Beginning today, people will once again be able to visit an historical landmark in Yonkers that played a big role in American history.

There was a time when some in Yonkers were pushing to have Philipse Manor Hall torn down to make room for development. But now it's been restored for generations to learn and enjoy.

After being closed for 18 months and undergoing $20 million in renovations, Philipse Manor Hall has reopened.

The manor house dates back to the 1600s. It was built by Dutchman and loyalist Frederick Philipse, an architect whose family amassed a great fortune. The building was later used as Yonkers City Hall in the 1800s.

But there's much more to the story, including enslaved Africans who helped make the family so rich and influential, and the indigenous people who lived on the land long before the Philipse family took it over in the late 1600s. City and state leaders say it was important that part of the history play a large role in the renovation and exhibits.

Gov. Kathy Hochul, who came for the ribbon cutting Wednesday, says restoring sites like this is an investment in education. "For generations to come, they will understand the real story of New York - the good, the bad, and the ugly. It's a story that needs to be reminded of so that we always look forward and never look back - and say they are never acceptable in our society."

State officials believe the renovation and retelling is going to increase visitors from 15,000 to 30,000 people a year.  

Philipse Manor Hall officials say they have some exciting exhibits planned, including many on more modern American history including a look at the life of hip-hop legend and Yonkers native DMX.