Hyde Hall

Hyde Hall is a restored neoclassical 19th century house in Cooperstown, New York and a museum of its own past.

History of Hyde Hall

Hyde Hall was the project of an Englishman named George Clarke (1768-1835), whose great-grandfather had been a a senior government official in the colonial government of New York. He amassed large quantities of land on the east coast, as well as a large fortune, and returned to England in 1745 a wealthy man.

His great-grandson moved to Albany in 1806, married and purchased land adjoining his new wife’s family property. The process of clearing and building the new property took over 17 years -Albany’s leading architect designed the property in a similar style to large English country houses, with space for the family, guests and servants and large quantities of landscaped parkland surrounding it.

The name Hyde Hall is the same as the Clarkes’ ancestral seat in England. Clarke’s father died in 1824 and the money he left his son helped complete the building project.

Hyde Hall today

The hall is open to the public between the end of May and the end of October – visitors must join a guided tour. These run every hour between 10am and 3pm, and it’s advisable to book in advance as they have limited numbers and can book up, particularly on weekends. There are over 50 rooms in the house, so come prepared to see a lot!

The grounds are gorgeous and well worth a stroll: you’re permitted to bring picnics and there are some wonderful shady spots with rolling views down to the lake which make for a delightful lunch spot.

Getting to Hyde Hall

Hyde Hall is in New York state, about 90 minutes east of Syracuse. Take the I-90E to exit 30 and follow the NY-28 south to Cooperstown.