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

Embark on a special tour delving into the rich history of the 1798 Ten Broeck Mansion and its grounds. The tour explores the mansion’s deep connections to Albany and the surrounding region, the contributions of workers (including African American Master Gardeners, a historic term), and their roles in developing Hudson Valley estates. Discover the diversity of plants imported from around the world, explore the historic 1764 boundaries of the site, and visit the former orchard and archaeological locations of key 18th- and 19th-century landscape features.

Learn about Thomas Worth Olcott, a noted banker in Abraham Lincoln’s close circle, his passion for horticulture, and the lives of the gardeners who created the famed gardens at the Ten Broeck Mansion. The site is operated by the Albany County Historical Association (ACHA) as a community-centered museum and gardens and has welcomed the public for 77 years.

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

Getting here:
- Free off-street parking: Livingston Avenue parking lot (address given as 136 Livingston Avenue, Albany, NY).
- Walking: neighborhood sidewalks for easy access.
- Public transportation: CDTA bus routes 100 and 106 stop about a four-minute walk away.
- Visit the ACHA website for a map and additional travel information.

Making your visit safe and comfortable:
- Wear comfortable shoes suitable for historic, sometimes uneven surfaces; spike heels are not permitted.
- Bags should be smaller than a standard backpack. Larger bags must be left in the reception area.
- Please do not touch historic collections.
- Water in closed containers is permitted; glass containers are not allowed.

Accessibility:
- Visitors with accessibility needs are encouraged to contact the ACHA in advance with any questions.
- Visitors with service dogs are welcome; emotional support and therapy dogs are not permitted in the museum.
- The ACHA does not have a fully ADA-accessible restroom at this time; a ground-floor restroom is available.
- Museum spaces and gardens offer very limited seating.

Gardens & grounds:
- Gardens and parking lot are reserved for registered museum program visitors during regular tour and program hours.
- The site is pack-in, pack-out; please take all waste with you. Light lunches (brown-bag type) may be enjoyed on the grounds. No parties, buffets, hammocks, additional chairs and tables, or tents may be brought in or used.
- Pets must be kept on a 6-foot or shorter leash; please remove all pet waste and do not allow pets to relieve themselves in garden beds or near walks.
- No smoking, vaping, or alcohol consumption.
- Free educational kits and self-guided tours are available at the garden kiosk.
- Hours may change; check the website or call for current information. See the website for full garden regulations.

Registration & program timing:
- Advance registration is required for all free programs.
- Admission, seating, or program materials cannot be guaranteed for unregistered or late-arriving visitors.
- The ACHA often runs concurrent programs; please respect other programs’ spaces and access.
- Late arrivals cannot remain past the scheduled program end time, and programs cannot be extended.

Groups of six or more for free programs:
- Free programs cannot accommodate groups of six or more due to space and program format limitations.
- If your group of six or more would like to visit, please contact the ACHA to discuss arranging a special program or options for larger groups.
- The ACHA reserves the right to cancel reservations for groups of six or more who register without prior approval.

Ensuring a positive experience:
- The ACHA is committed to a welcoming, respectful environment. Visitors must follow guidelines and staff instructions. Disrespectful, abusive, threatening, or otherwise inappropriate behavior is not permitted; visitors who do not follow expectations will be asked to leave.

These regulations are subject to change. Please visit the ACHA website for current regulations and additional details.

Refund policy: No refunds.