Activity Planner Arrival: Category: All Adoption Arts and Crafts Auctions Auditions Awards Shows/Banquets Bulletin Board Cabaret Charitable Events Charity Events Classes for kids Classes for parents Comedy Concerts Cultural Arts Dance Expectant Parents Fairs/Festivals Film Food and Drink Food and Drink Fun for Kids Galleries Historical Holiday Celebrations Holiday Celebrations Lectures/Debates Library Activities Literary Marathon Mini-Camps Movietime Museums Museums/Art Galleries Music Nature/Outdoors Nature/Outdoors Open Houses Parades Religious Scavenger Hunts Science Shopping Shopping Showtime Signings and Appearances Signings/Appearances Speakers Sports Story hours Street Fairs Support Groups Television Programming Theater Tournaments Tours Trade Shows Departure: As we celebrate the discovery of America this month, it’s the perfect time to visit two Manhattan destinations rich in history: one played a part in the founding of our country, and the other is a city showplace and home to many of our past mayors. Federal Hall is a noble edifice directly across from the New York Stock Exchange. You’ve seen it in many movies, and if you work downtown, you’ve passed it countless times — but have you ever gone inside? Most New Yorkers will answer “no,” and just as many probably don’t have a clue about the important role Federal Hall played in our nation’s history. A hint lies in the towering statue of George Washington out front: It was here he was inaugurated as our first President when New York was the country’s first capital and Federal Hall was the site of the first Presidential offices and first seat of the U.S. Congress. It was also New York’s first City Hall. Now’s the perfect time to get inside: After an 18-month renovation, Federal Hall reopens to the public this Columbus Day weekend. A thrill ran through me on my recent preview visit as I gazed at what’s called one of Federal Hall’s icons, the stone slab where Washington stood when he was sworn in, which bears the words: Standing on this stone in the balcony of Federal Hall April 30, 1789 George Washington took the oath as the 1st President of the United States In the domed main exhibition room, which really does feel like a micro-capitol building, is the Bible used for Washington’s swearing in, as well as a lock of his hair. In addition, you’ll be able to see many historical documents including New York’s ratification of The Bill of Rights. (E-mail the social studies teacher — what an ideal destination for school trips!) A finely detailed bronze balcony runs along the upper portion of the interior walls in this 150-foot-high room supported by 16 giant pillars. In the four corners are heavy vault doors, a reminder of another past life of Federal Hall, when it served as our first Fort Knox, storing vast amounts of gold and silver bullion in its basement. With the reopening on Oct. 6, a major exhibit commemorating 9/11 will be on view. Future plans include exhibits by the National Archives as well as lunchtime lectures by history authors such as David McCullough and Thomas Fleming. From the home of our country’s Presidential history to the home of New York City’s mayors, head uptown to Gracie Mansion. New Yorkers know that Gracie Mansion is situated somewhere on the Upper East Side, but it isn’t until you arrive at the northern tip of Carl Schurz Park that you realize what a private little enclave this is. From its wide veranda facing the East River, Gracie Mansion is a gorgeous spot for sweeping views, but once again, as with Federal Hall, it’s what’s inside that tells the story. Originally the summer house of the wealthy merchant Archibald Gracie back in the early 1800s, it wasn’t until 1942 that Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia made Gracie Mansion the official residence of the Mayor of the City of New York. All our recent mayors, from Wagner to Lindsay, Beame, Dinkins, and Giuliani, called it home, but as most people know, Mayor Bloomberg never moved in, preferring to reside in his own elegant town house. But in what we now know to be typical Bloomberg benevolent style, he gave Gracie Mansion a makeover (mostly with his own funds), calling it the “People’s House,” and threw the doors open to the visiting public back in the fall of 2002. There are general visits for groups or individuals or afternoon teas. Touring the rooms, you feel like you’re at a lavish country manor inn. Floor-to-ceiling paned glass windows and delicate chandeliers illuminate paintings and handsomely furnished formal rooms on the first floor; up one flight, see the elegant bedrooms that often host visiting dignitaries. Gracie Mansion Conservancy docents are well versed in both historical and anecdotal New York nuggets. Federal Hall 26 Wall St. at Broad St., 212-825-6888. Admission is free. (operated by the National Park Service) Gracie Mansion East End Ave. at 88th St., 212-570-4773. General tours on most Weds. at 10, 11 a.m., 1 & 2 p.m., $7; Tues. afternoon Tea Tours for groups of 25-50, $25. Both must be reserved in advance. Free school tours are scheduled for Tuesday and Thursday mornings. Reader Feedback - 0 Replies Be the first to kick-start this discussion Join the discussion To register, please click here