Have you ever wondered what it's like to live in a different time? Well you can experience it by taking a visit to any (or all!) of these historical sites in the NY Metropolitan Area. Whether you're interested in tracing your roots back to your ancestors who first came to America or learning about those who fought to make America the land that it is today, one of these sites is sure to interest you.
Do you love a good hike? Then High Point State Park is definitely the place for you. Nestled in the Kittatinny and Appalachian Mountains in the Skylands region of NJ, this park is home to the highest point in the state of New Jersey. The highest point is marked by an obelisk monument accessible by trail. At the highest point you can enjoy beautiful views of the farmlands and mountains of New York, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. The monument itself commemorates all war veterans.
A 3,575 acre park home to the site of Washington’s crossing of the Delaware River at Johnson’s Ferry. Take a stroll around the park and imagine what it must have been like crossing the frigid water on the night of December 25th, 1776 not knowing it would also be the turning point of the American Revolution.
3. Washington's Headquarters Museum and Ford Mansion.
Haven’t had
enough of George Washington? Then make sure to stop by the Washington’s Headquarters Museum and Ford Mansion. First, visit the museum and learn some more about the Revolutionary War while seeing some cool artifacts. Then, take a guided tour of the Ford Mansion and see where George Washington and his men made their headquarters during the winter of 1779-1780.
Tenements were the homes of many of America’s immigrant families in the 19th and 20th centuries. The museum has 6 restored apartments that showcase the lives of different immigrant families in different time periods. Located conveniently in Manhattan’s Lower East Side, the tenement museum is committed to preserving the legacy of America’s immigrants.
Continue your tour of America’s immigrant history at Ellis Island. This famous building saw more that 12 million immigrant faces as they came to face their futures in America. Since it’s closing in 1954, Ellis Island has been transformed into a museum and history center where you can learn about the day to day operations of Ellis Island as well as research your own family’s history.
The former residence of Pittsburgh industrialist, Henry Frick, this 5th Avenue Gilded Age mansion is now home to some magnificent art. The Frick has a distinguished collection of Old Masters paintings as well as holdings of European sculpture and decorative arts. Apart from it’s impressive art collection the Frick also has a reference library perfect for those interested in art history and collection. Spend a tranquil day amidst the paintings of Rembrandt, Vermeer, Goya, and many more.
Governor’s Island is neatly tucked in the New York Harbor and the perfect place for an escape. Home to Fort Jay and Castle Williams this is a great place for any history buff. Apart from that, biking, walking and playgrounds make it fun for everyone. Even more, there are always cool events going on at Governor’s Island from film and
poetry festivals, to art installations, and
family fun days.
If you haven’t been to the High Line, where have you been? Originally a train line that ran above the city below, the High Line is now a beautiful public green space with Chelsea as it’s backdrop. Take a two mile stroll across the High Line and book end your visit with a trip to the Whitney Museum of American Art and a bite to eat at Chelsea Market.
The only remaining pre-Revolution mansion in the New York Area, the Conference House is a must see for American history fans. This building, built in 1680 and located at the southern tip of Staten Island, was the location of the unsuccessful 1776 Staten Island Peace Conference that attempted to end the Revolutionary War. Take a tour of the house and see what life was like in Revolutionary War NYC!
Home of the relocated home of America’s Treasury Secretary, Alexander
Hamilton, is a must see for history and
musical theater nerds alike. Located in St. Nicholas Park in Upper Manhattan, the Grange was the only home every owned by Alexander Hamilton. Take a free guided tour and see the home of this controversial founding father.
A museum and reference library for the arts and culture of Spain, Portugal, and Latin America. Admission is free to see the amazing paintings of Goya, Velazquez, and El Greco. Since it's located in the Beaux Arts building in Washington Heights, make sure to finish off your visit with some amazing local food.
A 3,575 acre park home to the site of Washington’s crossing of the Delaware River at Johnson’s Ferry. Take a stroll around the park and imagine what it must have been like crossing the frigid water on the night of December 25th, 1776 not knowing it would also be the turning point of the American Revolution.
Continue your tour of America’s immigrant history at Ellis Island. This famous building saw more that 12 million immigrant faces as they came to face their futures in America. Since it’s closing in 1954, Ellis Island has been transformed into a museum and history center where you can learn about the day to day operations of Ellis Island as well as research your own family’s history.
A museum and reference library for the arts and culture of Spain, Portugal, and Latin America. Admission is free to see the amazing paintings of Goya, Velazquez, and El Greco. Since it's located in the Beaux Arts building in Washington Heights, make sure to finish off your visit with some amazing local food.
