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The Philipsburg Manor Case Study

Staff and advisors to Historic Hudson Valley discuss how the stories of enslaved residents were restored to the interpretation at the Philipsburg Manor historic site, as a result of sustained research into primary sources.

The Half Moon at the Highlands

1881

After Thomas Moran (American, born England, 1837–1926)

This image is an imagined rendering of Henry Hudson's voyage up the river that would later be named after him. Philipsburg Manor stands just south of the highlands shown here.

Historic Hudson Valley, Gift of the Heirs of William and Ruth Diebold.

Philipse Manor Hall

1784

Unknown

Colonial mills and plantations grew up along the Hudson and its tributaries. Colonists took advantage of waterways for transportation and of water power for industry.

Historic Hudson Valley, Gift of La Duchesse de Talleyrand.

A page from the probate inventory of Adolph Philipse

1750

Joseph Reade (English, born New York, 1694–1771)

This single page from the lengthy inventory of Adolph Philipse's estate includes the names of the enslaved individuals living at Philipsburg Manor, Upper Mills.

Adolph Philipse estate records. Manuscripts and Archives Division. The New York Public Library. Astor, Lenox, and Tilden Foundations.

Dutch Tulip Festival at Philipsburg Manor

1954

Visitors to Philipsburg Manor in the 1950s learned about the Dutch history of the site, but not about enslaved community.

Historic Hudson Valley.

The gristmill reconstruction at Philipsburg Manor

1969

The mill at Philipsburg Manor was restored in 1969.

Historic Hudson Valley.

Adolph Philipse

c. 1695

Unknown

Adolph Philipse, merchant and politician, the owner of Philipsburg Manor.

Artist unknown / Museum of the City of New York. 33.45.

An interpreter demonstrates coopering at Philipsburg Manor

Coopering, or barrel-making, was a specialized skill in the colonial economy.

Historic Hudson Valley.

Visitors learn coopering at Philipsburg Manor

Philipsburg Manor, Sleepy Hollow, New York.

Historic Hudson Valley.

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