Gothic Revival Mansion by the Hudson River

Located in Tarrytown is the Lyndhurst Mansion, a piece of architectural history designed in 1838. Surrounded by park-like landscaping, the mansion has been home to former New York City mayor William Paulding, Jay Gould the railroad tycoon, and George Merritt, a wealthy merchant. The Lyndhurst estate was shaped by these three owners over the course of more than 100 years. When viewing the mansion, their influence is still apparent, from the Gothic mansion furnishings and country villa style.

Now managed by The National Trust for Historic Preservation, the Lyndhurst is a grand estate that people visit year-round. The peaceful setting is great for a weekend escape, as well as an education opportunity for young and mature. There are a variety of tour options at the mansion. You can choose a self-guided tour which are available from 10:30 am until 3:45 pm. Audio players are available in the Museum Shop, and the tour can last from 45 minutes up to three hours, depending upon how frequently you pause. The Guided Tours of the mansion are offered Tuesday through Friday at varying times. You can sign up for a tour time in the Museum Shop. These tours take approximately 45 minutes and are included in your cost of admission. The self-guided brochure tour are included with each family admission. You receive a brochure when you purchase your ticket and you can purchase more if necessary. Tour groups smaller than ten are not required to make a tour reservation beforehand. Admission to the museum ranges in price from $5 to $12, and discounted admission is available for seniors and children.

The mansion is a popular destination for school groups, and the school tours feature award-winning educational programs that are suitable for a variety of topics and age groups. Programs are available onsite or at your school and they include topics ranging from Childhood on the Hudson 100 Years Ago, to How Gilded was the Gilded Age? The programs focuses on three time periods from 100 years ago, to the Civil War, to the Gilded Age. Each of the periods is suitable for varying grade levels. The educational program meets the National and New York State Social Studies and Language Arts standards.

A trip to the museum would not be complete without a visit to the Museum Shop. Located in the Carriage House, the shop is open during museum hours and features a variety of period reproductions and unique gifts. You can also purchase gift certificates. The museum is available for private use and catering is an option if you are planning a party or wedding. The museum also offer internships for those who would like to formally incorporate the history of the mansion into their education. Horticulture and Architectural Conservation and Restoration are the suitable majors for the internships and interns will participate in restoration projects, building, and gardening. Internships are for ten weeks and they include onsite housing and a stipend.

Whether you are visiting the area and merely curious to see a Gothic style mansion, or you have educational goals that include restoration or architecture, a tour of the mansion is a great way to learn about the history of the area.