Due to the popularity of Mary Calvi’s 2019 novel Dear George, Dear Mary, which shone a light on the possible relationship between George Washington and Mary Philipse, The George and Mary Tour was born. Calvi explored the impact of Yonkers and the Philipse family on Washington’s pre-Revolutionary War years.

As the first president of the United States of America, George Washington has made a monumental impact within the United States and the United Kingdom. If the relationship between Washington and Mary Philipse did occur it would have greatly changed the futures of both countries before the Revolutionary War. Although there is only speculation regarding the relationship, the tour engages visitors in fascinating historical accounts and narratives.

Today, the discussion revolving around George and Mary is being reignited and explored further through tours at the Philipse Manor Hall. This event is not only historically interesting, but educational as well.

The tours take place every Saturday between 1 and 2 p.m. into the end of April. Tickets are $5 for adults, $3 for older citizens and students and free for members and children 12 and under. If you’d like a reservation, you can call 914-965-4207. Private tours are also an option.

The Philipse Manor Hall, located in Yonkers, is one of the oldest historical sites in the United States. It was built in the 1600s by Dutchman Frederick Philipse I. In 1868, it became the first Yonkers City Hall and in 1912, opened as the museum it is today!

The hall isn’t just open for tours.

The loyalist Philipse family has left their footprint stamped all over the state despite not being in the country for over 200 years. They leave behind famous landmarks such as New York City’s Bowling Green Park (which Frederick partially funded) and the Philipsburg Manor in Sleepy Hollow.

Visit the Philipse Manor Hall to unlock pieces of pre-Revolutionary War American history.