Van Cortlandt House Museum
Van Cortlandt House Museum
A visit to the Van Cortland House Museum is a real treat indeed. For all who love art, actually for everyone, regardless of who you are, or where you are from. Visiting this 1748 built home, which once was part of an large and prosperous wheat plantation has a lot to offer the visitor.
Founded in 1896 by the National Society of Colonial Dames, the museum is a collection of the Van Cortland family furnishings from the interpretive period, 1748 - 1823. When Fredrick and his two eldest sons, James and Augustus owned the property.
The main focus of the Van Cortlandt House Museum focus is on the study of decorative arts, the social history of the people who lived and worked the plantation, as well as the impact of the American Colonial Revival on the making of the Van Cortlandt House as a public museum.
History is rich at this old plantation. Twice during the American Revolution General George Washington used this house as a headquarters.
He was known to have his men light fires on top of the hills away from the house, to trick the British into thinking the rebels were there.
Colonial themed birthday parties are quite popular at the Van Cortlandt House Museum. Either the The Complete Soldier Party, giving party goers
a sense of what it must have been like serving in General George Washington's Army. And the Birthday Tea at the Manor House, giving birthday guest the feeling of being at an 18th century tea party. Picnics are also permitted on the grounds of the museum, they also have indoor space for times when the weather does not cooperate, and winter months.
Helpful information for the visitor:
Adults $2;
Senior Citizens and Students $1.50;
Children (12 and Under) Free
Hours of operation:
Closed on Mondays
Tuesday - Friday 10:00a.m. - 3:00p.m.
Saturday and Sunday 11:00a.m. - 4:00p.m.
