Morris-Jumel Mansion

Originally built in 1765 as a summer residence by British colonel Roger Morris, the Palladian-style mansion's elevated site in northern Manhattan emerged as a valuable and strategic location during the Revolutionary War and was alternately occupied by George Washington as well as British and Hessian soldiers. Following the war, the property was purchased by Stephen Jumel, a rich French merchant, and redecorated by his wife, Eliza. Selected pieces of Madame Jumel's acquisitions are still held in the mansion's collection of more than 1,000 artifacts, which also includes examples of Chippendale, French, and American Empire furniture. The Morris-Jumel Mansion maintains an archive of materials on the Jumel Terrace Historic District and displays 11 restored period rooms to the public, such as a kitchen used to interpret servant and slave life in New York.

On-site programs: Guided tours emphasize the late colonial period, the Revolutionary War, and the beginning of the American Republic. Period rooms, architecture, and primary sources are used to explore topics such as family and community life and social and class distinctions in early New York. Fourth- through eighth-grade students may participate in the Meet General Washington program, in which a costumed interpreter plays the first president of the United States. Local walking tours visit notable neighborhood sites connected to Native American history through 20th-century African American life in Sugar Hill. Standards-based pre- and postvisit materials are available for all teachers. (Grades K–12; $)

Professional development: Teacher workshops are available upon request. (For teachers of grades K–12; $)

General information: Address: Roger Morris Park, 65 Jumel Terrace, 160th Street and Edgecombe Avenue, New York, NY 10032; Phone: (212) 923-8008; Web: www.morrisjumel.org.

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