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POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. -- Dutchess County celebrates 300 years of democracy. The area is filled with history, from FDR's home and presidential library to the Poughkeepsie court house where New York ratified the U.S. Constitution.

Officials were on hand hoping to highlight the impact they say democracy has on our day to day lives. The executive director of tourism says as U.S. citizens we experience democracy at times without even realizing it.

"Democracy allows us to do many things. To move around this country and enjoy all the beautiful assets we have. This year we hope that people within the county will get out and travel town to town. They will realize all the treasures they have in their back yard," said Mary Kay Vrba, Dutchess County Tourism Executive Director.

A number of events will take place from late May through July to mark the 300 years. Those events will also coincide with the bicentennial events in the City of Beacon.