The formal Rose Garden is restored and the pergola in the "ruins" is rebuilt. Restoration of the outdoor bar begins, so that it can be put back in its rightful place under the new pergola.

Steepletop is named a Literary Landmark as part of New York State's Pulitzer Prize Centennial Recognition.

2015
Restoration of the Kitchen Garden is completed.

2014
Tamarack Cottage is restored and opened as Steepletop's new Visitors Center. It includes a gift shop, exhibition gallery, and staff offices.

2012
Dining room restored and opened for house tours.

2010
Millay's home opens to the public for guided tours.

2006
New York State purchases 230 acres for state forest preserve. Proceeds of the sale constitute an endowment to implement the site’s transition into a public museum.

2005
Garden Conservancy develops "A Vision for Steepletop" printed brochure.

2004
The writer's cabin opens to the public. Garden Conservancy supports the development of a Master Plan for Steepletop.

2003
Selected as a preservation garden of the Conservancy.

2001
The Friends of Millay Society is formed to aid in the restoration of the house and grounds.

1986
The Edna St. Vincent Millay Society is formed, following the death of Millay's sister, Norma, and assumes ownership and operation of the property.

1971
Designated a National Historic Landmark.

1950
Millay dies, following her husband's death in the year prior. Her sister, Norma, moves in and cares for the property.

1927
With the guidance of landscape architect and actor, Harrison Dowd, garden making begins in earnest. Over 25 years, the farmhouse is increasingly surrounded by several different types and sizes of gardens.

1925
Millay and Boissevain buy the Bailey Family Farm and name it Steepletop, after a pink-spired flower common in surrounding fields. The farmstead is enlarged to more than 600 acres over time.

For more information, visit millay.org.