Who has a Hamilton-obsessed adolescent in their home? (Does anyone NOT have a Hamilton-obsessed adolescent in their home?!)
For those of us Hamiltrash who just can't get enough of our Revolutionary War history (strike while the iron is hot here, people), it's very easy to take a quick road trip down the Mass Pike to visit the Schuyler Mansion in Albany, NY.
You know, the Schuylers? As in, the Schuyler sisters. As in, "Work work, Angelica...work, work...Eliza....and PEGGY!" As in, Eliza married Alexander Hamilton. Now, you get it. This historic site was the home of the sisters' parents, Philip and Catherine Schuyler. Philip Schuyler himself was a renowned Revolutionary War general and US Senator; however, all your kids are going to care about is that "[t]he wedding of daughter Elizabeth Schuyler to Alexander Hamilton took place in the house in 1780." (NY State Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation).
Admission to the mansion is only $5 for ages 13 and up, everyone 12 or younger is admitted FREE. Admission to the Visitor's Center is FREE. Ticket purchase buys you a guided one hour tour through the home. There is no self-guided tour available, only the scheduled group tour that takes place hourly.
Even if an hour tour is not on your agenda, the Visitor's Center itself is impressive. There's a great collection of hands-on exhibits to explore.
I sat out the house tour out, so I can't tell you what it details. However, this post written by Kevin Philbin for the Journal of the American Revolution, "Visiting Philip Schuyler's House of Dreams" can tell you what to expect (scroll down to the second half of the article for the mansion tour).
Although the Schuyler Mansion is located in a tight neighborhood in the city, parking should not be a problem as there is a dedicated lot just for the site's visitors. Parking is FREE. Set your GPS for 32 Catherine Street, Albany, NY. It's just over an hour's drive from Springfield.
There is a small garden in the backyard of the home where you could enjoy a picnic or let family members who might not be interested in house tour wait out your time in the mansion.
The site is open as follows: May 15 - Oct 31, Wednesday - Sunday
May & June: 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
July & August: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
September & October: 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
I wouldn't say the drive to Albany is worth just this quick trip house tour. However, you could pair the visit with another attraction in the area or make it a rest stop on the way to the Adirondacks. I hope your Hamilton obsessed family enjoys it as much as we did! For $5 you really can't beat the sneaky learning. Or indulging your kid's obsession.
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