Blackwell House

"Very engaging and educational visit at the Blackwell House! Andrew delivered a fantastic tour of the house and Roosevelt Island, we loved it!"

"Lots of pictures of the island are hanging on the wall. I knocked on the wall to see what it was made of. Because I was curious I was told that the house is fully renovated. The foundation is the only original part of the house left. Very interesting visit. You will only have access to the ground floor.The upper floor is an office. They are closed for lunch for 1 hour."

"Such an incredible historical house! Had a great time visiting this house, roamed and saw the old pictures of Roosevelt island. Most importantly, we met a wonderful and friendly guide, Andrew, who is very passionate about the history of this island. He also recommended us a movie "Escaping the Madhouse" about the story of Nelly Bly unpacking the life at the asylum. We will return to explore and listen more of the history of the house and the island! Recommended visit!"

"A rarity in NYC, a preserved house from the 18th century. Originally built in 1796. Google Local Guide Andrew Pavelescu covers its history well in his review so I won't repeat it. It is one of several sites on Roosevelt Island worthy of visiting (it was not open the day I visited), including the lighthouse at the northern end, The Octagon, as well as the Smallpox hospital ruins and FDR monument and grounds at the southern end. Fun to walk or bike on a spring or summer day."

"Blackwell House is an historic house on Roosevelt Island in New York City. After the English defeated the Dutch in 1666, Captain John Manning, the Sheriff of New York and first British resident, seized the island, which became known as Manning's Island. Twenty years later, Manning's son-in-law, Robert Blackwell, became the island's new owner and namesake. The property was built in 1796 for the Blackwell family who owned the island for many generations. The cottage is the 6th oldest farmhouse in New York City. In 1828 the City of New York purchased the island from the Blackwell family for $32,000 to build institutions for the most populous city in the country. Blackwell House has been a living quarters for wardens of the almshouse, the hospitals, and the penitentiary!"