The Old Croton Aqueduct opened in 1842 to become New York City's first major water supply system. It consisted of a masonry dam on the Croton River,a 40.5-mile long gravity-fed aqueduct, and two reservoirs in Manhattan. These masonry structures made up the first section of what is now an enormous urban water supply system that stretches over 100 miles into central New York State and transports water to over 8 million city dwellers each day. The planning and construction of this water supply system has continued virtually non-stop since it started 176 years ago.

In the beginning, Croton Aqueduct planners built six houses along the route of the original Aqueduct. They served as on-site residences for maintenance supervisors. The Keeper's House in Dobbs Ferry is the last remaining of these six houses. The Friends of the Old Croton Aqueduct are restoring the house and designing a Visitor and Education Center that will feature an exhibition on the history of New York's world-renowned water supply system. Come and enjoy a 'hard hat tour' of the Keeper's House with Mavis Cain, Director, Friends of OCA, and Stephen Tilly, architect. Participants will learn about the role this house played in the aqueduct's history as well as future plans for this historic site. A reception follows at a historic home adjacent to the OCA and the Keeper's House.

Bring a friend to introduce to them to GHHN and include your staff so they may benefit from this enriching experience!