The Historical Society, Inc. Serving Sleepy Hollow and Tarrytown is housed in the former home of Jacob Odell, first village president of Tarrytown. Collections include artifacts from the archeological dig of the Requa tenant farmstead, material relating to the capture of British spy Major John Andre by local militia, and domestic, educational and commercial objects relating to the history of Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow (formerly North Tarrytown).

Research collections include local newspapers from 1875 onward; books on local and state history; subject files on community institutions, people and events; records of local school districts and local businesses; historic maps and atlases covering local communities, Westchester County and the Hudson Valley; and historic photographs and postcards.

Location: 1 Grove Street, Tarrytown, NY 10591, 914-631-8374. http://www.thehistoricalsociety.net Metered street parking (not applicable on Sundays).

Publications

The society has two local histories in print through the Images of America series: Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow in the 20th Century and Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow.

Walking Tours

The Historical Society offers seasonal walking tours from various locations. Advance reservations required, a minimum of four (4) people is required to run a tour.

Tickets: https://www.thehistoricalsociety.net/events/tours-tarryhollow/

Tour 1: Tarryhollow: Irving, the Old Dutch Church and the Colonial Experience

Travel with back in time to when the first Dutch families settled in this area. Hear the history of the Philipse family and Philipsburg Manor, one of the largest colonial estates in the Hudson River Valley. On this 1 hour 30 minute walking tour you will learn about Frederick Philipse’s Upper Mills and then visit the historic Old Dutch Church, made famous by Washington Irving’s Legend of Sleepy Hollow.  Following that you will spend time in the surrounding burying ground visiting the people who lived in the Neutral Ground and fought in the American Revolution, many of whom inspired Irving’s characters in his tales….

2023 Dates: Various times on weekends from September 1 to November 5, 2023.

Where: Tour starts at 418 North Broadway/11 Dell Street, Sleepy Hollow, New York. Limited parking is available in the neighborhood (please do not park on the grounds of Sleepy Hollow Cemetery).

Tour 2: Colonial Gravestone Carver Walking Tours:

Walking tours of the Old Dutch Church Burying Ground with master Carver Robert Carpenter.

2023 Dates: November 4 & 5.

Where: Tour starts at 418 North Broadway/11 Dell Street, Sleepy Hollow, New York. Limited parking is available in the neighborhood (please do not park on the grounds of Sleepy Hollow Cemetery).

Tour 3: Tarryhollow: Walking Through Time

A historical walking tour that explores the many layers of our community. This two-hour tour will introduce you to the unique history of Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow and to some of the most intriguing people who have ever lived here. The guides will lead you through the many sections of our historic Hudson River villages and regale you with enticing tales of local lore. Starting from Patriots Park, you will journey into the heart of Tarrytown, walking past historic sites and buildings while the guide shares stories of the individuals who made these places their home. The tales include historical accounts of real people and events, as well as a few unexplained incidents from the area’s legendary past. Each of our past residents has left their mark on the community, and a few of them may still linger nearby!

2023 Dates: as of September 2023, the historical society web site indicates October Tours will be posted September 16th.