New Castle's Beginnings - Our Founding Farms
Our new exhibit traces our town's origins from Native American lands through the farms of the nineteenth century, to the estates and housing developments that turned New Castle into the community we know today. A focus on several local farms and their products will be featured - Sutton Farm, Dodges Farm, Brann Farm, Taylor and Annadale Farms, and of course the Greeley Farm.
The first farms of New Castle were established on large tracts of land purchased from the Native American trible of the Mohegan Confederation, inclusing the Sintsincks. Even our hamlet's name, Chappaqa, has Native American roots. The area was called Shepequa, which referred to the abundant water sources that made farming possible. Many other Native American words have been retained in the names of our streets and landmarks.
There will be interactive aspects to this exhibit plus a seminar series featuring speakers from local farms operating today.
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The exhibit will run through the year at the Greeley House, 100 King St, Chappaqua NY. The hours are Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays & Saturdays 1:00-4:00pm or by appointment 914 238-4666
A Stroll Down Town: Then and Now
As you enter the exhibit, pretend you are walking down King Street from the top of the hill to the other side of the railroad tracks with side trips onto North and South Greeley Avenues. Photos, artifacts and written explanations will guide you on your search.
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The northwest corner of Greeley Avenue and King Street in Chappaqua – 1925 and 2012
As you stroll, compare the then and now. Find where the first supermarket was located, what goods R. S. Haviland's Lumber Yard sold and where it was. Find the 1960's Post Office Building, the Band Box Tea Shop and Hyatt's Auditorium. Then check out what the replacements are and how they reflect the changing needs of Chappaqua's population.You may come upon surprises such as the fact that before the 1930 building of the railroad bridge, King Street crossed the tracks with businesses existing on the far side. That Chappaqua had a hotel may be another surprise. Find out what shops are now where it stood.
The Horace Greeley House, the Greeley family's country home from 1864-1872, is the headquarters of the New Castle Historical Society's programs, exhibits, and extensive research resources. The Horace Greeley House is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It provides a handsome example of 19th century architecture and has significance as the former home of one of the town's most celebrated residents. The house is situated on a hillside close to the center of town, where it has been a well-loved landmark for nearly 150 years.The New Castle Historical Society was chartered to discover, preserve and communicate knowledge of the history of the Town of New Castle. The Horace Greeley House offers permanent exhibits of the Horace Greeley era and our Quaker heritage, as well as rotating exhibits. The Museum Archives include books, photographs, maps, diaries, and merchants' records.