Events & Programs
Special Excursions
Cruising for History
For several years, members have enjoyed resoundingly popular boat trips on the Hudson River and Long Island Sound to visit historic sites such as Edgewater, Olana, Montgomery Place, West Point, Old Lyme, the Staatsburgh Estate, and most recently, FDR’s home at Hyde Park. The idea for these special cruises emanated from Conservancy Life Chair Bob Riggs who is passionate about the history of the Hudson Valley and its beautiful, historic river.
2010 A visit to Battery Park and Governor's Island
Save September 26th for yet another Seastreek adventure! This year members and guests will cruise to Governor's Island and Battery Park. Special commentary by Bronxville resident Jay Urstadt, who sketched out the original plans for the former landfill, will make this trip especially delightful. Read his book “Battery Park City: The Early Years,” to prep for what's sure to be a fun and informative day.
2009 Back, by demand, to Edgewater!
September 27th may not have been the most beautiful of days weather-wise, but, nevertheless, more than a hundred members of the Bronxville Historical Conservancy braved the elements on this year’s Hudson River cruise to visit Richard Jenrette’s classical home, Edgewater.
The group enjoyed a breathtaking visit back in history beginning with a walk through Edgewater’s estate -- with lush, green lawns, ancient trees, profuse perennial gardens, elegant statuary and incredible views of the Hudson River.
Upon arrival at the residence that was built in 1825, Richard Jenrette greeted each guest at the front door. Once inside, it was a feast for the eyes! Fourteen foot high ceilings; tall windows; late Federal-style moldings, medallions, mantels and doors; priceless antique furniture including Duncan Phyfe; beautiful window treatments; and objets d’art.The tour also gave the group a glimpse of the guesthouse, recently completed, beautifully furnished and totally in keeping architecturally with Edgewater.
2008 Hyde and Go Seek!
A cruise up the Hudson River this year took us in search of history at Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s beloved Hyde Park.
2007 "Milling About" another happy, historical day on the Hudson
One hundred and sixty Conservancy members and guests boarded the fast ferry Seastreak and headed north on the Hudson to explore the Mills Mansion in Staatsburgh, New York.
2006 A Twist of Old Lyme
This year, Conservancy members and guests cruised along the Long Island Sound to Old Saybrook, then boarded buses to Old Lyme, Connecticut, where they had the opportunity to view works of art by the Lyme Art Colony in a grand old home overlooking the meandering Lieutenant River, a tidal waterway that is hugged by graceful old trees and tickled by tall marsh grasses.
2005 Getting Right to the Point
The cemetery where former Bronxville resident Elizabeth Custer is buried in West Point was just one of the sensational sites seen on this year’s boat trip. After a salute to our nation’s oldest military institution, the crew sailed south down the Hudson River to the mouth of New York Harbor where Lady Liberty dwells. Spectacular sights of the city skyline as the sun slowly sank into glittering waters brought the fun day to an end.
2004 Up a Lazy River
A visit to historic Montgomery Place in Annandale-on-Hudson was the perfect way to spend a glorious Sunday fall afternoon, touring the estate’s 434 acres of rolling lawns, woodlands along the Sawkill cataracts, a 1920s garden and the centerpiece of the estate – a mansion built by the great 19th century architect A.J. Davis.
2003 Oh, Olana!
The historical sky top home of Frederic Church, the eminent 19th century landscape artist, was the destination. All who headed up the Hudson on that day were inspired by a bold vision, thoughtfully preserved.
2002 Rolling on the River!
Magnificence was the word of the day as Conservancy members accepted an invitation from Brendan Gill speaker Richard Jenrette to visit one of his historic mansions on the Hudson River, Edgewater. With sensational views across sloping lawns graced by 200-year old locust, basswood and willow trees, this impressively restored estate was simply spectacular.
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