"When Hamilton Called Albany Home" Lecture

Schuyler Mansion was home to Philip J. Schuyler, the Revolutionary War Major General, US Senator, agrarian, and businessman. He and his wife, Catharine Van Rensselaer, descended from affluent and powerful Dutch families. Together they raised eight children in this home. The home was built in a Georgian style, reflecting Schuyler's English tastes, on a bluff overlooking the Hudson River. Originally situated on an 80-acre tract of land, the grounds once included an orchard, formal gardens, and a working farm. Throughout the Schuyler family occupancy from 1763-1804, the mansion was the site of military strategizing, political hobnobbing, elegant social affairs, and an active family life. It was also home to more than fifty enslaved laborers, servants, and artisans over that span. 

Heidi Hill has been the historic site manager of Crailo and Schuyler Mansion for 19 years. She has positioned both sites with leadership, collaborations and consultants that have fostered exhibits, programs and conversations on the neglected history of the 17th and 18th centuries. She holds a BA in history from Binghamton University and an MA in History Museum Studies from the Cooperstown Graduate Program.

Heidi had received a Historic Preservation Award for History Interpretation, two Huttleston Preservation Awards for Distinguished Service from the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation and in March 2024 received the Anne Ackerson Award for Innovation in Museum Leadership from the Museum Assciiation of New York.