Historic Cherry Hill

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This historic home gives visitors a chance to peek in on five generations of a high-society family.. Overview
A single family occupied this Georgian estate for 175 years, leaving behind a treasure trove of historical artifacts. Built by Isaac Packard in 1787 for a wealthy Dutch couple, Philip and Maria Van Rensselaer, the Van Rensselaer and Rankin families maintained the house for five generations.

The Experience
In 1963, in accordance with the will of Miss Emily Watkinson Rankin, this scrupulously maintained home became a public museum. Today, Cherry Hill offers visitors a unique view of upper-class domestic life in Albany from the late 18th to early 20th centuries. This preservation site contains vast collections of antiques, textiles, manuscripts and a number of other original household items. Guided tours are the only way visitors can see the house, offering a wealth of information as each room is explored.