Ended up really liking the Morris-Jumel mansion! So many famous people lived or stayed in this mansion from George Washington, Eliza Jummel, W.E.B Dubois, Solomon (writer of 12 Years A Slave). I especially really liked Eliza's story, she came from humble beginnings and from Rhode Island, and ended up becoming one of the most wealthiest women of Manhattan due to her getting into real estate. The rooms are really nice and have cool facts or information in them. One room had facts about how the Morrises ate turtles that weighed 100 pounds, it also detailed their seafood diet. You can tour the entire house from the basement, kitchen, rooms and living room. I liked how it had Bloomberg connect which tells you stories about the rooms and information about the people who stayed at the house. Many of the rooms had French design in them, since the tenants were inspired by the French. You can easily spend around 2 hours in here, if you go through each of the rooms. The tickets were $10, which isn't bad. The staff were also really friendly and nice, and mentioned to us upcoming events at the mansion. The museum also wasn't crowded. read more

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Such a cool place uptown. Tons of history, George Washington lived there for a little bit, if you know anything about this place it's at least that. But a lot more before and after. There's also a park outside and Sylvan Terrace, which is part of the whole experience. They have tons of activities there too, tours, art shows, music, they show movies sometimes outside. If you want to just go there to walk your dog you can that as well, just in some place where George Washington used to walk around and now you're dog is sniffing around it. It's always well kept, everything always feels calm and peaceful in there, a little oasis in the city. read more

What a lovely and historically fascinating place! I actually wrote about for Daily Kos years ago, in a piece about haunted mansions. But this was my first visit! I had seen a show recently in which paranormal investigators heard the footsteps of someone who said that he was Aaron Burr. We did not see or hear any ghosts, alas. But the very nice guide did say that she and other people who worked in the mansion had all experienced the presence of ...something. The rooms are lovely, beautifully furnished with period pieces. The octagon room is stunning, and the details of the restorations by Traci Telasco are interesting. Oddly, there weren't any wardrobes/armoires, or closets, that I could see. Aaron Burr and William both had large beds, while Eliza Jumel had a lit de repos--quite narrow, with a swan tester. The kitchen was disappointing. Just a giant fireplace with an oven, a huge kettle and other old pots, and a candle mold on the mantel. There was also an old table and benches, presumably for the servants to have their meals. The butler's pantry was not on the tour, because it is now a restroom. I don't know exactly what we expected, but a kitchen from Pompeii was far more impressive. It seems difficult to understand how the elaborate meals of the era could be produced with just a fireplace and an oven, although apparently the long-handled pans were held over the fire. It was a fun trip to the Heights on the M5 bus. I would go back in the Spring to see the Glade. And Sylvan Terrace was lovely! read more

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Beautiful historical building with an interesting and complex house. The team there really care about preserving the structure and educating visitors. The location is lovely, quiet, and with great views of Manhattan. Sylvan Terrace is one of my favorite little blocks in the city and just adorable. There are often fun events going on and lots for both kids and adults to do. I'm still waiting to see the ghost of Aaron Burr, so I'll have to go back soon! read more

As my chum and I made our way up Manhattan last Saturday, one of my other friends messaged me (upon figuring out what we were doing) and asked if we were stopping at the Morris-Jumel Mansion. The name wasn't familiar, but a quick check confirmed it wasn't too far off our official itinerary. And how can you not stop by the oldest house in NYC (especially when it's not clear you're ever going to be in this neighborhood again)? So off we went. You'd never know this place was here, even from two blocks away. It's very much tucked away on a hidden block on the eastern side of the island (up where everything is super narrow and you can probably walk across Manhattan in five minutes) and has somehow managed to hold its own over the past few centuries. To get to it from Broadway you have to go past a few run-down streets - at no point did we feel like we were in danger or anything like that; it's just a little skuzzy up in these parts. After moseying around the property for a minute or two, we walked up to the door and I impulsively rang the bell. One of the employees opened the door for us and led us in. I will say that I've spent an above average amount of time in ye olde museums/houses like this; my mother's idea of a great childhood vacation was visiting presidential homesteads. If you go into one of these in July, expect to be pretty hot. They're not installing air conditioning in these places, and you're lucky to get a fan plugged in. This was not a respite from the heat by any means. We were the only visitors on the premises at that time, and I didn't get the impression this place had been hopping at any other point in the day. There were about three employees on the first floor, all of whom were very pleasant and accommodating. We were given the option of paying $10 for a self-guided tour, and I believe $20 or so for a guided tour. We went with the $10 option, which I thought was a pretty decent deal and still included a few minutes' worth of info from one of the guides about the house's history before we were largely left to our own devices. Very cool. Neither of us are the type to dawdle so it was a pretty quick tour and we were in and out in about 10 or 15 minutes. I don't know that this is a repeat destination, but as a one-off trip it was definitely an interesting detour. read more

Some New Yorkers call Central Park a garden oasis. But I think Jumel Terrace and the park surrounding the Morris-Jumel mansion is a million times more peaceful and beautiful. A gorgeous 1.5 acres straddling Harlem and Washington Heights. Full of tulips, daffodils, blue bells, magnolias. Beautiful old trees, cobblestone streets. Jumel terrace across the way is like a time capsule. The homes were built in the 1880s and restored in the 1980s. The mansion holds community events, food festivals, and celebrations. As one of the tour guides said, "we don't want to be a tribute to old white guys." They show a genuine interest in helping the mostly black community of Harlem and mostly latinx community of Washington Heights grow. I did the paid tour. It was a reasonable price and great value. The outdoor part of the tour is the "meat and potatoes," that talks about the mansion's history, restoration efforts, and the drama that unfolded here during the revolutionary war. Our guide was fantastic and fun. I think his name was Mike, and I'm sorry I am not 100% sure. The inside is a self guided tour, allowing you to move at your own pace. This place has taken painstaking effort to be true to the era. For example, they have a replica of the wallpaper from that period, made with the materials that were available at the time, from France. The furnishings are also wonderful. You can tell the guide and the director both care about the place. The guide will point out that the home is in need to a new coat of paint. This park is technically under the jurisdiction of NYC, so they are responsible for that, and COVID has delayed that part of the upkeep. The inside is immaculate. Washington used this place as a command post. They threw a large soirée here for Washington as well. It was also the first home to build an octagonal room in the US. Fraunces Tavern (also reviewed) is the oldest building in Manhattan, while the Morris Jumel mansion is the oldest home. Another claim to fame is that Aaron Burr lived here during his brief marriage to Jumel. His bedroom is where Lin Manuel Miranda wrote part of Hamilton. This is a hidden gem that shouldn't be missed! read more

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If you're going here, chances are you're a local with interest in local history. House is self-guided, but the docent there when I visited gave a thorough introduction and was available to answer questions. Signage throughout was informative and easy to follow. The basement was particularly well done. read more

I stopped by here this afternoon. Morris Jumel has a lot of history. It's ideal to book your ticket on their eventbrite page in advance. I heard this mansion is haunted. Hence, I would love to check out their Halloween tour. read more

Morris-Jumel Mansion - Inside - Museums Near Me - New York, New York

Morris Jumel Mansion is the oldest home in Manhattan!! The perfect setting to showcase the art work of Addams Family creator Charles Addams. And what better day to have the opening for the show then Friday the 13th. I tried very hard to rally the peeps for this opening. This mansion is far, I'm not gonna lie. It's a commute for most from any direction you are coming from unless you live in the area. I don't work terribly far and it still took 45 minutes because I had to switch trains. That being said, it was completely worth it. I run on the more goth punk side of the road than most people. Addams Family is something I will commute for. It was no surprise that fellow horror lovers were also attending the event such as horror movie aficionado Mike Hunchback. They also had snacks at this event and WINE! This place is fancy. And you could even take a glass up with you to the second floor where the show was. Some rudeeee people left their cups in the nooks and crannies of the mansion. I don't think I need to remind you that this maneuver is not cool! The exhibit itself had original Charles Addams art work but also memorabilia, books, ashtrays, TV guide, armadillo and tapestry. I loved the juxtaposition of the art against the old window or natural beauty of the home. I was smitten to see a photo of Addams with Hitchcock. What a delightful evening. My other friend met up with a visiting friend and she was literally brought to tears. We both purchased Addams Family mansion enamel pins to mark the occasion. Even though Hunchback spotted an Edward Gorey pin that immediately drew my attention. I also really wanted the Addams Family Mansion socks. I'm into wearing sneakers a lot. I walk a ton and I love a little peekaboo sock flare. The mansion itself was super interesting. One of the gentlemen in the wine and snack room gives tours of the mansion. He mentioned that he also got married at this mansion. He told a rather interesting story of the woman in the portrait. I guess she was 57 when she married the gold digger who's portrait is accross hers. At first I thought it sounded like hope but only to find out the 77 year old creep cheated on her. Well I guess her ghost is chilling in the mansion. Probably in search of a true gentleman. This mansion has movie nights and talks and even a Dracula play. I hope they continue having events as exciting as the Charles Addams art show. I look forward to keeping my eye on them. My creepy eye. The Addams show is up until February! read more

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Nice historical house in manhattan, cool to see the old neighborhood too. Apparently they offer paranormal tours sometime. Place was easy to get to read more

We were greeted by Eliza the cat who lives here so we loved it right away. The staff were very friendly and knowledgeable. The house and its surroundings were incredibly interesting. read more

Morris-Jumel Mansion - Eliza the Cat who lives here - Museums Near Me - New York, New York

While walking my dog i decided to finally have a walk in this very quiet park. It goes around like a circle and the gardening is beautiful i had to double check dogs were allow to come inside. In the middle is a house i believe its a museum and not sure what day is open but will edit this review ones i get a closer look. It has a few checkpoints inside and a mural with small stories written on it. Nice place to take a walk or even take pictures. This park takes a full block and its in a very quiet neighborhood. read more

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A lovely mansion/park. I saw some dogs frolicking and I just thought what a bucolic scene. It seems like a small slice of eden so close to Sylvan Terrace. read more

Morris-Jumel Mansion - Museums Near Me - New York, New York

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From the outside, the place looks abandoned. Walk through the fence and up to the door, the house doesn't look like much. Ring the bell to get in and a very friendly welcomer brings you inside. It's beautiful. Worth the $10 admission. Woodwork, stained glass with graffiti from a kid from the 1800's. Cool. Washington used it as a headquarters. The furniture and architecture are great. A gem. Didn't expect it to be so pretty. If you like history and political figures: the place is a must go. Pretty garden in the back with benches for free. Highly recommended. read more

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Another neat museum/exhibit in NY. This was George Washington's home when NY was the capital of the US for awhile. The rooms are set up for viewing. Parlors, bedrooms and his war room. The home is set on 130 acres. Gardens also. This spot is about 11 miles from the city, but worth the trip. read more

Morris-Jumel Mansion - Front parlor - Museums Near Me - New York, New York

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I love this mansion. I love Barb the caretaker and always take out of town visitors to meet her and see the amazing house and grounds. The neighborhood is in the process of restoring the gardens which provide Harlem's best picnic grounds north of the park. Ask Barb about the elderly "homeless" woman who she met on the park's bench in the eighties. You can also feel superior to the idiotic life-time New Yorkers who've never heard of this place. Oh, well. read more

Morris-Jumel Mansion - Museums Near Me - New York, New York

I didn't have a chance to go inside, so I can't comment on that, but what I can comment on is that this is a little hilltop oasis in this part of the city, and one that's easily hidden from the busy streets just a block away. We approached this mansion from the West, passing through Sylvan terrace, beautiful in its own right. Built as affordable housing, it has cute architectural units with a Belgian cobblestone street. At the end of the street is the Mansion, which has an austere look. The sunken garden in the back is amazing. In the late afternoon, the sunlight filters through the trees and falls on this garden, which has a bench along an old shed-looking structure. Rustic and peaceful. When I came, the lead actor from Hamilton the Musical happened to be around, filming a message. It was great and added to the experience. Overall a beautiful property and a neighborhood gem. read more

Morris-Jumel Mansion - Museums Near Me - New York, New York

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This place is a little tucked away treasure in Upper Manhattan, where there aren't many museums to visit (in comparison to other more densely-populated areas of NYC). And it's only $10! My partner and I went to this mansion this past Saturday, and it was EMPTY - that's right, we had the whole place to ourselves! There was a very pleasant man who answered the door and gave us the basic downlow on the place, and then we walked around several floors of the mansion, able to take our time and read all of the information on placards and admire the GORGEOUS original furniture, as well as the very unique wallpaper patterns (some of which are re-pros, but it was really cool to see that people had some quirky design choices back in the day). The architecture of the home is lovely and not overly ornate; there are crown mouldings with little detail, and a very simple but well-made dining table, insanely-carved bedposts, and fun little details like clocks and statues throughout. My only slightly negative critique of the whole place is about lighting, but I'm someone who works in an industry where lighting is very important/prominent. It was hard to read some of the placards, and the rooms were quite dark. There was an art exhibit up on the 2nd floor by a local artist using techniques from the 1700s/1800s, and that was kinda neat - gotta love supporting local art! I am definitely interested in returning around Halloween, when they do some "supernatural" types of events - sounds like kooky fun! They have a gift shop with lots of jewelry - when I inquired about it, the shopkeeper/docent told us that he and his wife donate a lot of the goods to the gift shop to raise money for the museum. I left with two very beautiful lace chokers - bonus! Please go and support this local gem, and tell your friends! read more

Excellent museum. 1) It is the oldest mansion in Manhattan. 2) Come here during noon on Saturdays or 2pm on Sundays for the tour. The tour is excellent and a must. 3) The mansion itself is beautiful. Must visit. read more

Morris-Jumel Mansion - Great tour - Museums Near Me - New York, New York

If you are even remotely a history buff, this place is a must see. The house itself and the history behind it is soooo worth the long subway ride uptown. The grounds are lovely and a nice spot to relax before or after your visit. As others have mentioned there is a tour at noon every Saturday. Our tour guide didn't show up but it was fine self-guided with a good amount of in The deducted star is just for the lady that works there. Just supremely unhelpful and brusque. read more

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If you want something more off the beaten path for your NYC visit, I can't think of a better place to go than the Morris-Jumel Mansion. My boyfriend and I visited the MJM for its Paranormal Investigation event this past weekend, running from 8PM-11PM. The foundation that cares for the MJM recently started the Paranormal Investigation series, so there next programming will be in September or you can do private tours anytime by calling / emailing them. One great thing about the tour is that the Paranormal Investigation allows participants access to freely walk in the rooms, while the normal daytime tours will allow visitors to view the room but only from the entryway of the door. The group numbered no more than 20, so it was a great intimate setting. I was also pleasantly surprised to learn that little cookies and refreshments were provided, which turned out to be perfect given the long length of the program. Our hosts Vinny, Carol, Jordan, and Chris were extremely knowledgeable and engaging throughout the tour. Carol brings the house to life with her knowledge of the house's history, while Vinny taught us the ins-and-outs of ghost hunting while also exercising a healthy amount of skepticism. Jordan and Chris were great too, sharing their own stories of unexplainable encounters at the MJM. The tour is broken up by floors. We started the tour on the first floor where Vinny introduced the group to the different tools of the trade in paranormal investigation and what their detection can be indicative of. The first floor will cover the main foyer, dining room, and front parlor. We then moved onto the second floor where Eliza Jumel, Stephen Jumel, and William Chase's (Eliza's grandson) bedrooms were located. That was about the time when our group heard some unexplainable footstep sounds, which really got my heart pounding, but it wasn't anything too terrifying. We then ended our tour in the basement, which served as the area in which servants prepared food and washed clothes. Overall, the MJM is a gem, and it is packed with so much history! I definitely want to make a trip back during the daytime to walk around the house and its surrounding neighborhood more. While it's a bit further removed from Manhattan, it's pretty accessible via the A and C line so make a visit if you can! read more

I came here for one of he events on the premises. I meet a women who organized a jazz in the park event on Sunday's. She's one of the "known" women in the community who ensures a positive outcome each day at the mansion! It was Ana amazing huge production! I volunteered to help with setup and make sure everyone was happy! Check it out! read more

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Nice small mansion, and the gardens and grounds are pretty interesting and cool to look at. Inside, there's only two floors plus the small basement and altogether 4-5 rooms, which isn't a whole lot, but there are furnishings dating back to the 1800's. And it's self-guided as well, though I saw a large number of people crowding the place all at once. read more

The oldest house in Manhattan, and a need to visit for any local antiquarian. H.P. Lovecraft wrote of his visit in the early '20s, and I went Saturday with my wife to see the sights, site, and imagine the difference over the span of time. Barbara, the caretaker, is a dear, indeed. And while you can do a self-guided tour, I'd go on Saturday at noon to take advantage of the docent and his guided tour, which, he tells me, is excellent. Spend some time walking the grounds, sit on a bench along the edge of the property, and be sure to check out the row of clapboard houses nearby. And ask Barb about the ghosts that people see from the Triple Nickel next door -- especially the man in the white feather coat. A wonderful place. read more

I grew up a few short blocks from Morris-Jumel Mansion. What is also a few short blocks away? A prison. Having lived in such a close proximity, I have come here a few times and can say, honestly and without a doubt that people were much shorter when this house was built. The doorways make me feel like a giant! read more

This mansion will be a perfect place for a horror movie based on the condition and the history revolving it.. From the outside ,it looks grand but it has that cold eerie aura, from the peeling white paint of the walls, the messiness of the lawn or maybe because it was chilly on that day. The house just standing alone on top of the hill, looking very lonely. The house has the smell of the old house (the oldest house in Manhattan), it was self guided tour though the staff did tell us a fast version of the house history, admission is $5/person. When we were there, there was only 3 visitors including us. The interior on the first and second were beautiful and well kept. Ms. Jumel certainly had a fondness with blue turquoise color. The kitchen downstairs are in messy condition, it's like the museum curator can't decide whether it is a display or a storage room. We thought the information a bit scarce and bland, considering this house actually has interesting stories you can make a film out of it. Find out the story of this mansion before you come to this place, especially the life of Eliza Jumel... read more

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I had no idea this mansion existed until I googled "Oldest Homes in NYC." So, of course I had to go. This mansion is 250 years old and the oldest in Manhattan! It was built by a Brit, Colonel Roger Morris, who, along with his wife lived there up until they were deported back to England (because hello, they were Torries). In 1776, George Washington and his men lived there for a brief spell and used it as a command post during the Battle of Harlem Heights. Fast forward, post Revolutionary War, to another owner/occupant of the home: Stephen Jumel and his wife Eliza. Interesting fact (well, to me), after Stephen died, Eliza married Aaron Burr (yes, him!)...and when she divorced Aaron, do you know who her attorney was? Alexander Hamilton's son, Alexander Hamilton Jr.!! Take that, Aaron Burr!! I won't divulge the entire history of the home because I think that people need to see this home for themselves to truly enjoy it. The tour is self-guided and a small donation. The docent that we met was very nice and informative and answered all of our questions. The home does need some repairs but is still in great condition for as old as it is. It's a neat home with creaky, wide plank wooden floors and some original pieces of furniture. When we visited, there was a wallpaper exhibit, which I thought was pretty cool. As we were wandering around, I kept thinking, 'Where's the kitchen?' I then realized that it's out of site and in the basement. So, we popped down there to see it. There are some artifacts on display there as well. Check the website for current and future exhibits. After the tour, my nerd field trip companion and I both agreed that we'd like to come back when the gardens are in bloom. It's so quiet up there...I love it. read more

Came here for Open House New York and the tour guide was very informative. It's a great house with beautiful furnishings, although a little bit worse for wear from the years. Many of the furnishings are original, so it's good to imagine Aaron Burr and Madam Jumel sitting around in the furniture back in the day. However, they have taken to installing modern art in the rooms, maybe as a 2nd source of income, which sometimes detracts from the presentations of the rooms.. Some of the plaques are also a bit outdated and not as helpful or informative, so it's good that I was on a tour. Overall, I would say that it's good that this is only $5 for admission, because it's well worth that price only. read more

I really enjoyed my trip to the Morris-Jumel Mansion. As the oldest surviving house in NYC, it's been swallowed up by progress and the hustle and bustle of a major city but still manages to seem peaceful and makes you feel like you've stepped back in time. When you approach the house there is something sad and forlorn about it. A sense that someone spent a lot of time looking out of the upstairs window waiting for someone to come. I was a little disappointed that you can't actually enter the rooms but with all the period furniture in them I can understand why. Bonus points for being an actively haunted location. I was peering into Eliza Jumel's bedroom and a woman whispered next to me so loudly that I jumped. I do a lot of ITC work and paranormal research so not much makes me jump but that did! Very cool! I also captured someone confessing to a murder when I sat outside in the sunken garden. I used Echovox software on my phone and heard "There was a murder...poisoned..to death.." and then later a very remorseful "I killed him". Pretty amazing. Only thing I did not care for was the modern art in the house. Just not my style. It reminded me of Kensington Palace in London where there's not really much to see so they make up for it by having art installments in all the rooms. The headless figure in Eliza Jumel's room was just wrong. read more

It's colonial NYC. It survived the Revolution. Enough said! Check out the following website for many great colonial places in NYC http://www.nyfreedom.com/ read more

I did workshops here as a child, volunteered in the garden as an adult and enjoyed free wine, food and cake at events all year round. An interesting and dedicated group of people manage the place which seems to be getting better every year since its downturn about 10 years back. I'm glad to see the place being spruced up again. It's an amazing place for laying in the grass, smelling the huge variety of sweet roses or other herbs in the culinary/medicinal garden, or just letting your pups run around. And recently some great expos, including a rather raunchy lingerie exhibit about the loves of Aaron Burr. :) Highly recommended, it's a real gem in the neighborhood and a great stop if you plan on coming uptown for the cloisters anyway! BTW, they have a book exchange and entrance fee is soo affordable. read more

What a great site. Gorgeous wallpaper, interesting historical significance in many eras, and it's haunted! Chris was EXCELLENT, a great guide , happy to share stories with us. Nice gift shop, and if you are local you should absolutely be a member. Their programming is so, so cool. It was one of my favorite spots on our Hamilton history tour. read more

Morris-Jumel Mansion - Lin-Manuel sat in that chair to write Burr's numbers from Hamilton. - Museums Near Me - New York, New York

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Yoga classes on Saturday @3pm and Sunday @1pm. The truly hidden treasure in Manhattan!! read more

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The outside of this historic colonial mansion is pretty cool look at and the grounds are quite lovely. In some areas the scent of the flowers waft through the air, and there is a small sunken garden in the back. I saw a number of people walking their dogs along the pathway circling the mansion. Inside, there's not too much to see. There are several rooms with some furnishings dating back to the 1800's, but not as extensive and impressive as some old mansions I've been in. There was Mary Brown's bedroom, Aaron Burr's bedroom, Eliza Jumel's bedroom, and a dining area, a front parlor, and kitchen area downstairs. (The front parlor and Eliza Jumel's bed, which she claimed to acquire from Napoleon, were probably the most interesting.) The octagonal room (the first one built in the colonies) was being used as yoga room. There's really so much more they could do with the space inside the mansion. The tours are self-guided so what you learn is based on the info posted in each room. read more

This place is such a historical landmark. It was once George Washington's battle headquarters, belonged to Aaron Burr, and Eliza Jumel - the main maiden of the house presumably still haunts it! But don't let that discourage you. This is a great place to explore, with some really interesting exhibits and activities going on. The staff is super friendly and really educated - you can tell they really love history and the building itself. Without a doubt check this place out. read more

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From the moment you approach the Morris-Jumel Mansion's graceful Georgian faade of towering white columns the house comes to life. It is 1770, lively music from violins, cellos, piano and flute float from the house along with the muffled den of dancing feet. The buzz of pleasant conversation and the expectation of light refreshment force you to hasten your pace to join the party. Inside, wide corridors, double parlors, hand-painted wall paper, handsome portraits, antique Chippendale, Empire, and Classical Revival furniture tell the tale of the entertaining that obviously took place here during the Pre Revolutionary Period in British New York. Built in 1765, the mansion was once the country home and summer retreat of Colonel Roger and Mary Morris. When war broke out in 1776, Colonel Morris, a British officer, returned to England to raise money for troops and military supplies. His home, meanwhile, was seized by George Washington's forces and served as his headquarters because of its key strategic location overlooking both the Harlem and Hudson rivers. Walk slowly around the parlor, dining room and drawing room downstairs then imagine the life of the former inhabitants in the comfortable airy bedrooms upstairs. The furniture in Washington's study and bedroom painstakingly restored look the way they did when he lived here. Venture down a narrow staircase peek in the kitchen below the main floor. Notice the hearth, odd-shaped curious wrought iron kitchen utensils and cooking accessories once used to toast bread. The Mansion and beautiful landscaped garden off Roger Morris Park in Harlem is a bit of a hike from midtown, without a doubt, your efforts will be pleasantly rewarded. A couple hours spent here will allow your imagination free rein and transport you to another era. Best of all, it's never crowded. This is a museum only the most discerning New Yorkers have discovered. Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis engaged the drawing rooms for private luncheons and tea parties, while Katherine Hepburn found the gardens a welcome refuge from her East Side townhouse. If you are lucky, you may find you have the place all to yourself. Don't miss the annual jazz festival this August 25th beginning at 2:00. Check website for details. Suggestion: When you return to midtown, take a taxi. Have the driver drive south through Central Park. The wooded landscape will give you a sense of what this area of the city looked like in the late 18th and early 19th century when cultivated farmland, grazing sheep and cows were commonplace. Jacqueline Cable For www.postcardsfromnewyork.com Address to remember: Morris-Jumel Mansion, Roger Morris Park, 65 Jumel Terrace at 160th St, New York, NY 10032, 212-923-8008. www.morrisjumel.org. Hours: Weds - Sun 10 AM - 4 PM. Closed holidays. Admission: $ 4.00 Adults, $3.00 Seniors and Students. Children under 12 free when accompanied by an Adult. Directions: From Times Square MTA C train to 163rd Street, proceed up St. Nicolas to Roger Morris Park, you will see the Mansion. Bus M2, M18, M101 to 160th Street, short wall to the Mansion. read more

We love the Hamilton musical and it's interesting to learn about the man. This was stop 2 on our Hamilton tour. There's groups that lead tours to here but we opted to do it on our own. Keep in mid - this entire area (Harlem) was woods years ago when the house was built! Try to go on the guided tour. We didn't realize it was going to be 90 minutes... but it was. Not that it was long.... just VERY informative and great guy doing the tour (sorry, I forget his name). He got married on the property! We had skipped a 30 minute guided tour at the Hamilton Grange. Not that the Grange isn't good, but this tour covers all the floors of this house AND the property. The Grange tour covers just the first floor and shows a video. Be sure to check out the houses on Sylvan Terrace (when at the gate to the Mansion's park, turn around and check that row of houses)! read more

I love this mansion! I love the garden and grounds. It is so peaceful and makes you forget that you are virtually in the middle of Manhattan island. The house has so much history and they offer wonderful programs including Jazz at the Mansion every August which is hosted by Marjorie Eliot of Parlor Entertainment who lives across the street at 555 Edgecombe. read more

New York's oldest residence. Beautiful home in Washington Heights. Surrounded by a beautiful neighborhood of homes that look like they belong more in Charleston South Carolina than New York City. The home has Legends of being haunted. A nice diamond in the rough of all the Brownstones and giant apartment buildings read more

It is great that this historic 1765 mansion was saved so that generations can enjoy exploring this architectural gem and the history of the Jumel family. Touring the oldest house in Manhattan, we had the best tour guide, Mr. John Henry Thomas III. He's been here since the 1960's. He was very entertaining and informative. read more