Historic Hudson Valley Landmarks Reopened to Visitors



Philipsburg Manor, Washington Irving’s Sunnyside, Union Church, and Kykuit open in May

4 landmarks reopening

Historic Hudson Valley will welcome the public to Philipsburg Manor, Washington Irving’s Sunnyside, and Union Church beginning Friday, May 6; and Kykuit, the Rockefeller estate, beginning on Saturday, May 21. Visitors will be able to tour all four of these National Historic Landmarks through November. 

At Philipsburg Manor, which has undergone a recent multi-million-dollar restoration, a new walking bridge over the millpond will transport visitors to the 1750s and the property’s historic core. Once there, visitors can experience the gristmill, walk through the manor house stocked with period artifacts, and learn about the 23 enslaved individuals of African descent who lived and labored on the plantation. 

At Washington Irving’s Sunnyside, visitors can explore the author’s cottage and the bucolic grounds, which were designed by Irving himself, while learning about the man who wrote America’s favorite ghost story, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. Picnic tables are available at both sites and light snacks, as well as souvenirs and local finds, are available to purchase in the museum shops. 

Visitors to Union Church of Pocantico Hills can view spectacular stained-glass windows by European masters, including the last commissioned work by Henri Matisse and nine windows by Marc Chagall, learning the inspiration behind each one. 

Tours will begin at Kykuit, the Rockefeller estate on Saturday, May 21. The estate’s modern and classical art collection, architecture, and expansive gardens make it one of the top-rated cultural attractions in New York State. Visitors learn the story of the Rockefellers, beginning with John D. Rockefeller, founder of Standard Oil, whose business acumen made him the richest man in America in his day. He later became the country's first significant philanthropist and by his death in 1937, he had given away more than half his fortune through various philanthropic programs. 

Capacity is limited for all tours and visitors are encouraged to purchase tickets online in advance at hudsonvalley.org. Same-day admission prices are subject to a $2 surcharge. All visitors must agree to Historic Hudson Valley’s COVID-19 Courtesy Code, which includes wearing a mask when indoors at any of our properties or while on the shuttle bus to Kykuit. More information can be found at hudsonvalley.org/courtesy-code


Philipsburg Manor - photo Tom Nycz

In 1750, Philipsburg Manor was home to 23 enslaved individuals known to have lived and labored there. It is the country’s first living history museum to focus on the history of northern slavery. 

The site will be open for guided tours Friday-Sunday, May 6-November 13, as well as Memorial Day, July 4, and Columbus Day. Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for seniors (65+) and young adults (18-25), and $10 for children. Tours are free for Historic Hudson Valley Members and children under 3. Admission is by timed ticket only

Philipsburg Manor is at 381 North Broadway (Route 9) in Sleepy Hollow, N.Y., two miles north of the Tappan Zee Bridge. 

The preservation and reconstruction at Philipsburg Manor was supported by New York’s Empire State Development, state and federal transportation grants, the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, Consolidated Edison, and private donors. 


Washington Irving’s Sunnyside - photo Jaime Martorano

America’s “Founding Father of Literature” created a romantic, picturesque estate nestled along the Hudson riverbank. The house and the furnishings, many of which are original to Irving, have been restored to their 1850s character. 

The site will be open for guided tours Friday-Sunday, May 6-November 6, as well as Memorial Day and July 4Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for seniors (65+) and young adults (18-25), and $10 for children. Tours are free for Historic Hudson Valley Members and children under 3. Admission is by timed ticket only

Washington Irving’s Sunnyside is at 3 W Sunnyside Lane, Tarrytown (Irvington), one mile south of the Tappan Zee Bridge. 


Union Church of Pocantico Hills - photo Jaime Martorano

Union Church was organized as a non-denominational Protestant church in 1915 with John D. Rockefeller among the founders. Over the years, the Rockefeller family commissioned its stained-glasses windows by European masters Henri Matisse and Marc Chagall. 

The church will be open for guided tours Friday-Sunday, May 6-November 13, as well as Memorial Day, July 4, and Columbus Day. Tickets are $9. Tours are free for Historic Hudson Valley Members and children under 3. Admission is by timed ticket only

Union Church of Pocantico Hills is at 555 Bedford Road, Tarrytown. 


Kykuit, the Rockefeller estate - photo Jaime Martorano

Built between 1906 and 1913, Kykuit was home to four generations of the Rockefeller family. 

The site will be open for guided tours Friday-Sunday, May 21-September 30; Wednesday-Monday, October 1-November 13. 

Kykuit, a historic site of the National Trust, is operated and maintained by the Rockefeller Brothers Fund as a center for its philanthropic programs. Historic Hudson Valley operates the public visitation program. 

All visits to Kykuit start at the Kykuit and Philipsburg Manor Visitor Center, located at 381 North Broadway (Route 9) in Sleepy Hollow, N.Y., two miles north of the Tappan Zee Bridge. 

Historic Hudson Valley, Westchester County’s largest cultural organization, educates and entertains more than 325,000 visitors a year through school programs, tours of National Historic Landmarks, and Halloween-themed experiences, which have earned a national reputation as among the best in the country.



Other articles by HVP News Reporters


  • Get Hooked on Fishing, Not Drugs

    Third Annual Orange County District Attorney’s Office Youth Fishing Derby

    The Third District Attorney’s Office Youth Fishing Derby will run from April 1 through Sept. 4, 2023. The event is open to young people between the ages of 4 and 18 who are children or grandchildren of Orange County residents. read more »
  • Kids aren't eating fruits and veggies

    Happiest Baby's Dr. Harvey Karp has tips to change that

    A new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that approximately 32% of 1- to 5-year-olds did not eat a single piece of fruit a day and nearly one half (~49%) didn't eat any vegetables a day. Roughly 51% drank a sugar-sweetened beverage, like fruit drinks or soda, at least once a week. read more »
  • 5 sleep habits essential for heart health

    Make sure you get your zzz's with these tips

    In the days following a time change due to daylight saving time, research shows a marked increase in heart attacks and strokes. However, losing sleep anytime can be a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. read more »
  • Take these 6 steps to manage your blood pressure

    Hypertension can be dangerous

    High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, affects nearly half of adults in the United States, and only about 1 in 4 with this condition have it under control, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). read more »
  • Make your St. Patrick's Day spread green with envy

    These open-faced noshes can be perfect for lunch, snack time or an appetizer

    Freshen up your St. Patrick’s Day menu with easy, light sandwiches inspired by the traditional color of the festivities. These open-faced noshes can be perfect for lunch, snack time or even as an appetizer for get-togethers with friends and family. read more »
  • Lucky mint brownie perfection

    A twisted combination of mint and sweet chocolate

    How lucky you must be to come across this recipe just in time for St. Patrick’s Day. This one is a twisted combination of mint and sweet chocolate that’s sure to have almost anyone’s taste buds screaming “yum.” This dessert might just be the pot of gold at the end of your rainbow this year. read more »
  • 3 ways parents can encourage social emotional learning in children

    Parents focus on social emotional skills, mental health, kindness and understanding differences

    Most parents would agree the quality of their children’s education plays a key role in their overall development. While parents are optimistic about the future of education, they also recognize children have educational needs beyond what is considered the standard. read more »
  • Selecting a health care provider

    Resources to guide your selection

    Getting health care for yourself or a loved one is a big responsibility, especially if you’re just getting started with Medicare or have changes in your life, such as a new diagnosis of a condition or disease. It can be overwhelming if you need services like nursing home care, have to find a new doctor or get home health care. read more »
  • 5 simple solutions for proper nasal hygiene

    Keep your nasal passages clean, clear and moisturized

    Your nose is essential for conditioning the air you breathe and serves as the first line of defense against dust, pollution, bacteria, viruses and more. The presence of these substances in your nasal passages can trigger infections, disease and illness. read more »
  • Have a bump on your foot?

    Don’t ignore it

    Have a lump or bump on your foot? Whether it’s painful or not, it could potentially signal a serious condition. Foot and ankle surgeons warn it’s important to have it checked out, no matter its size or location on your foot. read more »