Holiday season in a Revolutionary mansion

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An entrance to the Ten Broeck Mansion.

ALBANY -- If you've never visited the Ten Broeck Mansion, I'd suggest you do so this Saturday. The holiday period is a great time to be introduced to the historic gem.

Saturday is the annual Holiday Tear sponsored by the Board of Trustees of the Albany County Historical Association, which is headquartered in the 214-year-old Federal style mansion.

Two 90-minute seatings are planned, from 1 to 2:30 and 3 to 4:30 p.m., in the formal dining room. Visitors will be able to tour the mansion, built for Revolutionary War general Abraham Ten Broeck and his wife, Elizabeth Van Rensselaer, which is decorated for the holidays. The on-site gift shop will be open for holiday shopping.

Admission to the tea is $20 per person. When making required reservations (online or by calling 436-9826), be sure to specify which seating you prefer.

The Holiday Tea is just one of the Christmas holiday events at the site. Here are some others:

• Christmas Traditions -- A session of caroling, traditional holiday beverages and a light buffet supper plus cakes, cookies and other treats, is set for 5:30 to 9 p.m. Friday, December 14. Admission is $20 per person, children under 12 free. Pre-paid reservations are required. 

• Opera at Ten Broeck Mansion -- A performance by Opera Saratoga, plus refreshments and a stroll through the decorated house, will be held from 2 to 4:30 p.m. Sunday, December 16.. Admission is $25 per person. Pre-paid reservations are required. 

• Holiday Madrigals -- Set for 1:30 to 4 p.m. Saturday, December 22, will be an afternoon of coffee and desserts with holiday sings performed by the full ensemble of the Helderberg Madrigal Singers. Admission is $20 per person. Pre-paid reservations are required.

The Mansion is located at 9 Ten Broeck Place, just north of the Palace Theatre in the neighborhood known as the Ten Broeck Triangle. Free parking is available for all events at the rear of the Mansion, entered via Ten Broeck Place or Livingstone Avenue.

(Full disclosure: I have a personal fondness for the Ten Broeck Mansion, having served some years ago as president of the Albany County Historical Association. However, I think you'll agree with me that it's a cool place to visit even if you have no connection to it other than local pride.)