July 10, 2025
Schuyler Mansion State Historic Site Introduces New Accessibility Features, Historically Accurate Upgrades
Photos
from the event can be found here
ALBANY, NY – Schuyler Mansion State Historic Site unveiled
historically-accurate upgrades and new accessibility features, transporting
visitors to the 18th century. The series of improvements to the site's
interior were introduced at a ribbon cutting event on July 10.
In 2023, the Friends of
Schuyler Mansion received $33,264 through the Park and Trail Partnership
Grant program–administered by Parks & Trails New York and the New York
State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation–for a series of
site improvement projects.
The grant funded a protective
floorcloth for the heavily trafficked bare first floor of the historic site
in Albany and the installation of drapes and accessories in the parlor just
off the main entrance intended to closely resemble the original look and feel
of the room. These historically accurate additions help to illustrate the
18th century antiquities that once existed in the space. The project also
included the creation of a historic fabric catalogue and tactile
reproductions of drawings found in the upstairs of the Mansion.
The Friends of Schuyler
Mansion partnered with the Center for Independence to develop hands-on
elements for visitors to make the experience more inclusive to those who are
visually impaired and to enhance the experience for those who learn differently.
Parks & Trails
New York Executive Director Paul Steely White said, "Schuyler Mansion has welcomed
thousands of visitors over the past 260 years. These improvements will help
preserve the rich history of Schuyler Mansion and create more opportunities
for accessible education. We applaud the Friends of Schuyler Mansion in their
effort to welcome a growing number of visitors, while protecting the
integrity of this historic site."
New York State Parks
Commissioner Pro Tempore Randy Simons said, "The enhancements at Schuyler
Mansion State Historic Site reflect our ongoing commitment to preserving New
York's rich, whole history while improving the visitor experience and
accessibility so everyone can better understand the lives and legacies that
shaped this important site. A special thank you to the Friends of Schuyler
Mansion for their dedication and partnership in spearheading this project."
President
of Friends of Schuyler Mansion Janine Moon said, "Parks & Trails New
York Grants are a valuable asset for the Friends of Schuyler Mansion to help
with the immediate needs and long term needs for both the staff and the
community. Immediately, we were able to make portions of the mansion more
accessible with the creation of the tactile engraving and the cloth sample
books. At the core of the mission of the Friends, is the conservation of the
mansion. The addition of the floor cloth and drapes have enabled us to
protect the structure and collections of the mansion for decades so the
stories within our walls can be shared and explored for generations to come."
Executive
Director of Schuyler Mansion Heidi Hill said, "This PTNY project is a
shining example of the visitor amenities the site can provide through a
strong partnership between Friends of Schuyler Mansion and Schuyler Mansion
State Historic Site! Together, we worked on a vision and grant narrative for
Parks and Trails New York that resulted in transformative improvements for
our visitors."
The Park and Trail
Partnership Grant program supports group efforts to raise private funds for
capital projects, engage in maintenance and beautification projects, build
capacity within the eligible non-profit organizations, create needed
permanent staff positions, and provide educational programming and special
events that promote public use of the parks. Since 2015, this competitive
grant program has funded 245 projects totaling $9.9 million in awards and
leveraging over $3 million in private funding across 10 rounds.
About Parks &
Trails New York
Parks & Trails
New York is a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the
health, economy, and quality of life of all New Yorkers through the use and
enjoyment of green space. Since 1985, PTNY has been a powerful advocate for
the protection and enhancement of New York's parks and trails for all to
enjoy. For more information, visit www.ptny.org.
About New York State
Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation
The New York State
Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees more than 250
parks, historic sites, recreational trails, golf courses, boat launches and
more, and welcomes over 88 million visitors annually. For more information on
any of these recreation areas, visit parks.ny.gov,
download the free
NY State Parks Explorer app or call 518.474.0456. Connect with us
on Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn,
the OPRHP
Blog or via the OPRHP
Newsroom.