Historic Cherry Hill | Albany

Historic Cherry Hill is a well-preserved late 18th-century house museum located at 523½ South Pearl Street in Albany, New York. Built in 1787, it was originally the family home of Philip and Maria Van Rensselaer, members of one of Albany’s most prominent Dutch-descended families. The house remained in the Van Rensselaer family for nearly 200 years before being donated to the public in 1963 by Emily Rankin, the last family descendant. It opened as a museum in 1964.

Architectural and Historical Significance

Cherry Hill is a two-and-a-half-story timber-framed structure with a gambrel roof, a hallmark of Dutch Colonial architecture, reflecting the Dutch heritage of the region. The home is situated on a slight rise, offering expansive views of the Hudson River and the Port of Albany-Rensselaer, underscoring the family’s connection to the riverfront and Albany’s development.

The house retains much of its original fabric and layout, providing visitors with an authentic glimpse of 18th-century domestic life. The architecture features traditional woodwork, fireplaces, wide plank floors, and period finishes that speak to the era’s craftsmanship and the family’s social standing.

Collections and Interior

Historic Cherry Hill houses an extensive collection of more than 70,000 artifacts, including furniture, textiles, clothing, personal documents, photographs, and household items. These collections are largely from the Van Rensselaer family and offer a deep and intimate look into the lifestyle, social customs, and history of a prominent Albany family over multiple generations.

Many rooms are arranged as period interiors, furnishing the home as it would have appeared in the 18th and 19th centuries. The collection’s scope makes Cherry Hill unique, as it tells the family’s story and also provides insight into larger themes of American history, including trade, social hierarchy, and cultural change.

Museum Programs and Tours

The museum offers guided tours that engage visitors in the historical narrative of the Van Rensselaer family and their role in Albany’s history. Tours focus not just on architecture and artifacts but also invite discussion about social issues such as class, race, and privilege, providing a fuller context of the family’s place in history.

Recent initiatives funded by grants have focused on updating exhibits and tours to better include diverse perspectives, addressing issues of inequality and expanding the interpretation to reflect broader historical narratives.

Grounds and Setting

The property includes historic gardens and outbuildings that contribute to understanding the estate’s operation and lifestyle. The grounds provide a tranquil setting and help recreate the experience of a late 18th-century family estate.

Visiting Information

Location: 523½ South Pearl Street, Albany, NY 12202

Hours: Wednesdays and Saturdays from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM

Admission:

Adults: $5

Seniors and college students: $4

Children (6–17): $3

Children under 5: Free

Guided tours run at 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM, and 3:00 PM on open days.

Special Events

The museum hosts events such as the annual Albany History Fair and themed dramatic tours, like the popular “1827 Murder at Cherry Hill” tour, which brings local history to life through storytelling and reenactments.

Historic Cherry Hill is a valuable cultural landmark that provides insight into Albany’s colonial and post-colonial history through the lens of one influential family. Its extensive collections and thoughtful programming make it a rich resource for understanding regional and social history in New York State.