All Over Albany

Farm Day in the City at Schuyler Mansion

The Schuyler Mansion State Historic Site in Albany is hosting another Farm Day in the City this Saturday, June 9 from 11 am-4 pm. Blurbage:

Experience a farm market atmosphere in the city of Albany! Learn about the types of animals Philip Schuyler would have had on his farm and agricultural practices of the 18th century. There will be livestock on the grounds, while demonstrations, farm products and gardening techniques will be shared with visitors throughout the afternoon. Pony rides for children (noon to 3:00 p.m.).

Admission to the outdoors event is free. The house will also be open self-guided tours, which are $3 and free for ages 12 and under. (The rain date for the event is Sunday.)

Though the mansion site currently occupies a footprint of about 1 acre in the South End, the estate once covered as many as 80 acres and had an orchard, formal garden, and working farm. The family also had a number of enslaved people there -- even as late as 1804 -- as the Schuyler Mansion's history blog has been documenting.

The historic site also offers regular guided tours during the summer, at 11 am and 5 pm Wednesday through Sunday. There are also two topic-specific tours: "When Alexander Hamilton Called Albany Home" offered on Thursdays and Saturdays at 2:30 pm; and "The Women of Schuyler Mansion" on Sundays at 2:30 pm. Reservations are required for these "focus" tours (518-434-0834), and admission for them is $7 adults / $6 seniors and students / free for ages 12 and under.