he first historical society in Yonkers began in 1882 as “The Committee on the Historical Records of Yonkers.”
In 1891, the Society, then known as “The Yonkers Historical and Library Association,” helped to preserve historic Philipse Manor Hall. This group was active until taken over by the Yonkers branch of the Westchester Historical Society.
In the early 1950s, historic Sherwood House was threatened with demolition. A small group succeeded in saving and preserving the structure. This group of dedicated citizens also assumed the records and membership of the Yonkers branch of the Westchester Historical Society and formed the Yonkers Historical Society as we know it today.
The Yonkers Historical Society, which was charted by the Board of Regents of the New York State Education Department in 1957, strives to preserve the historic records, structures and sites of our City. In more recent times the Yonkers Historical Society was again the driving force behind saving Philipse Manor Hall from abandonment.
Since 1952, the Yonkers Historical Society has been working to save Yonkers’ rich heritage for future generations. The Society maintains the historic Sherwood House (built circa 1740), sponsors a wide variety of special events, advocates for the preservation of historic landmarks and neighborhoods, and fosters a greater appreciation of the city’s unique heritage through its educational programs. Its library boasts a treasure of photographs, books, maps, and documents that cover almost every aspect of our community’s history over the last four centuries.
