HALLOWEEN NIGHTS! OCTOBER 30, 31ST

** On Halloween night, we'll take a ghoulish stroll from the Manor to attend BOO-ZAK (the Beczak Environmental Education Center's Halloween event) at 6:45 pm, following our costume contest! For more information on their program, visit: http://beczak.org/ or call 914.377.1900

Friday, October 30th, 6-8 PM

ORB PHOTOGRAPHY & SPECIAL EVENING TOUR
Learn about spirit photography, tour the house by night and investigate locations not explored on our daytime tour, and bring your own camera to try your hand at orb photography!
Regular admission applies ($5/$3). No children under age 8 without permission.

Saturday, October 31st, 4 - 7 PM
TRICK-OR-TREAT AT THE MANOR
Treats, music, games, costume contest (6 PM) and more!
All ages welcome, free to the public!

OCTOBER 8th, 2009

Thursday, October 8th
THE (FORGOTTEN) MELTING POT: A QUADRICENTENNIAL PANEL DISCUSSION

A Quadricentennial expert panel discusses New York’s changing
cultural landscape and the contributions of underrepresented people. The panel will focus on the transitional 17th-century, but will look to various moments in history and the present day, elucidating African American, Native American, Dutch and women’s roles.
This event is free. Donations are warmly accepted.

Panelists include:
Moderator Daniel Wolff, author of How Lincoln Learned to Read: Twelve Great Americans and the Educations That Made Them and A Glimpse of the Lenape.

Sherrill Wilson, Ph.D., urban anthropologist, author of New York City’s African Slave Owners: A Social and Material Culture History, and was the founding director of the Office of Public Education and Interpretation for the African Burial Ground National Monument (1993-2005).

David Oestricher, Ph.D., independent, published scholar, curator of the Ellis Island Immigration Museum's exhibit Lenape: Ellis Island's First Inhabitants, and author of Lenape: The First Inhabitants.

Tom Lake, archaeologist and professor of anthropology at SUNY Dutchess Community College, is currently working at Woodlawn Manor in Orange County, where occupation dates from roughly 9,000 years ago to the Contact Period (the 17th century).

Martha Shattuck, Ph.D., independent historian, is an editor and researcher for the New Netherland Project, writing articles on various aspects of New Netherland's history. She most recently acted as editor of Explorers, Fortunes, and Love Letters: A Window on New Netherland.


The evening will include:

6 p.m. -
OBJECT ANALYSIS: Guests are invited to bring in their American "found objects," (whether Indian artifacts, African textiles or other items) for analysis by our panelists before the discussion. *

7 p.m. -
Our PANEL DISCUSSION begins, immediately followed by an open Q & A session for the audience.

8:30 p.m. -
RECEPTION & book signing

*Certified consultant, art appraiser & writer Louise Devenish will also analyze objects (specializing in decorative art from the 18th-20th century). Please note no objects will be appraised during this event; objects will be given historical and cultural analysis.

This event is free. Donations are warmly accepted.

RIDE THE TRAIN!

Ride the Metro North to Yonkers between April 25th and September 30th, 2009, and you'll be treated to a 3-stop adventure that explores Philipse Manor Hall, The Beczack Environmental Education Center and The Science Barge--all for one small fee! It's an eco-friendly way to visit a new part of New York.

This Quadricentennial year, wouldn't you like to interact more closely with the Hudson River? A Day on the Hudson allows you to do just that.
Please consult the following website to learn about each particular site, the special events they'll be hosting during the Getaway program, and their contact information: http://www.mta.info/mnr/html/getaways/outbound_beczak.htm

Philipse Manor will be open for tours at 12, 2 and 3 p.m. during A Day on the Hudson weekends, or by appointment. Our events will be posted on this blog regularly, so that you can stay up-to-date on what we have in store for you during the Getaway program! Please note that during days on which programs are scheduled, we will not run tours, unless by special appointment.

SEPTEMBER 2009: Native American Day

YONKERS, N.Y. (July 22, 2009) – Autumn 2009 may mark the anniversary of Henry Hudson’s ventures into the area, but it also begs the question: Who was already here? We welcome you to explore the answer during Philipse Manor Hall’s Native American Day on September 12, 2009, from 12-3 p.m. Discover the rich history and legacy of the native population of the area through craft, storytelling and the reading of artifacts.

Archaeologist and educator John Kraft of Lenape Lifeways will erect a lean-to and museum exhibit that explore the lives of the Lenape/Delaware Indians. Examine tools, weapons, clothing and musical instruments while discussing the family life, dwellings, diet, spiritual beliefs and technology of the Lenape.

Taino speaker, storyteller and poet Bobby Gonzalez, who has performed in venues from Carnegie Hall to the Museum of the American Indian, will present an an ongoing interactive storytelling session, Ancient Legends of the Lenape Indians. Gonzalez will perform The Beginnings of Turtle Island, The Boy Who Lives with the Bears and The Origin of Corn.

Artist, poet and musician Arthur Kirmss links the heritage of Algonquian American Indian groups with arriving Europeans by demonstrating the practice of making wampum shell beads as it was done in the 17th century! The bead would become a medium of exchange for New Amsterdam as Europeans adopted and re-branded the beads into currency.

Native American Day is free of charge and open to all ages. For further information, please call 914-965-4027 or email Brittany.Wheeler@oprhp.state.ny.us.

ALSO IN SEPTEMBER: Lectures & Hudson Valley River Ramble

Site Manager and sought-after lecturer Kimberly Flook will offer two lectures during our general program, Native American Days (Saturday, September 12th). Set aside some time for Henry Hudson and the Shaping of New York at 1 p.m. and Pirates: Myth & Legend at 3 p.m. Both lectures will be offered to the public free of charge.

Henry Hudson and the Shaping of New York
Do you know how many maps the Hudson River was on prior to Hudson reaching the New World? Or that a matter of weeks kept New York from becoming a French colony in the beginning? Or, that if Hudson had been more successful in his early career, New York may have been an English colony from the start? Join us at Philipse Manor for a lecture on Hudson’s explorations and how they led to the New York that we know today. Saturday, September 12th, 1 p.m.

Pirates: Myth & Legend
What IS a pirate? Learn what a pirate is, and what a pirate isn't. You may be surprised by all the connections there are between pirates and the local area! Find out how our local waterways crossed paths with pirate life, pirate culture, and pirate endeavors. (This lecture is all for all ages, but is aimed at children.) Saturday, September 12th, 3 p.m.

Sunday, September 13th, 10 a.m.
The Hudson River Valley Ramble!
Ramble alongside Education Coordinator Lucille Sciacca as she leads her annual walk along the original path of the lower Nepperhan/Saw Mill River and Hudson River waterfront. Peel back the layers of history to the time when a Lenape fishing village was present, and consider the future of the Riverfront area. Visit the Palisades cliffs, Gateway Murals, Hudson Waterfront Sculpture Garden and 9/11 Memorial, as well as other monuments, buildings and art along the way. For more information, please call (914) 965-4027.
FREE. 2 HOUR DURATION.

AUGUST 2009: Colonial Games Day

Quoits & Croquet!
Dress-Up & Colonial Chores!
Ice Cream Making!

Free on the lawn of Philipse Manor. Come join us for an enjoyable afternoon.
We'll be playing in the past!

JULY 28: Teaching the Hudson Valley Conference

Teaching the Hudson Valley will offer its annual Teaching the Hudson Valley Conference this July (28-30) with the theme BEYOND FIELD TRIPS: Teaching the Hudson Valley in Tough Times.

The second day of the conference, July 29th, will feature trips to sites that are previewing their offerings for teachers. Philipse Manor Hall will be featured, along with the Beczak Environmental Center and the Science Barge, who have partnered in this Quadricentennial year in effort to let students experience three sites that are near, on or in the Hudson River during one field trip. Save on transportation costs while learning integrative history, ecology and sustainable energy science as they relate to the Hudson River and the city of Yonkers and beyond.

For more information, please contact Education Coordinator Lucille Sciacca (914-965-4027) or visit http://www.teachingthehudsonvalley.org/About-THV/Hudson-Valley-Profiles/Day-2-Inquiry-Choices.html.

JULY 2009: ARCHAEOLOGY DAYS

CALENDAR OF EVENTS: Click here

DESCRIPTION OF EVENTS: Click here

PRE-REGISTRATION FORM: Click here

What is Archaeology Days?

Archaeology Days is a three-day summer event for learning and living archaeology.

Who is it for?

Whether you're 5 or 95, there is a class for you. We recognize that everyone has an interest in archaeology, and that's why we've designed Archaeology Days to be an all-ages program. Choose the courses or lectures that are right for your interests.

How can I participate?

Read the above descriptions of classes for more information. While Archaeology Days is open to the public on all three days, you may pre-register (by pre-paying) if you would like, to ensure your place in a particular class. Classes will be filled on a first come, first served basis.

Please call (914) 965-4027 or email Brittany.Wheeler@opprhp.state.ny.us to register. You may print the above registration form and enclose it with a check to Philipse Manor Hall (29 Warburton Avenue, Yonkers, NY 10701).

What does it cost?

Each class is $3, two classes purchased together cost $5, and an all-access pass is $10. A limited number of scholarships are available. Group rates may be possible. Please inquire with Brittany, Museum Programs Coordinator, for more information: Brittany.Wheeler@oprhp.state.ny.us

JUNE 2009

National Trails Day: Walk the Waterfront!
Saturday, June 6, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

On Saturday, June 6th, the public is invited to Walk the Waterfront as a part of National Trails Day. Exercise both body and mind as our Education Coordinator leads you past historical and architectural landmarks lining the Yonkers waterfront, from a sculpture garden to urban murals. This walk is free, and runs from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. (registration takes place at Philipse Manor Hall at 9:45 a.m.).

Lecture: Pirates, Smugglers & Explorers
Thursday, June 11, 7 p.m.

On Thursday, June 11th, Kimberly Flook delivers her popular lecture with a twist: Pirates, Smugglers and Explorers tells of all the occupations the sea inspired, from mariners and inventors to smugglers and pirates. This lecture is free and begins at 7 p.m. The public is also invited to attend our annual Friends of Philipse Manor Hall meeting to learn more about how Philipse Manor plans to serve the public in the future.

Create Your Own Exhibit: Pirates & Explorers
Sunday, June 28, 12 p.m.

On Sunday, June 28th, we take our lessons on pirates and explorers to (he)art with the Create Your Own Exhibit workshop. You’ll have the chance to learn how to create an exhibit by participating in one! We’ll learn about how exhibits are designed, create our own pirate-themed art, and hang it ourselves in the Community Gallery. This event is free with a suggested donation of $3 per person.

MAY LECTURE

The Cochran Portrait Collection : The Fakes, the Finds & the Forgeries
Saturday, May 30th, 3 p.m.

Philipse Manor Hall Site Manager Kimberly Flook lectures on the nature and history of the Manor’s portrait collection, which includes presidents, statesmen, artists and more. How did they end up here? Who is responsible for the 'best' and the 'worst' of them? Enjoy the stories you'd never quite guess at by just observing the artwork. This event is free.

APRIL 4, 2009: Easter at the Manor

Saturday, April 4th is Easter at the Manor!

Join us from 1-3 p.m. to search the house and grounds for Easter eggs filled with stories, candy and prizes.

Then, settle down to dye some Easter eggs with organic dye while you're here!

This event is free to the public, and families are welcome.

For more information, please contact us at (914) 965-4027 or email our Museum Programs Coordinator at Brittany.Wheeler@oprhp.state.ny.us.

March 2009: Ladies' Colonial Tea

Please join us for our Ladies' Colonial Tea! As we usher in spring, we'll be hosting a tea for ladies and girls on Saturday, March 21st, from 2-5 p.m.

Join us to learn about high society as the Philipse women would have known it! We'll drink tea, shed light on the Philipse women, read from a play written about the family in the Colonial Era, and more!

Period dress is encouraged, but not required. Ladies and girls of all ages are warmly invited. RSVP is kindly requested by Wednesday, March 18th.

For more information or to make a reservation, please contact Brittany Wheeler, Museum Programs Coordinator: 914-965-4027 or Brittany.Wheeler@oprhp.state.ny.us

FEBRUARY 2009: The Geography of Philipse

From February 20 - 27th at 1 p.m., the staff of Philipse Manor Hall will offer a special tour entitled The Museum's Tentacles. If geography tickles your fancy, this place-based talk will connect the myriad of dots between the Philipse Family and their origins, trade routes and lasting geographic legacies. The museum today has tentacles extending around the world.

This tour will be offered once daily, or by request. Regular admission fees apply: Adults $5, Students/Seniors $3, Children Under 12: FREE.

Please remember that the Manor is closed to the public on Mondays.

JANUARY 2009: Create Your Own Exhibit

The winter months need a little color...

This January, we invite visitors to lend their artistic abilities to Philipse Manor Hall, where we will hold two art-making sessions. Join us on Saturday, January 17th or Saturday, January 31st from 1-3 p.m. to learn a bit about how museums make exhibits, followed by art-making and the hanging of your work on our very own Community Gallery walls.

Each session's work will hang in the gallery for two weeks, and admission to the gallery is free. This program is free with regular admission, which means you are welcome to take a tour of the house on the same ticket.

Children under 12 are always FREE, Students/Seniors $3, Adults $4. All ages are welcome!

To RSVP or inquire further, please contact Brittany Wheeler, Museum Programs Coordinator, at (914) 965-4027 or Brittany.Wheeler@oprhp.state.ny.us