“Opening the Door” Ceremony at Ward House

TUCKAHOE – Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins announced the official purchase of the historic Ward House in Tuckahoe during a ceremonial “Opening the Door” event and first public viewing of the property, marking an important step in preserving the County’s rich history while creating a future home and gathering space for the Lenape people.

County officials, community leaders, historians and residents gathered at the historic property for the event, which featured a symbolic opening of the home’s front door for the first public viewing since the County’s acquisition of the site. The ceremony represented not only the preservation of an important historic structure, but the beginning of a new chapter for the property and the stories connected to it.

As Westchester County and the nation approach the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, the moment served as an opportunity not only to celebrate history, but to reflect on the people and cultures whose presence on this land long predates the Revolutionary War and the founding of the nation.

Jenkins said, “As we approach the 250th anniversary of our nation, it is important that we do more than celebrate – we must also reflect. The story of this land did not begin 250 years ago. It began long before that with the Lenape people, who first called this place home. Through the preservation of the Ward House, we have an opportunity to honor every layer of this history while helping create a space where the Lenape people will once again have a home here in Westchester County.”

Westchester County Parks, Recreation and Conservation Commissioner Kathy O’Connor said, “The Ward House is an important part of Westchester County’s rich history, and we are proud to welcome it into our growing network of historic sites. Preserving places like this allows us to protect the stories, architecture and cultural significance that help define our communities for future generations. We are especially honored that the Ward House will also serve as a gathering place for the Lenape people, creating an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the deep Indigenous history connected to this land.”

Westchester County Parks, Recreation and Conservation First Deputy Commissioner Peter Tartaglia said, “The Ward House stands as a remarkable link to Westchester County’s history, not just over the past 250 years, but long before that. Over the last few centuries, it served many roles in the life of the community, including as a meeting house, tavern, local inn and, most notably, a colonial post office commissioned by Benjamin Franklin. Prior to that the land was inhabited by Lenape people whose culture remains enduring and will be celebrated here. Preserving all history from our region is very important to the legacy of lands managed by Westchester County Parks.”

Lenape Center issued the following statement: “Lenape Center is grateful for the recognition and support of our work by Tuckahoe and Westchester County. The invisibility of our people is finally shattering from decades of difficult work, and through the opportunity to be seen and given a place to return to by governments who have vision—about the past, and for a healing and prosperous future for all.”
Tuckahoe Mayor Cara Kronen said, “We are grateful to Westchester County for preserving our Revolutionary history while creating space to honor those who were here before us. Tuckahoe welcomes the Lenape back home, and we look forward to working closely with the Lenape Center so that we can learn from one another and flourish together.”

Former Tuckahoe Mayor Omayra Andino said, “The Ward House itself is a living testament to our layered history. And yet, even that chapter is only one layer of a much deeper story that begins with the Lenape people, whose presence on this land predates every conflict, every victory, and every political boundary. I am grateful to have played a small part in helping them to return to their rightful home in Tuckahoe.”
The Ward House will serve many purposes, preserving and honoring the property’s Revolutionary War significance while also creating a meaningful cultural and community space connected to the Lenape people and their enduring history in the region. The property will also be used to remember the enslaved men, women and children who lived and labored at the Ward House, a reminder that this home, like our nation itself, holds many layers of history.

Jenkins said, “To preserve this property truthfully means honoring all of the stories that shaped it, even the difficult ones.”
The Ward House, which sits on Lenape land, played a role during the Revolutionary War and remains one of the few surviving physical connections to Westchester County’s colonial and Revolutionary-era history.

The House is now part of the Westchester County Parks, Recreation and Conservation Department and joins the other historic homes that have been restored and preserved, such as the Miller House, Merestead and the Lasdon Public Gardens Main House. While the Ward House is currently in significant disrepair, Westchester County is committed to thoughtfully restoring the property in a manner that honors and preserves its historic character.