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ROCKEFELLER ARCHIVE CENTER
15 Dayton Avenue
Sleepy Hollow, NY 10591
914/631-4505
E-mail: archive@rockefeller.edu
Web address: http://archive.rockefeller.edu
Open: By appointment only: Mon-Fri 9:15-4:45
Admission: None
Accessible to the disabled
Collections:
Repository of the archives of the Rockefeller family, Rockefeller Foundation, Rockefeller University, Rockefeller Brothers Fund and other organizations and individuals. Over 500,000 photographs related to archival collections. Approximately 4,000 films and videos related to archival collections.
Research access: By appointment only. By written request. By e-mail request. Library/archives/research room. Written finding guides.
Facilities: Car parking. Dining/lunch room for researchers only.
RYE HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Square House Museum & Knapp House Library & Archives
Square House Museum
One Purchase Street
Rye, NY 10580
914/967-7588
E-mail: ryehistory@verizon.net
Web address: www.ryehistoricalsociety.org
Knapp House Library & Archives
265 Rye Beach Avenue
Rye, NY 10580
Mailing address:
One Purchase Street
Rye, NY 10580
Landmark designation: Both houses have local, state, & national landmark status.
Open: Square House- Tue-Fri. 9-4, Sat. 10-3;
Knapp House- Mon & Wed 9-4, Sat. 10-4. Appointments appreciated.
Admission: None
Partially accessible to the disabled
Description: Located in the historic 18th century Square House, the Society aims to discover, collect and preserve Rye-related history and to disseminate knowledge of the area. It is dedicated to the preservation of the Square House, a local landmark. The Timothy Knapp House (c. 1670) is thought to be the oldest residence still standing in Westchester County. It was the site of archaeological investigation while being restored to provide a library, reading room and archival storage.
Collections: Historic Square House Museum with 18th, 19th and 20th century rooms. Society’s collections are mostly 19th century: drawings, paintings, photographs, posters, prints, textiles and costumes.
Research access: By appointment. By e-mail request. Library/archives/research room. Researchers are always welcome at the Knapp House Library and Archive.
Programs: Tours of
the house for school groups, outreach trunk, Colonial American packet;, children’s programs; demonstrations of colonial cooking; slide/tape/film programs; seminars/workshops; rotating exhibits; special
events; group tours. Free guided tours of the Square House are available during regular hours.
Facilities: Museum shop. Private rental facilities.
SAINT PAUL’S CHURCH NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE
897 South Columbus Avenue
Mount Vernon, NY 10550
914/667-4116
E-mail: dostpaul@yahoo.com
Web address: www.nps.gov/sapa
Landmark designation: A National Park Service Property, declared a National Historic Site in 1943. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Open: Mon-Fri 9-5.
Admission: None
Partially accessible to the disabled
Description: The site consists of the remnant of the Village Green of the historic Town of Eastchester, founded in 1665; an 18th century vernacular stone and brick Georgian church; a five-acre burying ground with legible tombstones dating to 1704, and a visitor’s center with exhibits on local and American history.
Collections: 18th and 19th century artifacts, religious and secular. An operating 1830 Erben Organ, one of the oldest domestically built organs in the United States, was installed in the church in 1833.
Research access: By written request. Burial archive (research by staff upon request).
Programs: Educational programs for 4th graders through graduate students, with special interactive programs on the American Revolution for up to 75 students. Call in advance for reservations.
Special events: Daily guided tours during regular hours of operation; annual Independence Day Celebration; encampment commemorating the Revolutionary War battle of Pell’s Point, third Sat of Oct;
Church Tower Tours Fri at 3 from Apr-Oct; Please check website for listings of other special programs throughout the year.
Facilities: Car parking.
THE SCARSDALE HISTORICAL SOCIETY
937 Post Road
Scarsdale, NY 10583
914/723-1744
E-mail: history@cloud9.net
Web address: www.scarsdalehistory.org
Mailing address:
PO Box 431
Scarsdale, NY 10583-0431
Landmark designation: National Historic Site
Open: Mon-Fri 9-4, weekends and groups by appointment
Admission: $3 adults, $2 seniors and students, members free
Partially accessible to the disabled
Description: The Society’s historic complex includes an early 19th century Quaker Meeting House (offices and museum) and a 19th century farmhouse.
Collections: Mid-to-late 19th century decorative arts, farm and food implements, textiles, photographs and glass slides of Scarsdale.
Research access: By appointment only. By written request. By e-mail request.
Programs: School visits include gallery tour, activities for grades K-4 and tour of farmhouse.
Exhibit: “Ghosts of the Post Road,” History of White Plains, Post Road through interactive exhibits. Guided tours by appointment.
Special events: Activities open to the public on National Holidays
such as Martin Luther King Day and school holidays. Fright Night for Halloween, Candlelight for winter holiday.
Facilities: Car parking. Bus parking.
SOMERS HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Museum of the Early American Circus
Elephant Hotel
335 Route 202 (at Route 100)
Somers, NY 10590
914/277-4977
Web address: www.somersmuseum.org
Mailing address:
PO Box 336
Somers, NY 10589
Landmark designation: Elephant Hotel and Somers historic district are listed on the State and National Register.
Open: Thu 2-4, 2nd & 4th Sunday of the month 1-4
Admission: None, donations accepted
Partially accessible to the disabled
Description:
The Somers Historical Society, founded in 1956, collects, maintains and exhibits material related both to local history and the development of the circus in 19th century America. Located in the historic Elephant Hotel (1825), the Society has a full time curator, and operates the Museum of the Early American Circus, which features permanent installations and changing exhibitions. Exhibits have highlighted early circus advertisements, the development of the summer lake communities, children in Somers over a 200-year span, and Folk Art.
Collections: Circus memorabilia, portraits by Ammi Philips, a miniature circus, and thousands of local historical documents, textiles, broadsides, lithographs, Tom Thumb’s suit and artifacts
Research access: By appointment only. By written request. Written finding aids. Library/archive/research room. Fees charged.
Programs: The Society interprets town owned
historic sites: the Wright Reis Homestead, Mt. Zion Church and Tomahawk Chapel, museum in a trunk. Exhibits of Somers and the Early Menageries, The Rowell Miniature Circus.
Walking tours of the Somers Hamlet and Primrose Corridor.
Special events: Holiday Open House, Fourth of July Wright Reis house tours.
Facilities: Museum shop. Car Parking. Bus parking.
THE STEPPING STONES FOUNDATION
Stepping Stones
62 Oak Road
Katonah, NY 10536
914/232-4822
E-mail: StepSFoundation@aol.com
Web address: www.steppingstones.org
Mailing address:
PO Box 452
Bedford Hills, NY 10507
Landmark designation: National Register of Historic Places, New York Register of Historic Places
Open: By appointment. Call or check website for regular visitor hours
Admission: None, donations accepted
Partially accessible to the disabled
Description:
Historic home of Bill and Lois Wilson, co-founders of AA and founder of Al-Anon, respectively. Museum, garden and grounds kept in tact so that today’s guests may experience Stepping Stones in the same manner that the countless guests did during their lifetime. A step back in time, revealing fascinating history of the area and of this remarkable couple and their impact on the world.
Collections:
Contents of the home of William Griffith and Lois Burnham Wilson. The archives document the lives of Bill and Lois Wilson from their courtship to her death in 1988. Family, personal and business correspondence, property, household, military, educational, financial and medical records, diaries, travel logs, writings, public addresses, photographs and memorabilia.
Research access: By appointment only. Written finding guide. Computer database. Library/archive/research room.
Programs: In keeping with Lois’s tradition beginning
in the 1950’s, an annual picnic is held on the grounds on the first Sat of Jun, rain or shine. Monthly teas in the garden. Check website for information. Guided tours by appointment.
Facilities: Museum shop. Car parking. Picnic grounds.
SUNNYSIDE
(Historic Hudson Valley)
End of West Sunnyside Lane
Tarrytown, NY 10591
914/631-8200
E-mail: mail@hudsonvalley.org
Web address: www.hudsonvalley.org
Mailing address:
150 White Plains Road
Tarrytown, NY 10591
Landmark designation: National Historic Landmark
Open: Daily except Tue, Apr-Dec. and weekends in Mar
Admission: $10 adults
Partially accessible to the disabled
Description: Sunnyside is the fully restored home of author Washington Irving. He acquired the property in 1835 and improved and expanded it over the years.. The site is
also important for its Romantic landscape designed by Irving.
Collections: Original and period furniture, works of art, books and household items.
Research access: By appointment only
Programs: Guided tours during hours of operation; special events.
Facilities:
Museum shop. Car parking. Bus parking. Food service. Gardens. Picnicking. Private rental facilities.
TACONIC POSTCARD CLUB
1974 Commerce Street
Yorktown Heights, NY 10589
914/962-2970
E-mail: TaconicPostcard@optonline.net
Web address: www.yorktownmuseum.orgTaconicPostcard.htm
Mailing address:
403 Furnace Dock Road
Cortlandt Manor, NY 10567
Open: Evenings, last Tue of the month
Admission: None
Partially accessible to the disabled
Description: Meetings and programs are held at the Yorktown Museum or the meeting room at the Yorktown Community Cultural Center.
Collections:
Members share postcard images from their own collection. The Yorktown Museum has an extensive collection of postcards and other images of Yorktown Heights, Mohegan Lake, Shrub Oak, Jefferson Valley and Crompond.
Research access: By appointment only.
Facilities: Museum shop. Car parking. Bus parking.
TARRYTOWN LIGHTHOUSE
1883 Lighthouse at Sleepy Hollow; Kingsland Point Lighthouse
Kingsland Point Park
Palmer Avenue
Sleepy Hollow, NY 10591
914/366-5109
Web address: www.hudsonlights.com/tarrytown.htm
Mailing address:
c/o Village Hall
28 Beekman Avenue
Sleepy Hollow, NY 10591
Landmark designation: Listed on the National Register of Historic Places
Open: Call for information
Admission: Call for information, parking fee.
Not accessible to the disabled
Description: Built in 1882-1883, the Tarrytown Lighthouse was the southernmost in a series of eight charged with the
responsibility for providing navigational aid to shipping on the Hudson River. Decommissioned in 1965 it was acquired by the Westchester County Department of Parks, Recreation and Conservation in 1969 and
officially re-opened to the public in 1983, one hundred years after the beacon was first lit.
Collections:
Furniture and materials related to the operation of the lighthouse and to the history of the Hudson River. Lighthouse keeper’s logs.
Facilities: Car parking.
TEATOWN LAKE RESERAVTION
1600 Spring Valley Road
Ossining, NY 10562
914/762-2912
E-mail: teatown@teatown.org
Web address: www.teatown.org
Open: Trails are open dawn to dusk, year round. Offices, museums and gift shop Tue-Sat 9-5, Sun 1-5. closed Mon and holidays. Wildflower Island: tours Apr-Sep ages 14+ by appointment
Admission: None
Main building is accessible to the disabled
Description:
The Museum owns and operates the 730-acre nature preserve and education center which includes a 33-acre lake, a 2-acre Wildflower Island,160-acre farm property (Cliffdale Farm) with 100-acres wooded and 60-acres of fields, orchards and gardens; 83-acre wetland (Glendale Swamp); 65 acres of additional wetlands, streams and ponds and an additional 434-acres of mixed woodlands.
Collections:
In additional to its land resources, Teatown owns a large number of objects and live animal specimens. Natural history collections also include over 100 mounted specimens; assortment of furs, bones, horns and Native American artifacts.
Research access: By written request.
Programs: A wide range of programs for school children, adults, families and teachers. Environmental education, outdoor recreation, Native American
farming and cidering.
Facilities: Museum shop. Car parking. Bus parking. Carriage House. Hiking trails. Gardens. Picnicking. Private rental facilities.
THOMAS PAINE NATIONAL HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION
Thomas Paine Memorial Museum
983 North Avenue
New Rochelle, NY 10804
914/632-5376
E-mail: Painecottage@verizon.net
Web address: www.thomaspainecottage.org
Open: Tue, Thu, Sat & Sun 10-5; Fri 2-5
Admission: $3 adults, $1 children under 12
Description: The
Association perpetuates the memory of Thomas Paine, his contributions to the founding of the United States of America, his significance to the representative republican form of government and to modern democratic
movements world-wide, and to the causes of liberty, justice, equality, human rights and free thought.
The Museum, constructed in 1925, is located in a historical complex that includes Paine Cottage, Paine Monument and the Paine grave site.
Collections:
Thomas Paine’s writings; letters and objects owned by Paine; paintings, sculptures and facsimiles of art works related to Paine; exhibits about the founding, in 1884, of the Association by the Rev. Dr. Moncure Conway, Paine biographer, and about the building of the Museum in 1925; the William Vander Weyde collection of photographs, letters and autographs.
Research access: By appointment only. Library/archive/research room. Fees charged.
Programs: Guided tours and talks to groups by appointment. Permanent exhibits of
Paine writings and memorabilia, exhibits relating to the formation of the Association and construction of the Museum, including monuments, statues, plaques and Thomas Paine Days.
Special events: Thomas
Paine’s birthday (Jan 20), annual Thomas Paine Journalism Award.
Facilities: Museum shop. Car parking.
TRAILSIDE NATURE MUSEUM
Ward Pound Ridge Reservation
Routes 121 & 35
Cross River, NY 10518
914/864-7322
E-mail: trailside@bestweb.net
Web address: www.trailsidemuseum.org
Mailing address:
PO Box 236
Cross River, NY 10518
Open: Tue-Sun 9-4
Admission: Parking fee to enter reservation $8; $4 with Westchester County Park Pass
Nature Museum is accessible to the disabled
Description:
Westchester’s oldest nature center operated by the Westchester County Department of Parks, Recreation and Conservation. The Delaware Indian Resource Center provides a research facility for students, educators, authors and native people studying native cultures.
Collections: Taxidermic mounts of local wildlife; current and old records of reservation’s flora and fauna; materials concerning the “Old Leather Man” and local history including Native American and
prehistory. Books, tapes, research notes, journals, monographs on Indians of Lower Hudson region, natural history reference library.
The Delaware Indian Resource Center is a collection of books, tapes, photographs and manuscripts relating to the native people of North American, with special emphasis on the Algonkian tribes of the eastern woodlands.
Research access: By appointment only. Library/archive/research room.
Programs: Self-guided tours; regular weekend programs for the public; school programs; temporary and permanent local
natural and prehistory exhibits. Children’s Summer Ecology Programs; Living history at Leatherman’s Cave (Nov), Old Time Maple Sugaring (Mar).
Facilities:
Museum shop. Car parking. Bus parking. Hiking trails. Picnicking. Gardens.
UNION CHURCH OF POCANTICO HILLS
(Historic Hudson Valley)
555 Bedford Road
Pocantico Hills, NY 10591
914/631-8200
E-mail: mail@hudsonvalley.org
Web address: www.hudsonvalley.org
Mailing address:
150 White Plains
Tarrytown, NY 10591
Landmark designation: Listed on the National Registry of Historic Places.
Open: Daily except Tue, Apr-Dec.
Admission fees: $5
Accessible to the disabled
Description: The Union Church of Pocantico Hills was built in the 1920’s, it is known for a stained glass window by Henri Matisse and nine stained glass
windows by Marc Chagall.
Programs: Guided tours during hours of operation; special events.
Facilities: Car parking. Bus parking.
VAN CORTLANDT MANOR
(Historic Hudson Valley)
South Riverside Avenue
Croton-on-Hudson, NY 10520
914/631-8200
E-mail: mail@hudsonvalley.org
Web address: www.hudsonvalley.org
Mailing address:
150 White Plains Road
Tarrytown, NY 10591
Landmark designation: National Historic Landmark
Open: Daily except Tue, Apr-Oct and weekends Nov & Dec.
Admission: $10 adults
Partially accessible to the disabled
Description: Van Cortlandt Manor is a manor complex interpreted to the New
Nation period. The manor house and ferry house contain an important collection of original furnishings and outstanding examples of vernacular furniture and objects from the Hudson Valley.
Collections:
Documented artifacts belonging to the property; furnishings, textiles, decorative arts, kitchen utensils and household items.
Research access: By written request. By appointment only.
Programs: Guided tours during hours of operation; special events.
Facilities: Museum shop. Car parking. Bus parking. Private rental facilities.
VAN CORTLANDTVILLE HISTORICAL SOCIETY
297 Locust Avenue
Cortlandt Manor, NY 10567
914/736-7868
Landmark designation: The Little Red Schoolhouse is listed on the National and New York State Registers of Historic Places.
Open: 3rd Sat of month, 12-4 and by appointment
Admission: None.
Partially accessible to the disabled
Description:
Founded in 1921, the members research, compile, share heritage with the community; and preserve significant sites and structures, The school house dates to early 1800s and stands on the foundation of a 1772 Baptist Church. The back room was added in 1910.
Research access: By appointment only. By written request. By e-mail request.
Programs: Costumed members lead local 4th graders through a morning of 1840-style education. Guided tours by appointment.
Facilities: Gift case. Car parking.
WASHINGTON’S HEADQUARTERS
Elijah Miller House
140 Virginia Road
North White Plains, NY 10603
914/864-7000
Mailing address:
Westchester County Department of Parks, Recreation & Conservation
25 Moore Avenue
Mount Kisco, NY 10549
Landmark designation: Listed on the National Register of Historic Places
Open: By appointment
Admission: Call for information; parking fees
Accessible to the disabled
Description: Washington’s Headquarters Museum (The Miller House) is an 18th century style farmhouse that served as a command post for General George Washington during the Battle of White Plains in 1776. The former home of the Ann and Elijah Miller family was built about 1738. The home was acquired by Westchester County in 1917.
Collections: Basic furnishings and artifacts of the 17th and early 18th century relating to the Miller House, including a table and chair used by General Washington during his stay there.
Research access: By appointment only.
Programs: Tours and school programs by appointment.
Facilities: Car parking.
WAYSIDE COTTAGE
1039 Post Road
Scarsdale, NY 10883
914/723-6130
E-mail: infor@jlcentralwestchester.org
Web address: www.jlcentralwestchester.org
Open: By appointment only
Admission: None
Not accessible to the disabled
Description: Maintained by the Junior League of Central Westchester, the restored cottage was built in the 1700’s.
Collection: 18th century furniture, records of the Heathcote, Tomkins, Varian and Butler families.
Research access: By written request. By appointment only.
Programs: Guided tours by appointment only.
Facilities: Car parking.
WESTCHESTER COUNTY ARCHIVES
2199 Saw Mill River Road
Elmsford, NY 10523
914/231-1500
E-mail: ArchivesReferenceDesk@westchestergov.com
Web address:www.westchesterarchives.com
Open: Reading room open to public Tue & Wed 9-4
Admission: None
Accessible to the disabled
Description: The Westchester County Archives was established in 1985 to preserve those records created in the course of county government activity which are of permanent and enduring value. The holdings
reflect activity in Westchester County for more than 300 years and are used by historians, students and genealogists.
Collections: The Archives’ collections include deeds, wills and other estate documents,
naturalization records, voter records and departmental minutes and correspondence. Particular strengths of the collections include extensive Parks Department records; records of the Commission on Government
which developed Westchester’s form of government; over 75,000 property, municipal and county maps; and over 60,000 photographs of Westchester County, including the Bronx River Parkway, Playland, and photographs by
John Gass.
Research access: By written request. By e-mail request.
Written finding aids. Computer database. Library/archive/research room. Fees charged. Digital images on website.
Programs: Teacher and student workshops by
appointment. Guided tours on request.
Facilities: Car parking. Conference room.
WESTCHESTER COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY
2199 Saw Mill River Road
Elmsford, NY 10523
914/592-4323
E-mail: info@westchesterhistory.com
Web address: www.westchesterhistory.com
Open: Office: Mon-Thu 9:30-5; Library: Tue-Wed 9-4
Admission: None
Description:
Founded in 1874, Westchester County Historical Society has the most extensive and comprehensive collection of local history and genealogical material in Westchester. Westchester County Historical Society serves as Westchester County Historian and advocates for historic preservation.
Collections:
Books, pamphlets, periodicals, maps, vertical files on history and genealogy of Westchester County, and surroundings. Manuscripts (including Charity archive), photographs (including Sanchis and Gannett Collections). Westchester County newspapers (Mount Vernon, New Rochelle, White Plains and others). Hufeland Collection (on loan from Huguenot and New Rochelle Historical Association).
Research access: By written request, $40/hour, members $36/hour. Research forms available on website.
Programs: The Society regularly schedules exhibits, slide shows, seminars, lectures
and panel discussions throughout the County. Oversees Westchester County Inventory of Historic Places.
Facilities: Car parking.
WHTE PLAINS HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Jacob Purdy House
60 Park Avenue
White Plains, NY 10603
914/328-1776
Landmark designation: Jacob Purdy House is listed on the National Register of Historic Places
Open: By appointment
Admission: None
Accessible to the disabled
Description:
The Society maintains The Jacob Purdy House (1721), Washington’s Headquarters before and during the Battle of White Plains, October 23-28, 1776 and again, July 27-Sep 16, 1778. The Society is dedicated to the preservation of White Plains history and develops programs to foster greater public understanding and appreciation of the area’s rich heritage.
Collections: Photographs, maps, papers and materials relating to the history of White Plains.
Research access: By written request. Archives is located at the White Plaines Public Library.
Programs: Public events, school programs, Heritage Trail tours, self-guided tours.
Facilities: Museum shop. Car parking. Herb garden.
YONKERS HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Sherwood House
Grinton Will Library
1500 Central Park Avenue
Yonkers, NY 10710
914/961-8940
Sherwood House:
340 Tuckahoe Road
Yonkers, NY 10701
Mailing address:
PO Box 190
Yonkers, NY 1071
Open: 0ffice: by appointment. Sherwood House: Jun-Oct 10
Admission: None, donations accepted
Partially accessible to the disabled
Description: The Society maintains the Sherwood House, a 1740 Dutch tenant farmhouse of Philipsburg Manor.
Collections: Furnishings and implements of the period, costumes from the 18th-20th centuries. Paper ephemera, photographs, publications and artifacts relating to the history of Yonkers. Exhibits. Docent-led tours.
Research access: Call for information.
Programs: In-school lectures, historic walking tours.
Special events: Strawbery Festival (Jun).
Facilities: Car parking. Herb gardens.
YONKERS POLICE HISTORICAL SOCIETY & MUSEUM
104 South Broadway
Yonkers, NY 10701
914/377-7900
Web address: www.yonkerspd.com/museum.html
Open: By appointment only
Admission: None
Accessible to the disabled
Description: The Society and Museum and located at Police Headquarters in the Cacace Justice Center.
Collections:
Yonkers Police artifacts from 1866 to the present including police blotters, weapons, handcuffs, 1921 Thompson Sub-Machine Gun, shields, switchboards, call box.
Research access: By written request. By appointment only.
Programs: Guided tours.
THE YORKTOWN MUSEUM
1974 Commerce Street
Yorktown Heights, NY 10598
914/962-2970
E-mail: museum@yorktownny.org
Web address www.yorktotwnmuseum.org
Open: Tue-Thu 11-4, Sun 12-3 and by appointment
Admission: None, donations accepted
Accessible to the disabled
Description:
Located in the Yorktown Community and Cultural Center, the Museum has five major permanent exhibit rooms. It’s collections provide valuable resources for area school children studying local history as well as individuals interested in genealogical research, train buffs and the many visitors who want to know “the way it was”.
Collections: 19th and 20th century spinning, weaving, household and agricultural tools. Doll houses, dolls, games, toys, paintings, photographs, decorative arts. Textiles, bedding, needlework, quilts, costumes and accessories. Books, documents, genealogical material, manuscripts, newspapers, periodicals and tapes.
Research access: Research Center: 3147 Route 132. By appointment only. Computer database. Fees charged.
Programs: Tours available for school groups and the public.
Self-guided walking tours through the museum.
Facilities: Museum shop. Car parking. Bus parking. Picnicking.
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