Founded by the Dutch as New Amsterdam in the early 17th century and later established as British colony, New York distinguished itself as the most culturally diverse of the nation's thirteen colonies and a colonial leader in politics, commerce and culture. New York's rich colonial history, on display at museums and historic homes with costumed guides, can help visitors learn more about our nation's earliest struggles to forge a uniquely American identity.
Sagtikos Manor, is a unique jewel on Long Island’s South Shore. Its history spans more than three centuries from its original purchase from the Secatogue tribe by Stephanus Van Cortlandt in 1692 to... more
Gen. Benedict Arnold forced the British to retreat in Stillwater. Burgoyne surrendered, the first major victory for the Americans, convincing the French to support the fledgling nation. This... more
The only remaining site with visible remnants of all three eras of Erie Canal development, Schoharie Crossing includes a two-mile long segment of the original Old "Clinton`s Ditch" Erie Canal, an Old... more
Built between 1761 and 1765, Schuyler Mansion is the home of Rev War Maj. Gen.l Philip J. Schuyler. Of the 4th generation of Schuylers in the Hudson Valley, Schuyler was respected for his military... more
At the Senate House in Kingston, New York`s first capital, discover how, amidst the turmoil of a British military invasion in the fall of 1777, the elected representatives of rebellious New Yorkers... more
The Seneca Nation of Indians were the original inhabitants of this part of New York State, involved in the American Revolution, the War of 1812 and the Civil War. The Seneca-Iroquois National Museum... more
Established in 1885 on the site of the Mohawk village of Ossernenon, the Shrine of Our Lady of Martyrs honors the martyrdom of three Jesuit missionaries. It is the birthplace of Blessed Kateri... more
The Southampton Colonial Society (now doing business as the Southampton Historical Museum) was organized in 1898 and incorporated in 1910. In its early days, the Society collected and exhibited... more
Founded in 1964, the Rye Historical Society is located in the historic Square House c. 1730. Situated at the intersection of Purchase Street and the Boston Post Road, the Square House served as a... more
The Georgian-style stone church was begun in 1763 and completed in1805. Located in the "neutral ground" between British and American lines, the building served throughout the Revolutionary war as a... more
Built in the 1760`s, St. Paul`s Chapel is the oldest surviving church building in Manhattan. George Washington, with members of the newly formed U.S. Congress, worshiped here on his Inauguration Day,... more
Built in 1927, in part with timbers from Revolutionary War era structures, the blockhouse is a reconstruction of early 18th century blockhouses of the region. Today, the Stillwater Blockhouse stands... more