Vanderbilt Mansion

1. Vanderbilt Mansion History

• When was Vanderbilt Mansion originally established?
  • The earliest origin of Vanderbilt Mansion dates back to 1764, when Dr. John Bard purchased the land where the mansion currently sits.
• Who was the first owner of the land?
  • Dr. John Bard built his home, known as Red House, near the eastern area of the overall property and maintained the agricultural significance of the land.
• Who managed the property after John Bard?
  • From 1799 to 1821, the property was under the supervision of John’s son, Samuel Bard.
• When did the Bard family sell the land?
  • The land stayed in the Bard family until 1828.
• Who purchased the land in 1828?
  • In 1828, Dr. David Hosack, the president of the New York Horticultural Society, purchased the land and worked alongside Andre Parmentier to bring a new era to the property.
• Who owned the property after Dr. David Hosack?
  • Almost twenty years later, John Jacob Astor purchased the land as a gift to his daughter, Dorothea Langdon, and her family.
• When did the Vanderbilt family acquire the estate?
  • Dorothea Langdon’s family owned the property until May 1895, when Frederick W. and Louise Vanderbilt purchased it.
• Why did the Vanderbilts purchase the estate?
  • The Vanderbilt family purchased the estate with the intent to use it as a vacation home, as it was located along the Hudson River and was in close proximity to their New York Central Railroad.
• Who inherited the estate after Frederick Vanderbilt’s death?
  • When Frederick passed away in 1938, the estate was granted to his niece, Margaret “Daisy” Van Alen.
• How did the estate become part of the National Park Service?
  • President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who neighbored the estate, urged Van Alen to donate the property to the National Park Service.
  • In 1940, two years after Vanderbilt’s death, Van Alen donated the estate to the National Park Service.
• How was the Vanderbilt Mansion used during World War II?
  • President Roosevelt used parts of the home for the Secret Service, staff, and friends throughout 1941 to 1943.
• Is Vanderbilt Mansion open to the public?
  • Since 1943, Vanderbilt Mansion has been open to the public.

2. Vanderbilt Mansion Attractions

• What are the main attractions at Vanderbilt Mansion?
  • There are two main attractions at Vanderbilt Mansion: the home and the gardens.
• Are there details available about the interior design of the mansion?
  • To maintain the charm and surprise of Vanderbilt Mansion, there are not a lot of details about the interior design available.
• What areas can visitors explore inside Vanderbilt Mansion?
  • Visitors can expect to explore:
    • North and South Foyers
    • Halls, notably the Elliptical Hall
    • Dining Room
    • Living Room
    • Lobby
    • Den
    • Gold Room
    • Lavatory
    • Bedroom, boudoir, and bathroom that Mrs. Vanderbilt used
    • Bedroom and bathroom that Mr. Vanderbilt used
    • Guest bedrooms and bathrooms
    • Linen room
    • Servants’ Hall
• What type of gardens can visitors see at Vanderbilt Mansion?
  • Visitors can explore the Italian-inspired gardens.

3. Vanderbilt Mansion Educational Opportunities

• What educational opportunities are available at Vanderbilt Mansion?
  • Vanderbilt Mansion offers a variety of educational opportunities for the general public, including programs for educators and students.
• What is the Field Trip Program at Vanderbilt Mansion?
  • One of the most popular educational programs at Vanderbilt Mansion is the field trip program.
  • During a standard field trip, students will have the opportunity to explore Vanderbilt Mansion and get a behind-the-scenes glimpse into its daily operations and what life was like when the Vanderbilt family lived there.
  • Tour guides will incorporate as much information as possible about the Gilded Age, helping students connect their classroom curriculum to what they learn at the mansion.
  • For more information about field trips, contact Kevin Thomas at 845-486-7751.
• What is the Parks as Classrooms program?
  • Parks as Classrooms is one of the few educational opportunities designed specifically for educators.
  • Employees at Vanderbilt Mansion and the National Park Service understand the importance of education, particularly in teaching and understanding history.
  • The program provides educators with a variety of resources to help students get excited about history, particularly the Gilded Age.
  • As part of the program, Vanderbilt Mansion has collaborated with the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places to create a variety of comprehensive lesson plans.
  • Lesson plans are divided by theme, time period, and age level, adhering to curriculum objectives while providing new insight and context into the materials.
• Where can I find more information about educational programs at Vanderbilt Mansion?
  • For more information about field trips, Parks as Classrooms, and other educational opportunities at Vanderbilt Mansion, visit the landmark’s official website or contact them during their hours of operation.

4. Vanderbilt Mansion Special Events & Visitor Info

Vanderbilt Mansion regularly hosts special events throughout the year. Since the special events are continuously changing, be sure to check Vanderbilt Mansion’s official online calendar.

119 Vanderbilt Park Road, Hyde Park, NY 12538, Phone: 845-229-9115