Dating back to the 1680s, Philipse
Manor Hall sits near the confluence of the Nepperhan (Saw Mill) and Hudson
Rivers, the site of a Munsee Lunaape village. Used by four generations of the
Philipse family and worked by the people they enslaved and European tenant
farmers, the Philipse Manor was once over 200,000 acres and helped make the
Philipse family the richest in New York. Loyalists during the American
Revolution, they fled to England and the Hall was owned by several individuals
before becoming the Yonkers Village Hall and later Yonkers City Hall. When a
new City Hall was built in the early 20th century, the house was preserved
through the generosity of Eva Smith Cochran and donated to New York State to
serve as a historic site. Today, Philipse Manor Hall State Historic Site
provides visitors with a balanced approach to interpreting the lives of
Indigenous, European, and African people at PMH to understand the complex
relationships that took place at the Manor from the earliest days of the Dutch
Colony of New Netherland to the American Revolution and beyond. Learn more at Philipse Manor Hall's Virtual Wing
Don't miss these popular destinations and attractions within or near the historic site
- Beczak Environmental Education Center-exhibits and programs both indoors, outdoors and in the Hudson River! Maintained by Sarah Lawrence College
- Philipse Manor Hall Community Gallery-located in the Gothic Chamber, this space features temporary exhibits from local artists and community groups.
- Science Barge-The Science Barge is a prototype sustainable urban farm developed by NY Sun Works and operates as an environmental education center. The barge is maintained by Groundwork Hudson Valley.
- Untermyer Gardens Conservancy- Located a few miles north of the Manor, the Conservancy collaborates with the City of Yonkers to facilitate the restoration and promotion of Samuel Untermyer's property and gardens for the general public. Open daily until sunset, free of charge.
- Philipsburg Manor-another site of Frederick Philipse, this restored Dutch Colonial manor house and grounds features farm animals and a water-powered mill. Maintained by Historic Hudson Valley
- Sunnyside-19th century romantic landscape estate of Washington Irving (author of Rip Van Winkle, among other others). Maintained by Historic Hudson Valley.
- John Jay Homestead State Historic Site-located 20 miles north of the Manor Hall, the Homestead is the retirement home of local Founding Father and Philipse relative, John Jay. Situated on 52 acres of the original property, the grounds are open daily with scheduled guided tours of the house on most days.
- Rockefeller State Park Preserve-located 15 miles north, idealized carriage trails created by John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Access to 55 miles of meandering trails with streams, pastures, ridges, a 22-acre lake and the Hudson River.
- Old Croton Aqueduct State Historic Park- Opened in 1842 to bring fresh water to NYC, in 1968 the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation purchased 26.2 miles of the original 41 mile aqueduct which is now a hiking, biking and walking trail that passes a few blocks away from Philipse Manor Hall.
Philipse Manor Hall welcomes
students and adults from a wide variety of educational organizations for
special programs and private tours! Program options include field trips,
walking tours, in-class programs, lectures, and more. Visit www.philipsemanorhall.com/education
for details and how to register.
Self-guided tours of Philipse
Manor Hall's interactive exhibits may be taken any time during museum hours.
Museum interpreters are available daily to answer questions.
Guided Tours: 10:30 am, 12:00 pm,
1:30 pm, 3:00 pm
Guided tours included with the
regular admission price. Tour size is limited, so reservations are recommended.
Please call (914) 965-4027 for tour times and to reserve your space or visit
www.philipsemanorhall.com/plan-your-visit
During the warmer months, Philipse
Manor Hall also offers a walking tour of the daylighted Saw Mill River and the
Yonkers Waterfront. Visit
www.philipsemanorhall.com/events
for dates and to register. Walking tour fees include general admission to the
museum.
Special themed tours, lectures,
and other on-site public programs are also available. Dates and times vary.
Visit
www.philipsemanorhall.com/events
for what's next on the calendar.
Old New Year’s Eve Fundraiser
Friday, March 22, 2024 06:30 PM - 09:00 PM
Philipse Manor Hall State Historic Site
New Year's Eve? In March??? Yes, until 1752, the British Empire celebrated New Year's Day on March 25th! Although the Dutch had adopted the new calendar in 1582, the English held onto the old ways much longer. Which meant the January 1 New Year in the colony of New Netherland changed back to March 25th when the British took over in 1664! Join us for an evening celebration featuring a short historical overview of the calendar history and traditions by Philipse Manor Hall Site Manager Michael Lord, followed by live music by Carla & Keyes, dancing, and a faux New Year's Eve countdown. Featuring hors d'oeuvres and 18th century punch. Old New Year's Eve is a fundraiser for the Friends of Philipse Manor Hall, whose mission is to foster public interest in and support for Philipse Manor Hall, to make PMH more accessible and inviting to the local community, and to provide funds and volunteers for programs and activities offered by the site staff. Tickets are $50 ($35 for Friends Members) and include the evening program, live music, dancing, hors d'oeuvres, and beverages. Tickets available at
www.philipsemanorhall.com/programs-and-events.
Family Movie: “Felicity: An American Girl Adventure”
Wednesday, March 27, 2024 12:00 PM - 02:00 PM
Philipse Manor Hall State Historic Site
Looking for a fun, family-friendly activity over Spring Break? Join us for "Felicity: An American Girl Adventure" – a story about a horse-loving girl who experiences the start of the American Revolution. While you watch, try making your own paper doll. Afterwards, complete our special Felicity activity booklet, including an American Revolution-themed scavenger hunt of the museum! Take your paper doll on the activity adventure or bring your own doll from home. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is recommended, but not required. Register at
www.philipsemanorhall.com/programs-and-events.
Registration: Required
Historical Games & Scavenger Hunt Bingo
Friday, March 29, 2024 12:00 PM - 02:00 PM
Philipse Manor Hall State Historic Site
Looking for a fun, family-friendly activity over Spring Break? Join us indoors at Philipse Manor Hall to try your hand at all kinds of historical games. Learn the history behind how kids and adults played in the past, and then learn how to play Quoits, Nine Men's Morris, Skittles, Shut the Box, Cribbage, Mancala, and more! Then try a special scavenger hunt of the museum, including a bingo version. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is recommended, but not required. Register at
www.philipsemanorhall.com/programs-and-events.
Registration: Optional