Scattered across the five boroughs, nestled within bustling parks and along quiet residential streets, is a collection of architectural survivors that tell the story of New York City’s evolution. These are the city’s historic house museums, portals to different eras that offer a tangible connection to the city’s Dutch colonial roots, its sprawling agricultural past, and the intimate lives of its residents—from literary giants to the enslaved individuals whose stories are increasingly being brought to the forefront.
Preserved and championed by the Historic House Trust of New York City, a journey through these homes is a journey through the city’s memory itself.
A Borough-by-Borough Tour of Historic Homes
Each borough holds its own collection of historic treasures, reflecting its unique development and history.
The Bronx
- Van Cortlandt House Museum (1748): The Bronx’s oldest surviving building, this Georgian-style manor was once a plantation that played a strategic role during the Revolutionary War.
- Edgar Allan Poe Cottage (1812): This modest cottage was the final home of the iconic writer. It was here that Poe wrote some of his most enduring works, including “Annabel Lee.”
Brooklyn
- Wyckoff House Museum (c. 1652): A National Historic Landmark, this humble Dutch Colonial farmhouse is the oldest existing structure in all of New York State, offering a rare window into the lives of the region’s earliest European settlers.
- Lefferts Historic House (c. 1783): Located in Prospect Park, this Dutch Colonial farmhouse has recently re-envisioned its mission to focus on the histories of the Indigenous Lenape people on whose land it stands and the Africans enslaved there.
Manhattan
- Morris-Jumel Mansion (1765): As Manhattan’s oldest surviving residence, this elegant villa famously served as General George Washington’s headquarters during the Battle of Harlem Heights.
- Merchant’s House Museum (1832): A singular treasure, this is the only 19th-century family home in New York City preserved intact, both inside and out, offering an unparalleled glimpse into the life of an affluent “Old New York” family.
Queens
- Bowne House (c. 1661): The oldest house in Queens, this home is a landmark of American religious freedom. Its owner, John Bowne, was arrested for allowing Quakers to hold meetings here, and his successful appeal helped establish the principle of religious tolerance in the colony.
Staten Island
- Conference House (c. 1680): This stone manor house earned its place in history on September 11, 1776, when it hosted a failed peace conference between the British and an American delegation that included Benjamin Franklin and John Adams, solidifying the path toward continued revolution.
- Alice Austen House (c. 1690): The home of one of America’s earliest and most prolific female photographers, this waterfront cottage is now recognized as a national site of LGBTQ+ history.
The Evolving Narrative of History
The preservation of these homes is not a static process. A vital trend is the move toward more inclusive and critical storytelling. The ReImagine Lefferts Initiative at the Lefferts Historic House is a powerful example, working to center the stories of the enslaved Africans and the Indigenous Lenape people. Similarly, the elevation of the Alice Austen House as a landmark of LGBTQ+ history demonstrates a commitment to telling stories that were once marginalized. These historic sites are dynamic spaces where the meaning of history is constantly being expanded.
Many of these structures also exist today only because of determined efforts to save them from the relentless march of development. They are monuments not only to the eras they represent but also to the power of historic preservation as an act of defiance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the oldest house in New York City?
A: The Wyckoff House Museum in Brooklyn, dating to approximately 1652, is the oldest existing structure in New York City and State.
Q: Can I visit the Mayor’s house?
A: Gracie Mansion is the official residence of the Mayor. While it is a historic house, it is a working residence and public tours are limited and must be arranged well in advance through official city channels.
Q: Are there any historic houses related to the American Revolution?
A: Yes, several houses have significant Revolutionary War history. The Morris-Jumel Mansion served as headquarters for both sides, the Van Cortlandt House was occupied by various armies, and the Conference House was the site of a famous peace negotiation in 1776.
Q: Which historic house is best for a literary fan?
A: The Edgar Allan Poe Cottage in the Bronx is a must-visit. It is the home where Poe wrote some of his most famous poems in the final years of his life.
Q: How has the storytelling at these houses changed over time?
A: Many museums are moving beyond celebrating only the prominent families who owned them. They are now incorporating more inclusive histories, such as the stories of the enslaved people, immigrant servants, and Indigenous communities whose lives were intertwined with these sites.
Q: Are all these historic houses in their original locations?
A: Not all of them. To save them from demolition, some houses were physically moved. The Lefferts Historic House was relocated to Prospect Park, and the Edgar Allan Poe Cottage was moved into a park named in his honor.
