Historic Hudson Valley - Tarrytown, New York

Address:150 White Plains Rd.
Tarrytown, New York
Tel: (914) 631-8200

Historic Hudson Valley is an organization that manages and preserves seven historic sites in Westchester and Dutchess Counties that highlight the history and culture of the Hudson Valley Region of New York.

Kykuit, the Rockefeller Estate, is the first on the list, with remarkable architecture, gardens, art, and history. It was the home to four generations of Rockefellers. Tours are recommended of the estate, offering personal stories of the Rockefeller family as well as interesting tidbits about the art and architecture of the estate – keep your eyes peeled for the Picasso! The next site is Washington Irving's Sunnyside, a riverside home once owned by the famous author. Guides for the Sunnyside tour come dressed in period costumes and give a great tour about the life and times of Irving. The third place to visit is the Philipsburg Manor, dating back to 1750. The tours for the manor are also led by interpreters in period costumes and offers guests the opportunity to participate in 18th century activities, to be involved in the society, culture, and work of 300 years past! Van Cortlandt Manor is another manor on the Historic Hudson Valley tour, and is a great place to view beautiful gardens. Here there are also living history tours led by costumed guides who show guests the ways of blacksmithing, brick making, and other 18th century trades. Montgomery Place is another great place to visit, a classical revival-style mansion that truly depicts Hudson Valley estate life. Guests are welcome to walk around on their own or use a self guided audio or printed guide. The sixth place on the list is the Union Church of Pocantico Hills, a beautiful structure containing stained glass windows by Henri Matisse and Marc Chagall. Many of the windows serve as memorials to the Rockefellers, and so the Union Church would be a good companion visit to Kykuit. And the last of the seven sites is Lyndhurst, a 19th century architectural beauty, located next to Sunnyside.

Visit these stunning examples of Hudson Valley estate life and become an expert in 18th and 19th century architectural history – all through the fantastic tours offered by the Historic Hudson Valley organization!