The Rose Hill Mansion will open for the 2014 season on Thursday, May 1. Administered by the Geneva Historical Society, the Greek Revival mansion and National Historical Landmark perches above Seneca Lake in the heart of the Finger Lakes. 

Once a working farm, the house and surrounding grounds are now open seasonally for guided tours. Built in 1839, the elegant Greek Revival house was the center of a busy and productive farm at mid-century. Much of the guided tour focuses on the Swan family who lived there from 1850 to 1890. Through family letters, photographs, and diaries, visitors explore their joys and sorrows, and their interactions with neighbors and the many workers required to keep the large house and farm in working order. They discover how Robert Swan combined business methods of organization with scientific innovations like drain tile to make his farm more productive and profitable. Twenty rooms of the house are restored and furnished in the Empire style, popular from the 1820s to 1850s. The property also has a terrific view of Seneca Lake and nearby farmlands.

The Rose Hill Mansion Gift Shop is open whenever the house is open. The shop carries historically-inspired and locally made items, as well as souvenirs, history books, jewelry and home decorative items.

Rose Hill Mansion is located at 3373 Route 96A, about a mile south of Routes 5&20, near Geneva, New York. The house is open May 1 to October 31, Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Closed Mondays. The last daily tour is at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, at 4 p.m. on Saturday and 5 p.m. on Sundays. The grounds are open year round, free of charge.

Admission is by guided tour only and is $7 for adults, $6 for seniors, and $4 for children 10 to18. Children 9 and under are free. A family rate of $15 is available for two adults and one or more children aged 10 to 18 in the same household. Discounts offered for group tours. Reservations required for groups.

Rose Hill is administered by the Geneva Historical Society at 543 South Main Street, Geneva, New York. For more information about visiting Rose Hill, call the Geneva Historical Society at 315-789-5151 or call Rose Hill at 315-789-3848 after May 1. Information is also available at www.genevahistoricalsociety.com.
 

Anne Dealy (315) 789-5151