Historic Cherry Hill
Explore five generations of family life at Historic Cherry Hill, an 18th-century estate filled with art, furnishings, and compelling stories.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
More tour options available
Historic Cherry Hill
Best Time
More tour options available
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore five generations of family life at Historic Cherry Hill, an 18th-century estate filled with art, furnishings, and compelling stories.
"The tour guides are very professional and extremely knowledgeable about the whole history of the house and land."
🎯 Check Tour Schedules
Tours are the best way to experience Historic Cherry Hill. Always check their website for current hours and tour availability before you go.
🚗 Parking is Limited
There's a small parking area in front of the house. Arrive a little early if you're driving to secure a spot.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Five Generations of Family Life
Throughout the mansion
Explore the preserved interiors showcasing art, furnishings, and documents from five generations of the Van Rensselaer family.
The Jesse Strang Murder Mystery
The mansion grounds
Uncover the dramatic story of a 19th-century murder that took place on the property, adding a layer of intrigue to your visit.
The World of James Knapp Exhibit
Exhibition space
Discover an exhibit exploring Black life in 19th-century Albany through art and artifacts.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Tour in Advance
Embrace the History
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Check Tour Schedules
Tours are the best way to experience Historic Cherry Hill. Always check their website for current hours and tour availability before you go.
🚗 Parking is Limited
There's a small parking area in front of the house. Arrive a little early if you're driving to secure a spot.
📚 Engage with Guides
The tour guides are incredibly knowledgeable and passionate. Ask questions to get the most out of your visit!
📸 Respectful Photography
While filming inside the tour is restricted, capture the exterior and grounds to remember your visit.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Check Tour Schedules
Tours are the best way to experience Historic Cherry Hill. Always check their website for current hours and tour availability before you go.
🚗 Parking is Limited
There's a small parking area in front of the house. Arrive a little early if you're driving to secure a spot.
📚 Engage with Guides
The tour guides are incredibly knowledgeable and passionate. Ask questions to get the most out of your visit!
📸 Respectful Photography
While filming inside the tour is restricted, capture the exterior and grounds to remember your visit.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Historic Cherry Hill for its incredibly knowledgeable and engaging tour guides who bring the estate's rich history to life. The preservation of original furnishings and the compelling stories, including a historic murder mystery and insights into Black life, are frequently highlighted as major draws. Some visitors note that interior photography is restricted, and parking can be limited.
"Cherry Hill Historic Site is a unique historic mansion in Albany, NY. It is a Georgian style manor that was built in the 18th century. The house belonged to the Van Rensselaer family and originally sat on hundreds of acres of land owned by the family. Several generations of the family owned the house until the 1960’s, when it was donated and turned into a museum. The house has many of the original furnishings in it from many different generations of the Van Rensselaer family.
The house tour was very informational and the guides provided the details of how the house was changed and was used over the years. The guides also told the stories of the slaves and servants who lived in the house as well. Much of the tour focused on Catherine Van Rensselaer who owned the house in parts of the 19th and 20th centuries. Interestingly enough a murder did occur at Cherry Hill in the 1800’s when a drifter named Jesse Strang killed John Whipple, who lived in the house.
Call ahead or check the website for tours and hours. The mansion is easy to find and there is a small parking area in front of the house. Tickets are available for purchase at the door. Currently, the mansion is running an exhibit called “The World Of James Knapp: Exploring Black Life in 19th Century Albany Through Art, Objects, and Spaces.” If you’re interested in the history of the Albany Capital Region area this is a good place to check out"
Ryan Mazierski
"I was given a nice tour inside the mansion by a nice tour guide Mariya. I have seen amazing painted portraits of the family members that lived in the mansion. They had servants. One of them was a young black girl who once ran away from the mansion when she was 16 years old. Anyways, I had a nice experience being there, and hope you all have the same thing. 😄"
Ashley Morrison
"It was an interesting tour, our tour guide Rosy and the volunteer are very knowledgeable!"
Ye H
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Historic Cherry Hill is located in Albany, NY. It's easily accessible by car, with a small parking area available on-site. Public transportation options may also be available; check local transit schedules for routes serving the South End of Albany.
While some online content suggests concerns about crime in Albany, Historic Cherry Hill is a well-maintained historical site. Visitors generally report positive experiences during tours.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets for tours are typically available for purchase at the door. It's recommended to check the official Historic Cherry Hill website for the most up-to-date pricing information and any potential online booking discounts.
Opening hours and tour availability can vary, especially seasonally. Always consult the Historic Cherry Hill website or call ahead to confirm their current operating schedule before planning your visit.
Yes, tickets are generally available for purchase at the door. However, to guarantee your spot, especially for popular tour times, booking in advance is a good idea.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Historic Cherry Hill offers guided tours of an 18th-century mansion that was home to five generations of the Van Rensselaer family. You'll see original furnishings, art, documents, and learn about the lives of the family, their servants, and enslaved people. There are also special exhibits, like the one on James Knapp.
Yes, guided tours are the primary way to experience Historic Cherry Hill. The guides are highly praised for their knowledge and engaging storytelling, often including details about the house's history and even a famous murder.
Absolutely! Historic Cherry Hill is a treasure trove for history enthusiasts, offering deep insights into 18th and 19th-century life in Albany, family histories, and local events.
Filming or extensive photography inside the historic home during tours is generally not permitted out of respect for the non-profit organization and preservation efforts. However, you can usually take photos of the exterior and grounds.
The 'World of James Knapp' exhibit explores Black life in 19th-century Albany through art, objects, and spaces, offering a crucial perspective on the region's history.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While Historic Cherry Hill itself doesn't typically offer dining services, the surrounding Albany area has numerous restaurants and cafes. You can find various options from casual eateries to more formal dining experiences nearby.
📸 📸 Photography
The exterior of the historic mansion, with its classic architecture, makes for beautiful photographs. The surrounding grounds also offer picturesque settings. Remember to check their policy on interior photography before your visit.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the tours are informative, consider the attention span of younger children. The focus on historical details might be more engaging for pre-teens and teenagers. It's a great opportunity to spark curiosity about local history and the lives of people from different eras.
📚 History Buffs
The site's commitment to preserving original furnishings and documents makes it an invaluable resource for understanding 18th and 19th-century domestic life, social structures, and regional history. The special exhibits, like the one on James Knapp, further enhance the historical context.
👻 Ghost & Mystery Seekers
While not a 'haunted house' attraction, the historical accounts of the murder and the age of the estate can evoke a sense of intrigue and mystery. It's a chance to explore a real historical event that unfolded within these walls.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Van Rensselaer Legacy
Visitors can trace the family's history within the walls of the mansion, understanding how their wealth and influence shaped the Albany region. The tours highlight not only the prominent family members but also the lives of the enslaved individuals and servants who were integral to the functioning of the household, providing a more nuanced and complete historical narrative.
Unraveling the Jesse Strang Murder
Tour guides often recount the details of this crime, making the history come alive for visitors. The reenactment of this event, based on historical accounts, is a memorable part of the experience, offering a glimpse into the social dynamics and justice system of the era. It's a reminder that even the most stately homes have witnessed significant human drama.
Exploring Black Life at Cherry Hill
This exhibit delves into the lives of enslaved people and later, free Black individuals, who were part of the Cherry Hill community. Through carefully curated artifacts and narratives, visitors gain a deeper understanding of their experiences, contributions, and the complexities of race and society in 19th-century Albany. It's a vital part of the site's mission to tell a more inclusive story.
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