The Mayor’s Garden: History of the Ten Broeck Mansion Gardens & Workers

Embark on a special tour as we delve into the rich history of the 1798 Ten Broeck Mansion and its grounds, uncovering its deep-rooted connections to Albany and the surrounding region. This tour explores the contributions of workers, including African American Master Gardeners (a historic term), and their pivotal roles in developing the Hudson Valley estates. Discover the diversity of plants imported from around the world while exploring the historic 1764 boundaries of the site, including visits to the former orchard and archaeological locations of key landscape features from the 18th and 19th centuries. Learn about Thomas Worth Olcott, a noted banker in Abraham Lincoln’s close circle, and his passion for horticulture, along with the lives of the gardeners who created the famed gardens at the Ten Broeck Mansion. Operated by the Albany County Historical Association as a community-centered museum and gardens, the Ten Broeck Mansion has welcomed the public for 77 years, showcasing the enduring relevance of this historic site to our community.

We suggest an additional 20-30 minutes to explore our historic gardens on your own with self-guided tours and browse our museum shop of local artisan goods and books.

To make your visit safe for all:

1) By car: please park in our Livingston Avenue lot, GPS address 136 Livingston Avenue, Albany NY. Free off-street parking. Our historic neighborhood has sidewalks for easy pedestrian access. See our website for information on public transportation.

2) Please wear comfortable shoes for walking on historic, sometimes uneven surfaces (no spike heels). Bags should be smaller than a backpack. Please no touching of historic museum collections. Water (in bottles) may be brought into historic museum spaces.

3) Due to limitations on our tour schedule, we are unable to offer refunds. However, you may let us know to contact you if a tour slot opens up and we will credit your tickets for another opening, if possible.

4) Late arrivals will not be able to stay past the allotted time.

5) ACHA members will have active membership verified prior to tour start.

6) Can't join us for a tour? Our museum shop is open on Thursdays 10am-2pm, Fridays 10 am - 2 pm and Saturdays 1-4 pm (plus Sundays 1-4 , June-August). Browse locally made artisanal gifts and our history book selections.

7) Free educational kits and self-guided tours available in our garden kiosk. Gardens open from 9:30 am until 4:30 pm Tuesday through Saturday from April to October and Sunday afternoons 1- 4 pm from June to August. Hours subject to change. Parking lot for registered museum visitors during their on-site visit. Visit our website or call for the latest information.

Images: Marx Family and Olcott Greenhouse, c. 1927, courtesy private collection; 1857 Map of property of Thomas Worth Olcott (detail). Others: Photos ACHA