05/29/2026
Happy "museum anniversary" Morris-Jumel Mansion!
MJM first opened its doors as a public museum on May 29, 1907, capping off a long and storied history since it was built in 1765 by a British military officer and his Anglo-Dutch heiress wife. Manhattan's oldest house has served as a family home (for both Loyalists and Patriots), General George Washington's headquarters, a tavern, and much more over its 261 years, including serving as an inspirational location for uptown neighbor Lin-Manuel Miranda while writing "Hamilton."
The historic and architectural importance of MJM was long recognized by individuals and organizations, but it required complex negotiations and funding efforts among numerous New York City agencies, spearheaded by the Daughters of the American Revolution, to finally establish the Mansion as a public museum and a landmark to be protected and preserved. The Mansion opened to the public with much acclaim in 1907, but it was not until 1966 that it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places, followed in 1967 by designation as an Individual Landmark and 1975 as an Interior Landmark by the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission. MJM is proudly a member of the Historic House Trust of NYC.
Today the Mansion is undergoing a long-awaited restoration to bring it back to its glory and the house is temporarily closed. However, the grounds of Roger Morris Park remain open, and we continue to offer live and virtual events in our commitment to preserve history and serve the community. Read more about the road to becoming a museum (and much more) in the May issue of the Mansion Minute Newsletter - link here:
https://buff.ly/hIvhCFq
Historic House Trust of New York City Northern Manhattan Arts Alliance NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission