Holiday traditions may have been a little different in the late 1700s when the iconic Ten Broeck Mansion was built atop an Albany hill, but more than 200 years later, the historic home continues to welcome visitors for the holidays.
Tucked away in the middle of the Arbor Hill neighborhood sits a mansion filled with stories of long ago. The home, which was named “Prospect,” was built in 1798 for General Abraham Ten Broeck, a Revolutionary War hero, his wife, Elizabeth Van Rensselaer, a Dutch patroon descendant, and their five children.
“At the time, it was all countryside with a view of the Hudson River,” said Wendy Burch, Ten Broeck Mansion executive director.
The Ten Broeck family called Prospect home until Abraham Ten Broeck’s death in 1810 followed by Elizabeth’s death three years later.
Over the next 30 years, the character of the house and surrounding area began to change. Thomas Olcott, a prominent banker and philanthropist, purchased the mansion in 1848 and renamed it “Arbour Hill.” The neighborhood began to grow as the Erie Canal developed through town, and many of the workers made the area around the mansion their home.
“There was an influx of all different people. Immigrants were working on the canal, artisans and servants working in the mansion all lived close,” Burch said. “On Ten Broeck Street, on the eastern border of the property, there were very grand houses known as ‘Millionaires Row.’ They are still here, although most of them are broken up into apartments now.”
Burch said the Olcott family and descendants owned the house for 100 years, however the lives of the two families live on through stories told within the mansion thanks to the historical association.
“It’s a hidden gem in the midst of Arbor Hill,” Burch said. “The Albany County Historical Association has had the mansion since the 40s. We operate it as a historic museum and cultural education center.”
Burch said for the most part, all of the furnishings in the mansion are antiques from the Greek Revival period.
“We have interpreted it to a slightly later period than it was built. It reflects an 1845 feel,” she said. “It was originally a Federal style house. The Olcutts added Greek Revival.”
The society hosts a slew of events inside the historical home throughout the year from weddings to live concerts.
“We have tours, lecture series’, concerts, exhibits, special events and really beautiful gardens that are spectacular in the spring and summer,” she said.
In December, the society gives visitors a chance to step back in time and enjoy the holidays inside the mansion. Local florists and designers come decorate the interior with festive holiday decor.
“Every year the decorations are always different. Everyone is so ingenious. This year, they are excited with the theme ‘Once Upon a Time.’ They are coming up with fairy tales and stories,” Burch said.
The festivities go on all month and include a holiday shop, a holiday tea, musical events, a children’s story hour and more. On Saturday, Dec. 7, the mansion is open to give visitors an opportunity to explore.
“We will have music, a cookie walk, crafts for children and Sinterklaas will be on hand to greet the visitors and pose for pictures,” Burch said.
The holiday shop will also be open during the open house where visitors can find handcrafted jewelry, holiday decorations and framed prints among the items available.
Burch said one of their most popular events during the holidays is the holiday tea.
“You come in and there is a selection of baked goods and refreshments. Tea is served, you sit down at the tables and enjoy the atmosphere or walk around,” she said. “There are not that many 18th century mansions where you can sit down and enjoy a meal.”
The event has been a holiday tradition at the mansion for close to 20 years.
“You can wander wherever you want for the most part for most of the events,” Burch said. “The history of the house in itself is interesting, but when the mansion is decorated, it’s like you are stepping into a winter wonderland. It’s really beautiful … a feast for the eyes. It’s like stepping back in time.”
The Ten Broeck Mansion will be open for its holiday open house on Saturday, Dec. 7, from noon to 4 p.m. Admission is $5. The Ten Broeck Mansion is located at 9 Ten Broeck Place in Albany. Parking is available on site. For more information, visit www.tenbroeckmansion.org.