Friends of Philipse Manor Hall

01/15/2026

Views of Philipse Manor Hall State Historic Site in winter.

01/15/2026

Join the Friends and expert historians for a closer look at this film about George Washington and the crossing of the Delaware.

Save the Date! Join us on Saturday, January 24, 2026 at 1:00 PM for our next installment of "Historian & A Movie!" This month we'll be watching "The Crossing" (2000, TV-PG), a film about Washington crossing the Delaware.

Historian commentary will be provided by Chad Johnson of New Windsor Cantonment State Historic Site and Knox's Headquarters State Historic Site, and Karen Pena of Washington's Headquarters State Historic Site.

This program is free and open to everyone, no registration required. Refreshments provided courtesy the Friends of Philipse Manor Hall.

Learn more at https://www.philipsemanorhall.com/programs-and-events/historian-a-movie-the-crossing-2000

12/09/2025

Don't miss this one-of-a-kind exhibit on through December 28th at Philipse Manor Hall State Historic Site

12/09/2025

🎄✨ A Special Holiday Presentation at Philipse Manor Hall ✨🎄
with historian Dr. Elisabeth Funk

We’re closing out the year with something truly special on December 11 — an exclusive partner only evening that blends history, holiday traditions, and community as we explore how an early 19th-century New York writer helped shape one of the most iconic figures of the season… Santa Claus.

This event is not only a celebration — it’s also an opportunity. If you’ve ever thought about becoming a Partner of Friends of Philipse Manor Hall.

👉 Want to become a Partner and secure your RSVP?
Now’s the perfect moment — we hope to see you there!
https://friendsofphilipsemanorhall.org/event/washington-irving-and-the-making-of-santa-claus/
This is your last chance this year to join, meet our leadership, and RSVP for this exclusive event. We’d love to welcome you!

🌟 Evening Schedule
6:30–7:00 PM — Private Tour of Philipse Manor Hall
7:00–8:00 PM — “Washington Irving and the Making of Santa Claus”
Presented by historian Dr. Elisabeth Funk
8:00–8:45 PM — Food & Beverage Reception
Enjoy refreshments and connect with Board members, site staff, and community partners.

A special holiday presentation with historian Dr. Elisabeth Funk Join us at Philipse Manor Hall for an evening that blends […]

12/07/2025

12/07/2025

🎄✨ We’ve been getting into the holiday spirit at Philipse Manor Hall!

This weekend, kids and families rolled up their sleeves and got creative — decorating gingerbread cookies, making orange pomanders, crafting cotton bears, and even designing their own paper clogs! 🍊🐻👟✨

Thank you to everyone who joined us for this festive hands-on fun. Stay tuned for more holiday activities and historic traditions coming your way!

12/06/2025

🎄 What a wonderful day at Philipse Manor Hall!
Thank you to everyone who joined us—we can’t wait to welcome you back for more programs and celebrations! 🎁✨

12/06/2025

✨ Thank you to everyone who joined us for the Saint Nicholas Day Celebration at Philipse Manor Hall! ✨

We’re so grateful to all the families who came out—and a huge thank you to our amazing staff and volunteers who made the day possible.

Kids had a wonderful time exploring 17th-century Dutch traditions with hands-on crafts, music, and of course… a special visit from St. Nicholas! 🎁🎶

We’re also excited to share that Westchester News12 covered the event, helping highlight this beloved tradition and the history behind it.

We love celebrating with our community. Stay tuned for more events!

Kids explored 17th-century Dutch customs with crafts, music and a visit from St. Nicholas.

12/05/2025

Come celebrate with us tomorrow!

Today is St. Nicholas Day! When the first Dutch settlers came to New Netherland, they brought with them St. Nicholas and their favorite holiday, Sinterklaas.

On December 5th, St. Nicholas Day Eve, children would leave out their shoes next to the chimney along with a carrot or hay for Sinterklaas's horse. They’d sing songs before going to bed, and if they were good children, they would wake the following day to find a small gift in their shoes.

St. Nicholas became the patron saint of New Amsterdam and they even dedicated their first church on the island of Manhattan to him. The stone Church of St. Nicholas was built in 1642. Near what is now the Battery, it was built inside Fort Amsterdam for protection from attack. They also named St. Nicholas Avenue in Harlem after him.

Over the next few generations, Sinterklaas found his way into American literature. In 1809, writer Washington Irving created a jolly Sinterklaas for his popular Knickerbocker Tales. Then in 1822, an Episcopal priest named Clement Moore wrote “A Visit from St. Nicholas” which featured a jolly old elf, his descent down a chimney on Christmas Eve, and a sleigh drawn by eight tiny reindeer. The Father Christmas image stuck, but he acquired a new name—Santa Claus—a direct derivation from the Dutch ‘Sinterklaas’.

🎨 The Feast of St. Nicholas, Richard Brakenburg, 1685

12/05/2025

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Did you know Philipse Manor Hall has recently acquired an original 1748 sterling silver teapot tied to the Philipse family? Believed to be from the estate of Adolphus Philipse—one of colonial New York’s richest men—this remarkable piece is now on display: https://friendsofphilipsemanorhall.org/philipse-manor-hall-collection-acquisition/

✨ Come take a look!

12/03/2025

We are looking for volunteers! Please reach out if you’re interested and available this Saturday, December 6th.

12/25/2024

The Friends of Philipse Manor Hall wishes you and your family a Happy Holiday! ❄️🎁