General George Washington (John Koopman III) is expected at Philipse Manor Hall Sept. 23
Philipse Manor Hall State Historic Site, 29 Warburton Ave., Yonkers, is pleased to host its annual Harvest Festival on Saturday, September 23, 2023, from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. September was wheat and apple harvest time on the Philipse Manor, where tenant farmers brought their newly harvested wheat to the Philipse grist mills to be turned into flour. Members of the public are invited to step back in time to the late 18th century for this free special program.
Visitors can meet historical people like General George Washington and his horse Nelson, portrayed by John Koopman III and his gentle horse Bear. Members of the Living History Company will portray African American soldiers from both the British and Patriot sides, including Lord Dunmore’s Regiment, the First Rhode Island Regiment, and Black Loyalists. Tom Hunt will offer 18th century broom making demonstrations, and Erik Paul will offer 18th century joinery and woodworking demonstrations. Sarah Wassberg Johnson, Philipse Manor Hall State Historic Site’s programs and education manager, will portray an upper-class 18th century woman. Wassberg Johnson and Philipse Manor Hall State Historic Site manager Michael Lord will offer special hands-on history programs on the history of the spice and sugar trades, and the history of milling on the Philipse Manor. Historical games will also be available for kids (and grownups) of all ages.
Visitors can also interact with area partners in history, including the Friends of Philipse Manor Hall, who will offer a cider mill demonstration, the Maurice D. Hinchey Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area, Yonkers Historical Society/Sherwood House Museum, and the Friends of Odell House/Rochambeau HQ.
Philipse Manor Hall’s Harvest Festival coincides with Yonkers Riverfest, which features live music, food, vendors, kids’ activities, and more from 12:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on the Yonkers Waterfront, including Van Der Donck Park, located right next to Philipse Manor Hall State Historic Site. The Harvest Festival is sponsored by the Maurice D. Hinchey Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area and the Friends of Philipse Manor Hall.
For more information, including directions and an event schedule, visit www.philipsemanorhall.com.
