Philipse Manor Hall State Historic Site – Yonkers, NY
Nestled in the heart of downtown Yonkers, Philipse Manor Hall State Historic Site stands as one of the oldest and most historically significant buildings in Westchester County. With roots dating back to the 1680s, this impressive colonial-era mansion offers a vivid and often sobering window into New York’s early history, including its ties to trade, politics, and slavery.
A Colonial Powerhouse
Philipse Manor Hall began as the family home of the Philipse family—wealthy Dutch landowners whose estate once spanned over 52,000 acres along the Hudson River. The family’s fortune was built through mercantile trade, real estate, and the labor of enslaved Africans and tenant farmers. This grand manor served as their political and economic headquarters.
During the American Revolution, Frederick Philipse III remained loyal to the British Crown. When the revolutionaries declared independence, the new state government seized the family’s property, and Philipse fled to England. The manor later evolved into Yonkers' City Hall before it was preserved as a state historic site.
What You'll See
Today, visitors can tour the restored manor, which showcases a blend of Dutch and English architectural styles, and learn about the many lives that intersected within its walls.
Highlights include:
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Rococo Papier-Mâché Ceiling: A rare, elaborate ceiling from the 18th century, featuring ornate decorative patterns that reflect colonial wealth and artistry.
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Cochran Collection of American Portraiture: Paintings by renowned artists like Charles Willson Peale and John Trumbull bring historical figures and their stories to life.
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Thoughtful Exhibits on Slavery and Colonial Life: The museum doesn't shy away from the complex legacy of slavery in New York, offering narratives about the people who were enslaved by the Philipse family.
Programs & Tours
Philipse Manor Hall goes beyond static displays, offering a range of educational experiences:
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Guided Tours: Daily tours are available at several times throughout the day and are ideal for visitors who want a deeper understanding of the home’s architecture and the lives of its residents.
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Walking Tours: Explore historic downtown Yonkers and take in views of the Hudson River on a guided walk that contextualizes the manor’s place in the broader landscape.
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School & Group Programs: Interactive, curriculum-based sessions give students and educators a more immersive understanding of early American life and the complexities of colonialism.
Whether you're a history buff, architecture enthusiast, or curious local, Philipse Manor Hall offers a powerful encounter with New York's colonial roots. The site does more than preserve the past—it engages in thoughtful storytelling, inviting visitors to reflect on the intertwined legacies of power, economy, and identity that continue to shape our communities today.
If you’re exploring Yonkers or nearby, make time for this immersive, educational, and truly unique historical site.