"The Thirst for Development: Building the Original Croton Aqueduct in Manhattan"
Wednesday, December 10, 2025
7:00 PM | In-person at Philipse Manor Hall and online via YouTube Live
This is the second part of a series of talks on the construction of the Croton Aqueduct and its impact on landowners, labor, and the landscape. Join us as we explore how the construction of the aqueduct in Manhattan destroyed preexisting structures, rerouted roads, and dramatically altered the original topography. Driven by the thirst for development, the aqueduct forever changed the the lives of residents along it, from Harlem Heights to Central Park. The city’s first major piece of civic infrastructure, it paved the way for New York City’s 19th century boom.
Speaker Bio:
J. Keith Doherty is a Westchester County native who grew up along the Old Croton Aqueduct. He was a Professor of Art History for twelve years at Boston University and has in recent years been researching the infrastructure and early history of Westchester.
Tickets:
In-person tickets are $6 for adults, $3 for seniors and students. Tickets available at the door - museum opens at 6:30 PM. To reserve your spot call 914-965-4027 or email
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Virtual access is free and open to everyone.
The Philipse Manor Hall History Lecture Series is sponsored by the Friends of Philipse Manor Hall and Tompkins Bank. To support more programs like this one, become a Friend today!
This program is in conjunction with the special temporary exhibit, "Takings: A History of Land Disputes Along the Croton Aqueduct," on display now through December 28, 2025.
Also check out other Arts events in Yonkers.
