Albany is most famous for being the State Capital of New York. Founded by the Dutch in 1614 as Fort Nassau and later Fort Orange, Albany became the State Capital in 1797. Due to its location along both the Hudson River and Erie Canal, Albany was a key hub for trade and transportation.

Detail from the Rensselaerswyck map of ca. 1630 showing the north tip of Castle Island, location of the Welysburg farm, on the left and the location of Fort Orange, built in 1624, to the right in New Netherland. The location of Fort Orange is in present day Albany, New York. Courtesy of the New York State Library.

Albany was home to a variety of industry titans and their families, which offer a unique opportunity for tourists visiting Albany beyond just visiting the State Capitol. Albany has its fair share of ghost stories. The historic mansions are rumored to be haunted due to a combination of century-old tragedies, Civil War connections, and lastly the lingering spirits of those who helped shape Albany. 

One of the most intriguing sites in Albany is the Ten Broeck Mansion, a historic house with a well-known reputation for ghostly encounters.

A Glimpse into the History

General Abraham Ten Broeck was a Revolutionary War officer and politician from Albany, New York. Broeck came from a very wealthy Dutch family who were influential in this region of New York. In 1763, Broeck married Elizabeth Van Rensselaer, a member of another very powerful Dutch family. Broeck is most famous for playing a key role in the Battle of Saratoga, for being the Mayor of Albany from 1779-1783, and for being Lieutenant Governor of New York under George Clinton. In 1797, Broeck and Van Rensselaer built a mansion overlooking the Hudson River. Today, the Albany County Historical Association manages this mansion, which is now a museum. 

Abraham Ten Broeck

When you step into the Ten Broeck Mansion, it feels like you are stepping back in time. The mansion is a stunning Federal-style home with high ceilings, intricate crown moldings, and a massive staircase. The inside has a mix of original furnishings and carefully crafted period pieces, with a mixture of chandeliers, mirrors, and plush velvet chairs. The house is adorned with floral-patterned wallpaper rich in deep greens and golds, which works to contrast the dark wood and furniture. 

The Grand Stairway

Ghostly Legends and Hauntings

The most famous ghostly inhabitant of the mansion is a mysterious man who has been seen most frequently on the top floor of this mansion. This ghost appears to be a 17th-century Dutch soldier, which would seemingly be General Ten Broeck. There have also been accounts of a woman in 17th-century Dutch clothing, who is believed to be Elizabeth Van Rensselaer.

There have been accounts of hearing whispers and footsteps from the top floor of the mansion when nobody else is around. Lastly, and my personal favorite ghost story of this mansion, was when a visitor claimed to hear the voice of a man complaining that his portrait was no longer in its original place. This man, who has a distinctive-looking beard, has been identified in old photographs. 

October Ghost Tours and Events

The most popular event at the Ten Broeck Mansion is the Turn of the Screw performance, where Henry James’ ghost story is brought to life in the mansion. This performance is held annually in October and is a popular event for tourists and locals alike. 

The mansion is also a marquee location for the Hops & Haunts paranormal pub crawl in Albany. The Hops & Haunts pub crawl, which is unique to Albany, allows participants to enjoy ghost stories while having their favorite beverages, which makes it a great blend of history and entertainment. 

The Ten Broeck mansion showcases the rich history of dark tourism in Albany. A perfect mix of ghostly legends, historical significance, and unique events make this location an excellent stop when you are in Albany. Whether you are a history buff or love paranormal activity, the Ten Broeck Mansion is a must-visit destination!

Gabriel Lucarelli is a senior at Nazareth University, double majoring in History and Education. Originally from Albany, NY, Gabe has a passion for looking into the hidden stories of his hometown. Outside of his academics, you can find him on the basketball court, playing for the Nazareth University Golden Flyers. Gabe's interests in dark tourism and local history have inspired his writing, as he hopes to share some of the interesting tales of Albany.

All photos courtesy Ten Broeck Mansion Facebook page, except where noted