Albany, NY - This summer, the Albany County Convention & Visitors Bureau is proud to announce the launch of the "Hamilton in Albany," experience, which focuses on Alexander Hamilton's relationship with America's oldest city. Offered in cooperation with the Schuyler Mansion State Historic Site and the Albany Institute of History & Art, the tours and special exhibit in this program focus on Alexander Hamilton's life in Albany. Each portion highlights a different aspect of this historic hero, and provides new reasons for visitors to come to our Capital City.
"Albany is a city of historians and storytellers, and we love to share our city's story--told in our homes, historic architecture, artwork, and even our food and drink--with visitors," says Michele Vennard, President and CEO of the Albany County Convention & Visitors Bureau. "These activities tell the story of Albany, but they also tell a unique American story."
"When Alexander Hamilton Called Albany Home," focuses on Hamilton's family life. The tour takes place at Schuyler Mansion State Historic Site, where this famed Federalist met and wed his wife Eliza.
"'Hamilton,' the musical has harnessed interest in the Revolutionary period and created a demand for more of this compelling story. Historic sites are in the business of telling these fascinating stories, but audiences don't always realize it until they stumble upon us," says Heidi Hill, Schuyler Mansion State Historic Site Manager. "Now Hamilton fans are knocking at the door to learn more and we are delivering an interactive tour that provides a more complete picture of Hamilton, his Schuyler family, and the development of a new nation."
The Albany Institute of History & Art is also presenting "Spotlight: Alexander Hamilton." This special exhibition, offered during the Albany Institute's 225th year, highlights Hamilton's connections to Albany, New York through personal papers, family heirlooms, historic preservation efforts, and a stunning portrait painted by Albany's own renowned artist Ezra Ames (1768-1836).
"This exhibition looks at all the different ways Hamilton and Albany are linked," says Albany Institute's curator Diane Shewchuk. "Hamilton's connection to Albany started with the Schuyler family, but it is a story that is richer than most people realize and this is a great opportunity to tell it." The exhibition will be on view through December 31, 2016.
Finally, visitors can walk in Hamilton's footsteps on the self-guided walking tour "Hamilton in Albany," created by the Albany County Convention & Visitors Bureau. The tour allows visitors to become intimately familiar with the society that informed some of Hamilton's most important decisions, and the issues he grappled with during his short, singular life.
Also, visitors can grab lunch at Crisan Café, and enjoy a special discount. Crisan Café at the Albany Institute offers light meals and work-of-art pastries to eat in or take away. Spend $10 or more in the café and enjoy 10% off, with proof of admission.
To roll out the tours, the Albany County Convention & Visitors Bureau will invite journalists to take part in the tours and the share their experiences.
About the ACCVB
The Albany County Convention & Visitors Bureau, Inc. was established in 1976 to promote the civic and commercial progress of the community through increased development of conventions and tourism. ACCVB currently represents more than 300 member businesses and assists each year in hundreds of regional meetings. ACCVB also operates the Albany Heritage Area Visitors Center, Henry Hudson Planetarium, and the Albany International Airport Information Center. For more information, call 518-434-1217 or 800-258-3582 or visit www.albany.org.