To the Editor:
The Ten Broeck Mansion in Albany has a long and storied history.

Built in 1797-98 for Abraham Ten Broeck and his wife, Elizabeth Van Rensselaer, on land leased from the patroon, Stephen Van Rensselaer (Abraham’s brother-in-law), the mansion sits on a hill that commanded a sweeping view of the Hudson River and the vessels that plied this busy trade route.

Abraham designed the Federal-style house with expansive lawns and formal gardens, naming it “Prospect.” Its next owner renamed it “Arbor Hill.”

By the time the mansion was built, the Ten Broeck family had already lived in the New World for five generations. Abraham and his forebearers had become prominent and prosperous members of the Albany business and political scene.

Abraham’s father, Dirck Ten Broeck (1686-1751) was known early on as an “Indian Trader.” In 1715, he was named “Inspector of Skins.”

During the 1720s, he was appointed “Farmer of the Excise,” meaning tax collector. He was eventually named “Commissioner of Indian Affairs.”

Abraham Ten Broeck was only 17 when his father died. After taking a bit of time to expand his knowledge of good business practices, Abraham followed in his father’s footsteps, holding many important civic positions, as well as serving as a brigadier general during the Revolutionary War.

Kathryn Kosto, executive director of the Albany County Historical Association, will give an illustrated talk that “presents new research on the interconnections between the Mohawk and the Ten Broecks, and how intercultural fluency was a key feature of 18th century Albany life. The talk shares strategies and initiatives currently used at the Ten Broeck Mansion to include broader stories in its interpretation — ranging from biographical to botanical.”

This interesting and informative program will be presented at 2 p.m. on Sunday, March 6, at the Wyman Osterhout Community Center in New Salem on 7 The Old New Salem Road. Admission is always free.

On the same day and at the same location, please take the opportunity to take in the exhibits at the New Scotland Historical Association Museum, featuring the commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II. The museum will be open for a half-hour before the program.

Please be aware that the Town of New Scotland requires attendees to wear masks.

Judy Kimes

Publicist

New Scotland

Historical Association