Albany County and the Capital Region are full of fascinating history waiting to be uncovered. From the area's Dutch roots, to the Underground Railroad, to the site of America's first Shaker settlement, there is tons of history to discover in Albany County. Scroll on for the details about 10 historic homes and heritage sites to visit in Albany County and the surrounding area.
Photo credit: Relentless Awareness
Ten Broeck Mansion
Ten Broeck Mansion, located in Albany's Arbor Hill neighborhood, was built in 1797-1798 for General Abraham Ten Broeck and his wife, Elizabeth Van Rensselaer. The Federal-style home is surrounded by sloping lawns and stunning formal gardens. The mansion was named "Prospect" by the Ten Broecks and boasted a sweeping view of the Hudson River. Ten Broeck Mansion is now a historic house museum operated by the Albany County Historical Association (ACHA). Tours are offered by pre-registration only from mid-May to mid-October.
Photo credit: Relentless Awareness
Shaker Heritage Society
Colonie is home to the Watervliet Shaker National Historic District, the site of America's first Shaker settlement. One of the most significant communal religious societies in American history, the Shakers influenced American cultural identity through their craftsmanship, innovation and music. Visit the Shaker Heritage Society museum and gift shop housed within the 1848 Meeting House to learn more about the Shakers. Pick up a self-guided tour of the site and explore the scenic grounds including the herb garden, historic buildings and cemetery. Keep an eye out for the interpretive signs scattered around the grounds to learn more information and interesting facts about the Shakers. Shaker Heritage Society is open from March to December. Guided Tours for groups of 10 or more are available by appointment only.
Stephen and Harriet Myers Residence
Operated by the Underground Railroad Education Center, the Stephen and Harriet Myers Residence reflects Underground Railroad history from the perspective of Stephen Myers, a man enslaved in New York, and from the perspective of Black abolitionists. During the 1850s, Stephen and Harriet Myers were the central Underground Railroad activists in the Capital Region. The couple welcomed freedom seekers into their home on Livingston Ave as a stop on the Underground Railroad. Tours are available year-round, but call (518) 621-7793 before visiting for confirmation of tour date and time.
Van Schaick Mansion
The historic Van Schaick Mansion is nestled on the banks of the Hudson River on Van Schaick Island in Cohoes. Built in the mid-1700s, the mansion has ties to both the French and Indian War and the Revolutionary War. During the French and Indian War, several English generals used the historic home as military headquarters. During 1777, it served as the Continental Army's headquarters and hosted General Philip Schuyler, General Horatio Gates and thousands of Continental Soldiers. Plans for the Battle of Saratoga, the turning point in the American Revolution, were formulated at the mansion during this time! The mansion is open for tours and open houses throughout the spring, summer and fall.
Photo credit: Relentless Awareness
Historic Cherry Hill
Historic Cherry Hill is located on South Pearl Street in Albany. Built in 1787 for Philip and Maria Van Rensselaer, it was home to five generations of the Van Rensselaer family. After a decade-long restoration, Historic Cherry Hill is welcoming visitors back into the home for tours of the renewed interiors. The historic home was refurnished to the tastes of Philip and Maria Van Rensselaer great-granddaughter Catherine Rankin, the home's fourth-generation mistress. Cherry Hill boasts an extensive collection of more 70,000 items from decorative arts, to furnishings, to bedding, to diaries, all related to this Albany family. Tours are offered from May to November.
Photo credit: Relentless Awareness
Pruyn House
Tucked in Colonie, visit the Pruyn House. Built between 1825 and 1830, the historic home was the country estate of Casparus Francis Pruyn, his wife Ann Hewson and their family. Casparus Francis Pruyn was the land and business agent for Stephen Van Rensselaer III, one of the last patroons of the Van Rensselaer Manor. The scenic grounds feature the historic home, Buhrmaster Barn, herb and perennial gardens and Verdoy Schoolhouse. The Pruyn House serves as the educational, historical and cultural arts center for the Town of Colonie. Call (518) 783-1435 to make an appointment to visit.
Photo credit: Relentless Awareness
Schuyler Mansion State Historic Site
Schuyler Mansion State Historic Site was the home of Philip Schuyler, his wife Catherine Van Rensselaer, and their eight children. Located in Albany's South End, the Georgian-style mansion was originally situated on 80-acres of land featuring an orchard, formal garden and a working farm. The family referred to the home as "The Pastures." Visitors to the mansion will see the elegant parlor where Alexander Hamilton married Eliza Schuyler, Philip Schuyler's law library and more of the home's historic interiors. Tours are available by advance registration only from May to October.
Albany Rural Cemetery
Nestled in Menands, Albany Rural Cemetery is one of the most historic cemeteries in Upstate New York. Incorporated in 1841, it is the epitome of the rural or garden cemetery movement with winding roads and wooded hills. It is the final resting place of one president (Chester A. Arthur), 34 members of Congress; 8 presidential Cabinet members; 5 New York State governors; and 55 mayors of the City of Albany. Open daily from 7:30 AM until dusk. Guided tours offered periodically throughout the year.
Crailo State Historic Site
Crailo State Historic Site is located across the Hudson River from Albany in Rensselaer. Crailo was built in the early 18th century by Hendrick Van Rensselaer, grandson of Kiliaen Van Rensselaer, the First Patroon. Over the years, the Dutch-style house received several makeovers including the addition of a Georgian-style east wing and a Federal-style remodel. The historic site is now a museum of the Colonial Dutch in the Hudson River Valley. Tours are offered from mid-May through October.
Mabee Farm Historic Site
Venture to Mabee Farm Historic Site in Schenectady County to explore the oldest farm in the Mohawk Valley. Tucked beside the scenic Mohawk River, Schenectady County Historical Society has transformed the historic farm (circa 1705) and beautiful riverside grounds into an interactive museum and special events venue. The grounds feature a 17th Century Dutch House and a 1760s hand-pegged Dutch Barn. Mabee Farm Historic Site is open year-round for tours, exhibits, special events and more.
