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Cherry Hill is unique in that it represents continuous family living from the 18th through the 20th centuries.
For this reason, Cherry Hill is known as a "preservation site" rather than a restoration.
Groups are treated to personally guided tours throughout the house. Vistors are allowed to enter the exhibit rooms - there are no barriers. Tours can be tailored to your group's interests.
Each generation left its influence on the house and grounds with alterations to the structure and additions of personal belongings. The house and its contents are preserved today resembling the way the last generation left them.
In 1787, Philip Van Rensselaer contracted housewright Isaac Packard to build the gambrel roofed, georgian-style house known as Cherry Hill.
Philip and his wife Maria were from prominent Albany families of Dutch heritage. Their responsibilities in the community and at home were numerous. These included the maintenance of a townhouse in Albany in addition to the Cherry Hill house and 900 acre farm; an active and profitable mercantile business, and the concerns of a large family, servants and slaves.
Over the course of three centuries of family ownership, the house and grounds changed in many subtle and profound ways. Although new technologies in heating, lighting and plumbing were introduced, the basic integrity of Cherry Hill was carefully preserved.
At the same time, the surrounding land was gradually sold by the family, and a city neighborhood developed around the house.
The home you see today is the result of the care and preservation given it by the last two generations, the Rankin family.
During the 20th century, the Rankins maintained the site, complete with an accumulation of furnishings and personal belongings gathered over the previous generations. The last descendent of the family to reside at Cherry Hill was Miss Emily Watkinson Rankin. In accordance with her will, Cherry Hill is now a public museum showing the change and continuity of 176 years of continuous family living.
Historic Cheny Hill, a non profit educational institution, is chartered by the New York State Board of Regents and is accredited by the American Association of Museums.
Historic Cherry Hill is located off of Interstate 787 South. Exit from 787 at the sign for NYS 32, South Pearl Street/Port of Albany. At the exit stoplight, turn left and look for Historic Cherry Hill immediately on your right.