CLS Membership Information

CLS Welcomes New Member Applications for the Winter & Spring 2026 semesters
Half-year membership runs from January 1, 2026 – June 30, 2026

• New members are required to have access to the internet and an active email address;  
  • ALL membership information, class and trip information and general updates and announcements are done by email
• Membership requests are taken on a first-come, first-served basis and finalized by full payment of the annual dues.
• Dues for half-year membership are: $150
• Our membership year starts on July 1, 2025 and ends on June 30, 2026
• Half-year members can start as early as January 2026 and participate in both our Winter Mini-Session and Spring Semester.
  • Applicants that want to participate in the virtual Winter Mini-Session must complete the application process by December 15, 2025.
  • Applicants that want to participate in the spring semester only must complete the application process by April 10, 2026.  
• Once the online application is completed and successfully submitted, you will receive an immediate email that confirms your submission;
• After you submit your online application, you will receive another email that serves as an invoice for the annual dues; 
  • Dues can be paid by credit card during the application process or by check immediately after submission.
  • Dues payment must be received within 10 days of the application submission date. The due date is noted on the invoice.
  • If the dues payment is not received within the requested 10-day period, the application will be suspended. 
• Members can request up to 48 credit hours during the fall and spring semesters and up to three (3) classes during the winter mini-session in January;  
  • Credits are determined by the number of weeks a class meets
  • (a 4-wk. class = 4 crs.; a 6-wk. class = 6 crs., and so on…)
  • Classes meet at the Locust Grove Visitor Center located at the Young-Morse Historic Site, 2683 South Road, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 on Tuesdays and Wednesdays
  • Zoom/virtual classes are held on Thursdays (if virtual classes are being offered) during the fall and spring semesters;
  • ALL winter mini-session classes are Zoom/virtual;
  • The semesters run for eight (8) weeks  
    • Sept. through Oct. for the fall semester
    • April through May for the spring semester
• Members are eligible to register for and participate in special events and trips organized by CLS. Trips do have additional fees required.
• Upon completion of the online application and receipt of your dues payment, you will receive an email that contains your member specific information.  

Member Handbook