Philipse Manor Hall State Historic Site, the Friends of Philipse Manor Hall, Old Croton Aqueduct State Historic Park, and the Friends of Old Croton Aqueduct are pleased to present “Takings: A History of Land Disputes Along the Old Croton Aqueduct” a new temporary exhibit on display at Philipse Manor Hall State Historic Site (29 Warburton Ave. Yonkers, NY), Wednesday, October 8 through Sunday, December 28, 2025.
When the first Croton Aqueduct was built, the City of New York exercised eminent domain to complete the project. Many longstanding working farms and estates in Westchester, the Bronx, and Manhattan were forced to give up valuable land and historic rights of way. Although local landowners were powerless to stop the project, they did win significant concessions, including tunnels, ramps, small route diversions, and even the glorious Highbridge. This exhibit examines the path of the original Croton Aqueduct, the landowners impacted, and the fight to be heard in an era that valued progress at all costs. Don’t miss this new collection of archival documents and research that reveal this important part of the Aqueduct story.
Access to “Takings” is included with general museum admission. Tickets are $6 for adults, $3 for seniors and students and available at the door. Philipse Manor Hall State Historic Site is open Wednesdays through Sundays, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Free parking is available on site.
This exhibit is sponsored by the Friends of Old Croton Aqueduct and the Maurice D. Hinchey Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area.
