On November 28, 1776, the same year that 56 Americans signed the Declaration of Independence, well over 200 colonial New Yorkers placed their signatures on a "Declaration of Dependence." These signers were Loyalists, citizens who remained faithful to their sovereign, George III, King of Great Britain. Prominent among the signatures was that of Frederick Philipse III, Lord of the vast Manor of Philipsburg and resident of the elegant mansion known today as Philipse Manor Hall. Frederick Philipse III and his family lived in luxury, well supported by rents from the many tenant farms on his property. Times were changing, however, and while others rebelled against Great Britain, Frederick III defended the Crown. His Loyalist beliefs were so strong that General George Washington ordered him arrested in 1776. Philipse and his family later fled to British occupied New York City and then to England, where the last "Lord of the Manor", broken in spirit and health, died in 1786. His land and his mansion were confiscated by the New York State Legislature and sold at public auction.
In 1868, after passing through the hands of many owners, the house became Yonkers Village Hall and, in 1872, the first City Hall. By the 20th century, city growth threatened the Manor Hall's future until it was acquired by New York State in 1908 with the generous help of the Cochran Family of Yonkers. Today, Philipse Manor Hall serves as a museum of history, art and architecture, as well as host to community organizations, meetings, educational programs and special events. Highlights of the Hall include its 18th century, high style Georgian architecture, a 1750s papier mache Rococo ceiling, and an impressive collection of presidential portraits, including the six Presidents from New York State.A Community Gallery has been created at Philipse Manor Hall to display materials which support the Manor Hall's programs and services and relate to the local community. Exhibit policy and application forms are available at the administrative office. Both individuals and organizations are welcome to apply.
Don't miss these popular destinations and attractions within or near the historic site
April-October:
Tuesdays through Saturdays (12 pm - 4:30pm)
Closed holidays.
November-March:
Tuesday through Saturday (12 pm - 3:30pm)
Closed holidays.
Tours are self guided except for educational programs. School and group visits are by appointment only. Please call the site at (914) 965-4027 for more information. Please visit the Education section to learn more.
Most New York State Parks charge a vehicle use fee to enter the facility. Fees vary by location and season. A list of entry fees and other park use fees is available below. For fees not listed or to verify information, please contact the park directly.
The easy-to-use Empire Pass card is $80- and your key to all-season enjoyment with unlimited day-use entry at most facilities operated by State Parks and the State Dept. of Environmental Conservation including forests, beaches, trails and more. Purchase online or contact your favorite park for more information. Learn more about our Admission Programs including the Empire Pass.
Philipse Manor Hall State Historic Site invites your class to learn about the Manor Hall and its place in history!
Please see our education brochure for descriptions of the education programs offered.
Tours are self-guided and can be taken any time during the museum's hours of operation.
Saturday Guided Tours
Like your tours with a more personal touch? Accompany us on a private museum tour with one of our knowledgeable docents, Saturdays at 12pm between May and September. $5 for adults, $3 for seniors and students. Free for Friends members and for children 12 and under.
Holiday Tours
Tuesday-Saturday at 2:00pm from Dec. 4 to Dec 30th, No tours on Dec. 6 or 9.
Come learn about the way the different eras of the Philipse family observed during the holidays during the first generation in the 1680's to the last generation in the 1760's. Discover the historical origins of many of our modern holiday traditions and decorations, while enjoying the multi-generational decorations done by Morsemere Garden Club and learning about the history of the Manor Hall. $5 for adults, $3 for seniors and students. Free for children 12 and under.
Mary Calvi's 2019 novel Dear George, Dear Mary, reignited the discussion surrounding the potential relationship between George Washington and Mary Philipse. Once written off and forgotten to history, Calvi's research shined a light on how much of a role Yonkers, the Philipse family and the daughter of a prominent Loyalist had on pre-Revolutionary War America, including impacting Washington's heart. Join us on a guided tour as we explore the narratives surrounding their relationship and lasting results that potentially altered two countries futures! $5 for adults, $3 for seniors and students. Free for Friends members and for children 12 and under. Spaces are limited and all guests must follow COVID-19 regulations.
1:00 PM-2:00 PM | Location: Yonkers | $5 | Ages: All Ages
Stop by the Manor and explore this month's exhibit "A Mixed Bag." This exhibit is an exploration of light and composition and explores the relationship between light and composition found in the moment through photography. The gallery is open during standard museum hours and is always free to enter!
Tuesday-Saturday's 12:00 PM-3:30 PM | Location: Yonkers | Free | Ages: All Ages
Mary Calvi's 2019 novel Dear George, Dear Mary, reignited the discussion surrounding the potential relationship between George Washington and Mary Philipse. Once written off and forgotten to history, Calvi's research shined a light on how much of a role Yonkers, the Philipse family and the daughter of a prominent Loyalist had on pre- Revolutionary War America, including impacting Washington's heart. Join us on a guided tour as we explore the narratives surrounding their relationship and lasting results that potentially altered two countries futures! $5 for adults, $3 for seniors and students. Free for Friends members and for children 12 and under. Spaces are limited and all guest must follow COVID-19 regulations.
1:00 PM-2:00 PM | Location: Yonkers | $5 | Ages: All Ages
Mary Calvi's 2019 novel Dear George, Dear Mary, reignited the discussion surrounding the potential relationship between George Washington and Mary Philipse. Once written off and forgotten to history, Calvi's research shined a light on how much of a role Yonkers, the Philipse family and the daughter of a prominent Loyalist had on pre- Revolutionary War America, including impacting Washington's heart. Join us on a guided tour as we explore the narratives surrounding their relationship and lasting results that potentially altered two countries futures! $5 for adults, $3 for seniors and students. Free for Friends members and for children 12 and under. Spaces are limited and all guest must follow COVID-19 regulations.
1:00 PM-2:00 PM | Location: Yonkers | $5 | Ages: All Ages
Mary Calvi's 2019 novel Dear George, Dear Mary, reignited the discussion surrounding the potential relationship between George Washington and Mary Philipse. Once written off and forgotten to history, Calvi's research shined a light on how much of a role Yonkers, the Philipse family and the daughter of a prominent Loyalist had on pre- Revolutionary War America, including impacting Washington's heart. Join us on a guided tour as we explore the narratives surrounding their relationship and lasting results that potentially altered two countries futures! $5 for adults, $3 for seniors and students. Free for Friends members and for children 12 and under. Spaces are limited and all guest must follow COVID-19 regulations.
1:00 PM-2:00 PM | Location: Yonkers | $5 | Ages: All Ages