Tour the Bartow-Pell Mansion Museum with the HSRC

Join the Historical Society of Rockland County for a tour of the stunning Bartow-Pell Museum! The day will beging with a docent-led tour of the gorgeous 19th-century  Federal-style Bartow-Pell Mansion, with stunning views of the Long Island Sound. Guests will then enjoy  conversation and light refreshments including tea, scones, and biscuits) in the historic mansion’s Orangerie, followed by free exploration of the gardens and grounds. 

The Bartow-Pell estate’s long history began in 1654, when Thomas Pell, an English physician from Connecticut bought about 50,000 acres from the native Lenape people. His heir and nephew, Sir John Pell, completed the house after 1670. It served four generations of Pells before it burned down during the American Revolution.

In 1836, the property was purchased by Pell descendant and publisher Robert Bartow, who built the present gray stone Greek Revival mansion. 

The Bartow family remained in the mansion until 1888, when the city of New York purchased the property along with many other acres that now make up Pelham Bay Park.

In 1914, the city leased the site to the International Garden Club. The club hired the architectural firm Delano & Aldrich to restore the mansion and design the formal garden. The building opened as a museum in 1946, and in 2008 the club was renamed Bartow-Pell Conservancy.

This tour will take place September 18th, leaving the Historical Society parking lot at 10:00 a.m. and returning at 4:00 p.m. The cost is $139 per person for HSRC Members and $149 per person for nonmembers. This cost includes all fees, tips, and tea in the conservatory of the historic Bartow-Pell Mansion. 

This tour is expected to fill up quickly. Reserve your spot today!