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WESTCHESTER COUNTY ORGANIZATIONS
ARDSLEY HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Ardsley Public Library
9 American Legion Drive, 2nd Floor
Ardsley, NY 10502
914/693-6027
Mailing address:
PO Box 523
Ardsley, NY 10502
Open: Tue 10-12
Admission: None
Accessible to the disabled
Description: Organized to bring together people interested in the history of Ardsley, and to promote a better understanding of our American heritage.
Collections:
History of Ardsley Village including original documents from early voting ballots to present. Margaret Travis Lane’s diaries of her family, Arthur Stillman Collection, photographs and three history quilts from 1976 and 1996.
Programs: Lectures, school outreach programs, exhibits of historical interest.
BECZAK ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION CENTER
35 Alexander Street
Yonkers, NY 10701
914/377-1900
E-mail: thehudson@beczak.org
Web address: www.beczak.org
Open: Mon-Fri by appointment
Admission: None; donations welcome
Accessible to the disabled
Description:
Located in 2-acre waterfront public park; Park includes beach & man-made marsh (Hudson River), an interpretive center with interactive educational displays.
Research access: By appointment. By written request. Library.
Programs: Extensive school programs; call for brochure. Ongoing exhibits include Hudson River-related; Beach in a Box;
Catch of the Day and Aquaria. Call for calendar of special events.
Facilities: Car parking. Bus parking (school buses).
BEDFORD HILLS HISTORICAL MUSEUM
Bedford Hills Town House
Route 117
Bedford Hills, NY 10507
Mailing address:
PO Box 331
Bedford Hills, NY 10507
Open: Thu 1-5, Sat 10-5
Admission: $2
Partially accessible to the disabled
Description:
The mission of the Bedford Hills Historical Museum is to enable present and future generations to learn of Bedford Hills, its history and its people. The goal is to receive and display items of historical interest to the public in an interesting and attractive setting.
Collections: Photographs, artifacts, documents.
Research access: By appointment only.
Facilities: Car parking.
BEDFORD HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Bedford Court House/Museum & School House
38 Village Green
Bedford, NY 10506
914/234-9751
E-mail: bedhist@bestweb.ne
Web address: www.bedfordhistoricalsociety.org
Mailing address:
PO Box 491
Bedford, NY 10506
Landmark designation: 1806 Historical Hall, 1838
General Store, 1781 Court House, 1829 School House, 1838 Post Office are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Open: Wed-Sun 2-5; Offices: Tue-Fri 9-5
Admission: Call for information
Partially accessible to the disabled
Description: Dedicated to the preservation of the history of the Town of Bedford. The Society has restored and maintains historic
buildings on the Bedford Green: 1806 Historical Hall, 1838 General Store, 1781 Court House, 1829 School House, 1838 Post Office.
Collections: Transcripts of town records from 1680, published and unpublished
: US Census records of Bedford (1790-1880), historical atlas, genealogical files, costumes, Native American artifacts, documents, and photographs.
Programs: Guided tours of the Court House/Museum and
School House; permanent exhibits; lectures.
Facilities: Museum shop.
BRIARCLIFF MANOR-SCARBOROUGH HISTORICAL SOCIETY
PO Box 11
Briarcliff Manor, NY 10510
914/941-4393
Open: By appointment
Admission: None
Description:
Society’s purpose is to discover, preserve and disseminate knowledge of local history and traditions; to collect and preserve archives and artifacts and promote public interest in historical and genealogical research.
Collections: Artifacts, photographs and scrapbooks; the Briarcliff Manor Union Free School
District; Briarcliff Lodge (America’s foremost resort hotel in the 1920’s); the Briarcliff Farms &
Briarcliff Greenhouses.
Research access: By written request. By telephone request. Written finding aids.
Programs: Annual village bus tour, houses of worship tour, historical
programs on film, slides and video cassettes. Guided tours.
BRONX RIVER PARKWAY RESERVATION
Bronx River Parkway
White Plains, NY 10536
914/328-1542
Web address: www.westchestergov.com/parks/parks/locations02/BronxRiver.htm
Mailing address:
25 Moore Avenue
Mount Kisco, NY 10549
Landmark designation: 10 miles of the Bronx River Parkway are listed on the National Register of Historic Places as the most intact section of the earliest public limited access
parkway in the country.
Open: Daily, 8-dusk
Admission: None
Description:
The Bronx River Parkway Reservation, Westchester’s oldest park, is an 807-acre. paved linear park created as an adjunct to the Bronx River Parkway that opened in 1925. The picturesque Reservation which runs through the heart of southern Westchester County features ponds, wooden footbridges, and hundred of varieties of native trees and shrubs.
Facilities: Hiking/biking paths. Fishing. Ice skating. Nature study.
CASTLE GALLERY at the COLLEGE OF NEW ROCHELLE
29 Castle Place
New Rochelle, NY 10805
914/654-5423
Web address: www.cnr.edu/cg.htm
Landmark designation: The gallery is located in historic Leland
Castle, which is on the National Register of Historic Buildings.
Open: Tues-Wed. 10-8, Thu-Fri 10-5, Sat-Sun 12-4
Admission: None
Partially accessible to the disabled
Description:
Located in an historic landmark building, Leland Castle. The Castle Gallery presents a schedule of four exhibits annually, balancing its program to include historical and contemporary exhibits.
Research access: By appointment. By written request.
Programs: Docent-guided tours and classroom kits for school groups. Gallery talks and lectures relating to exhibits given by artists
and guest curators. Guided tours are available upon request, call for appointment.
Facilities: Car parking. Bus parking. Dining/lunch room.
CRESTWOOD HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Crestwood Library
16 Thompson Street
Crestwood, NY 10707
Email: ecrestwood@aol.com
Web address: www.mycrestwood.com
Mailing address
PO Box 81
Crestwood/Yonkers, NY 10707
Open: By appointment
Programs: House tour of the Bryson’s house at One St. Eleanor’s Lane, $5 per person.
CROTON-ON-HUDSON HISTORICAL SOCIETY
1 Van Wyck Street
Croton-on-Hudson, NY 10520
914/271-4574
E-mail: histsoci@bestweb.net
Web address: www.crotonhudson-ny.gov
Open: Mon 9-1 and by appointment
Admission: None
Partially accessible to the disabled
Description: The Society’s purpose is to preserve and record the historical heritage of
Croton.
Collections: Rare books, maps,
periodicals, oral histories, documents, slides and
educational materials. American Indian & American Revolution artifacts. Photographs of Croton Dam, Croton Aqueduct, NY Central and Amtrak
Railroads.
Research access: By appointment. By written request. By e-mail request.
Library/archives/research room. Digital images on website.
Programs: Exhibits
are at the history room at the Croton Free Library, guided tours by appointment. Croton Summerfest (Jun).
Facilities: Car parking.
DAWSON HISTORY CENTER
Charles Dawson History Center of Harrison
1 Park Lane
West Harrison, NY 10604
914/948-2550
E-mail: Bspecht@Harrison-ny.gov
Open: Tue & Wed 8-4
Admission: None
Partially accessible to the disabled
Description: The center collects and preserves Harrison’s history by encouraging the donations of photographs,
documents, maps, diaries, and artifacts that may cast interesting light upon local historical events or personalities.
Collections: 18th, 19th, 20th century, concentrating on town government, nursing association, Italian immigration to West Harrison, schools, history of early families, posters, postmarks, photographs, family memorabilia and oral histories: Haviland family genealogy, maps, newspapers, town records from 1774, original 1698 patent.
Research access: By appointment. By written request. By e-mail request. Computer database (obituaries only).
Programs: School programs to 4th grades on early history of Harrison; exhibit In the Harrison Municipal Building lobby; re-enactment of the Battle of White Plains; ‘It’s Great to Live in Harrison on Columbus Day’; guided tours:
Facilities: Car parking. Hiking trails (Heritage Trail marked).
DOBBS FERRY HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Clara Mead House
12 Elm Street
Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522
914/674-1007
Web address: www.dobbsferryhistoricalsociety.org
Open: Wed, 10-12 and by appointment
Admission: None
Partially accessible to the disabled
Description: Housed in the Clara Mead House, the Society maintains archives of village history.
Collections: Newspapers on microfilm, Dobbs
Ferry Register, 1884-1970, Weekly News, 1970-76; Enterprise 1980-2004. The Clara Mead Memorabilia Collection, oral & video history tapes, architectural slides and Ravekes Collection of photographs. Archives of
Dobbs Ferry School District.
Research access: By appointment. Research room.
Programs: Changing exhibits of historical photographs on walls of Mead House.
Annual dinner. Occasional “Friday Nights with History” program open to public. Guided tours:
Facilities: Car parking available in Municipal Parking Lot adjacent to Mead House property. Kitchen and
dining room can be used for Society functions.
EASTCHESTER HISTORICAL SOCIETY
388 California Road
Eastchester, NY 10709
914/793-1900
E-mail: ehs1835@juno.com
Mailing address:
PO Box 37
Eastchester, NY 10709
Open: Wed 10-4 and by appointment
Admission: $2.50
Not accessible to the disabled
Description: Preserves and interprets the history of Westchester with emphasis on the Town of Eastchester. Maintains the 1835 Marble School House.
Collections: 19th century children’s books. 19th century costumes, artifacts, historic documents, maps, paintings and photographs. Historic reference material: records of the Town of Eastchester, 1664-1870; burial records of St. Paul’s Church, Eastchester.
Research access: Library.
Programs: School program: “A Day in a Victorian School” at the Marble School” by appointment. Guided tours.
Special events: Victorian Christmas Party
FRIENDS OF THE OLD DUTCH BURYING GROUND
42 North Broadway
Tarrytown, NY 1059
914/631-4497
Web address: www.olddutchburyinggroud.org
Landmark designation: The church and burying grounds are a National Historic Landmark.
Open: Church services are held Sun
mornings Jun-Sep. Docent will open Church to visitors
Admission: None
Not accessible to the disabled.
Description: The Friends’ work is the maintenance of the graveyard, preservation of the
gravestones, and the education of the public in the historical significance of the site.
Research access: By appointment. By written request.
Programs: Free guided tours of the Old Dutch
church and the Burying Ground, guided tours for school and other groups by appointment.
Docent lead tours, weather permitting, May-Oct every Sun at 2. Self guided walking tours with a booklet about the site, the people buried there and their place in local history.
Special events:
Legend Weekend Halloween, tours Sat & Sun all day, cleanups held in the spring and fall, public invited.
Facilities: Car parking. Bus parking.
HAMMOND MUSEUM, INC.
Hammond Museum & Japanese Stroll Garden
28 Deveau Road
North Salem, NY 10560
914/669-5033
E-mail: gardenprogram@yahoolcom
Web address: www.hammondmuseum.org
Mailing address:
PO Box 326
North Salem, NY 10560
Open: Wed-Sat 12-4
Admission: $5 adults, $4 seniors, children under 12 free
Partially accessible to the disabled
Description: Small museum with unique 3-acre Japanese Stroll Garden.
Collections: Books, prints, engravings of English life (17th –19th century); theater collection: English, French Theater (16th-20th century); historical portrait engravings and 20th century portrait photographs; prints, place engravings, chiefly English and American; maps; 500 European fans, Oriental gardens and architecture; 480 photographs by Carl Van Vechten.
Programs: Guided tours of garden available for groups. Self-guided walking tour of the garden.
Special events: Blessing of the Animals; Moon Viewing Concert; Asian Festival.
Facilities: Museum shop. Car parking. Bus parking. Gardens. Food service. Café. Private rental facilities.
HASTINGS HISTORICAL SOCIETY
407 Broadway
Hastings-on-Hudson, NY 10706
914/478-2249
E-mail: hcottage@hastingshistoical.org
Web address: http://hastingshistorical.org
Open: Mon & Thu 10-2 and by appointment
Description:
Situated in Draper Park’s National Historic Landmark setting, the Society has added an archive wing to The Draper Observatory cottage to fulfill their mission to collect and preserve materials about the history of the village.
Collections: 19th and 20th century books, documents, dissertations, maps, pamphlets, oral histories, tapes, films, videos and photographs, works on paper, prints, paintings, business, industrial and societal artifacts, post cards, slides; Arthur C. Langmuir Collection of photographs (1920-1930).
Research access: By written request. By appointment. Library/archive/research room. Written finding aids.
Programs: Changing thematic exhibits, slide shows, lectures, house and
garden tours, educational programs.
Facilities: Car parking. Picnicking.
THE HISTORICAL SOCIETY, INC.
(Sleepy Hollow & Tarrytown)
One Grove Street
Tarrytown, NY 10591
914/631-8374
E-mail: historyatgrove@aol.com
Landmark designation:
Jacob Odell house listed on the National Register of Historic Places located in the Grove Street Historic District.
Open: Tue-Thu, Sat 2-4
Admission: None, donations accepted
Not accessible to the disabled
Description:
The Historical Society collects, preserves and celebrates all aspects of the history of Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow. Located in the 1848 former home of Jacob Odell, the first president (mayor) of Tarrytown.
Collections:
Local memorabilia relating to the people of Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow. Dolls, games, toys, historical clothing, jewelry, fans. Artifacts from Revolutionary War, Civil War, World War I and World War II. Native American collection. Photographs, postcards, maps and atlases from local, county and Hudson Valley areas. Local newspapers from 1875 on microfilm. Manuscripts collection including scrapbooks and records of local school districts and businesses. Louis A. Brennan Archaeological Laboratory artifacts from the six-year archaeological excavation of the Requa tenant farmhouse, circa 1720-1855.
Research access: By written request. By e-mail request. Library/archives/research room.
Fees charged: research for mail requests, photocopies, non-member on-site assistance.
Programs: Tours and activities specially designed for local school groups. The Captors’ Room, research materials, art and artifacts pertaining to the capture of Major John Andre by three local
militiamen: John Paulding, Isaac Van Wart and David Williams. Guided tours by appointment. Self-guided walking/driving tours.
Special events: Annual Strawberry Festival (Jun).
“Party on the Porch” wine tasting to benefit the preservation Fund (Fall).
Facilities: Gardens.
HISTORIC HUDSON VALLEY
Kykuit, Montgomery Place (Dutchess County), Philipsburg Manor, Sunnyside,
Union Church, Van Cortlandt Manor (see individual listings)
150 White Plains Road
Tarrytown, NY 10591
914/631-8200
E-mail: mail@hudsonvalley.org
Web address: www.hudsonvalley.org
Open: Mon-Fri 9-5; closed all major holidays
Admission: Call for fees
Partially accessible to the disabled
Description: Historic Hudson Valley is a network of six sites dedicated to preserving
the history of the Hudson River Valley. Sites include Philipsburg Manor, the 18th century farm and grist mill located in Sleepy Hollow; Van Cortlandt Manor, an 18th century estate with a tenant farm house; Sunnyside, the home of Washington Irving, he acquired the property in 1835 and improved and expanded it over the years. Fully restored house contains extensive collections of original and period furnishings.
Research access: Research library open by appointment.
THE HUDSON RIVER MUSEUM
511 Warburton Avenue
Yonkers, NY 10701
914/963-4550
E-mail: visitorserv@hrm.org
Web address: www.hrm.org
Landmark designation: Glenview Mansion is listed on
the National Register of Historic Places
Open: Museum: Wed-Sun 12-5, Fri 12-8; closed Mon & Tue
Planetarium shows Sat & Sun 1:30, 2:30, 3:30, Fri 7
Admission: Museum: $5 adults, $3 seniors & children
Planetarium: $2 adults, $1 seniors & children
Description:
This cultural complex includes modern gallery spaces, the Glenview Mansion and The Andrus Planetarium, Westchester’s only public planetarium. The museum presents changing exhibitions and programs, many designed for families, interweaving 19th and 20th century American art, history and science.
Collections: 19th and 20th century paintings, photographs, sculptures, decorative arts and costumes, photographs of early Yonkers.
Research access: By appointment only. By written request. Fees charged.
Programs: On-site and self-guided tours for groups and curriculum-based workshops.
Magnet school programs for elementary, junior and senior high school. Exhibits in Glenview Mansion. Group tours for adults by appointment.
Special Events: “School’s Out, Stars Are In,”
specially scheduled planetarium shows and gallery activities during school breaks; Summer Sounds Dance Concerts, Opening Receptions, Sunday Family Programs, “Friday Star Nights.” Halloween Event (Oct), Holiday
Event (Dec), “Seniors and the Arts’” programs (except Jan & Feb).
Facilities:
Museum shop. Car parking. Bus parking. Education Center. Picnicking. Hudson River Café. Private rental facilities.
HUGUENOT AND NEW ROCHELLE HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION
Thomas Paine Cottage & Sophia Brewster School House
20 Sicard Avenue
New Rochelle, NY 10804
914/633-11776
E-mail: Painecottage@verizon.net
Web address: www.ThomasPainecottage.org
Description:
The Association perpetuates the memory of the Huguenots who founded New Rochelle in 1688 and the history of the City of New Rochelle. It owns and operates the Sophia Brewster School House and the Thomas Paine Cottage (see separate listing). The Association preserves and makes available to the public the historical records entrusted to it.
INSTITUTE OF HISTORY, ARCHAEOLOGY AND EDUCATION
IHARE
46 Milton Court
Port Chester, NY 10573
914/933-0440
E-mail: info@ihare.org
Web address: www.ihare.org
Mailing address:
PO Box 41
Purchase, NY 10577
Description: Service
organization designed to provide educational services and training for local historical societies, museums and schools concerning archaeology and history. In addition, provides programs for K-12 students, teachers
and the public.
Programs: School programs: enrichment programs for K-12 students, professional development and classes for teachers.
IRVINGTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY
McVickar House
131 Main Street
Irvington, NY 10533
914/591-1020
Mailing address:
PO Box 23
Irvington, NY 10533
Landmark designation: McVickar House is listed on the State
and National Register.
Description: The purpose of the Society is to collect and preserve the history of Irvington, and to promote the knowledge and understanding of that history.
Collections:
Photograph and post card collection of Irvington; clippings of local people and events; US, State and Local Census.
Research access: By written request. Computer database.
Programs: Ongoing work with the 4th & 5th grade school curriculum.
JAY HERITAGE CENTER
Peter Augustus Jay House
210 Boston Post Road
Rye, NY 10580
914/968-9275
E-mail: jayhc@earthlink.net
Open: Sun 1-4
Admission: $3 for Jay House, Carriage House is free
Accessible to the disabled (Carriage House Visitor Center)
Description: The mission of the Jay Heritage Center is to restore the 1838 Peter Augustus Jay House and 1907 Carriage House for public education
focusing on American history, architecture, and landscape. The Peter Augustus Jay House is the focal point of the National Historic Landmark Boston Post Road District.
Collections: Books, photographs,
historical records, video and audio tapes about the Jay property, the founding of the United States, and Boston Post Road Historic District, oral histories and newspapers.
Research access: By request.
By appointment only. Library/archives/research room.
Programs: Exhibit: “George Washington and John Jay;” guided tours of Peter Augustus Jay House, Apr-Nov Sun 1-2; Self-guided tours
of Boston Post Road Historic District; school programs, “Striving for Freedom, the Jay Family and Slavery;” teacher workshops; archaeological digs; lectures; concerts; community events.
Special
Events: Jay Day, a festival of family activities; fundraising luncheon and gala.
Facilities: Car parking. Bus parking. Private rental facilities.
JOHN JAY HOMESTEAD STATE HISTORIC SITE
400 Jay Street (Rt.22)
Katonah, NY 10536
914/232-5651
E-mail: steven.oakes@oprhp.state.ny.us
Web address: www.johnjayhomestead.org
Mailing address:
PO Box 832
Katonah, NY 10536
Landmark designation: Listed on the National
Register of Historic Places and a National Landmark.
Open: Apr-Nov, Tue-Sat, 10-4, Sun 11-4
Admission: $7 adults, $5 seniors, $2 school students (group rate)
House accessible to the disabled
Description: The Homestead is 64 acres of the original 900 acres held by John Jay, first Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court. The home contains furnishings,
paintings and artifacts from Jay’s era. The house, farm and grounds provide a basis for historic, cultural, sociological, and economic interpretations of the site, and the five generations of Jays who inhabited it.
Collections: Original homestead with decorative arts, furnishings, and a fine collection of American portraiture, family farmstead with tools and outbuildings.
Research access: By written request. By appointment only.
Programs: Self-guided walking tours of the grounds and gardens; guided tours of the houses to the public and to school groups; school outreach program.
Special events: Concerts, lectures, workshops, ground
tours, garden tours, annual country fair, herb fair, Memorial Day: Bedford Riding Lanes Event; Labor Day: chess tournament.
Facilities:
Gift Shop. Car parking. Bus parking. Gardens. Walking trails. Private rental facilities. Picnicking.
KATONAH HISTORICAL MUSEUM
Katonah Village Library
26 Bedford Road
Katonah, NY 10536
914/232/9457, 914/232-4320
Web address: www.katonahny.com/HistoricalCulture.html
Open: Oct-Jun, Tue & Sat 2-5
Admission: None, donations accepted
Partially accessible to the disabled
Description:
The Museum is located in the White Room, beneath the Katonah Village Library’s cupola. It is dedicated to preserving the history around Katonah and Bedford and stimulating interest in local history.
Collections: Extensive photograph collection, newspapers, films, videos, costumes, memorabilia, needlework and artifacts.
Research access: By written request.
Programs: Two major exhibits a year.
KATONAH MUSEUM OF ART
Route 22 at Jay Street
Katonah, NY 10536
914/232-9555
E-mail: mtaft@katonahmuseum.org
Web address: www.katonahmuseum.org
Open: Tue- Sat 10-5, Sun 12-5; closed Mon
Admission: $3; members and children under 12 free
Accessible to the disabled
Description:
The Katonah Museum of Art, designed by Edward Larrabee Barnes, is a non-collecting institution dedicated to encouraging the study, appreciation, and enjoyment of visual arts in visitors of all ages. 2004 marked the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Museum, which each year presents a series of changing exhibitions that span a wide range of cultures, media, historical periods and social issues.
Research access: By appointment only. Written finding aids. Slide library.
Programs: The Museum offers lectures and symposia by noted artists and scholars; tours of private
collections, special exhibitions, and regional museums; children and family workshops and community festivals; free summer jazz concerts; volunteer opportunities. Guided tours. Group tours by appointment.
Special events: Estate Sale, Literary Lunch, Holiday Shop, Gala, House Tour.
Facilities: Museum shop. Car parking. Bus parking. Picnicking. Sculpture garden.
KYKUIT, THE ROCKEFELLER ESTATE
(Historic Hudson Valley)
200 Lake Road
Sleepy Hollow, 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, late Apr to early Nov
Tours begin at Philipsburg Manor
Admission: $22 adults
Accessible to the disabled
Description: Kykuit, The Rockefeller Estate, includes the six-story stone house; expansive terraced gardens and the Coach Barn, with its collections of classic automobiles and
horse-drawn vehicles. The gardens contain Governor Nelson Rockefeller’s distinguished collection of 20th century sculpture, with works by Henry Moore, Alexander Calder, David Smith, Louise Nevelson, Pablo Picasso, and many others. Kykuit is a property of the National Trust for Historic Preservation and is operated and maintained by the Rockefeller Brothers Funds. Historic Hudson Valley operates the program of public tours.
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