NYC Parks Department to Make Van Cortlandt House Museum Accessible

Settlement requires upgrades to historic Bronx landmark to comply with ADA

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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The U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York has reached a settlement with the New York City Parks Department to make the historic Van Cortlandt House Museum in the Bronx Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant. The settlement requires the city-run museum to undertake a long-term capital project providing physical alterations to the basement and first floor of the 1748 house to accommodate those with disabilities, as well as provide audio-visual depictions of areas that cannot be made accessible.

Why it matters

The Van Cortlandt House Museum is a designated New York City historical landmark and the oldest standing building in the Bronx, hosting notable figures like George Washington. The settlement aims to expand access to this important piece of New York City history for all visitors, including those with disabilities.

The details

The settlement highlights accessibility issues across the property like uneven ground surfaces, steps and changes in level, narrow doorways and inaccessible restroom facilities. It also noted a lack of braille in parts of the museum. The city Parks Department has already responded to some short-term fixes, but the settlement requires a long-term design plan for modifications to be submitted by May 1, 2027, with all work to be completed within five years.

  • The U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York launched the lawsuit last year.
  • The settlement was approved by the U.S. District Judge J. Paul Oetken on Tuesday.

The players

Jay Clayton

U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York who launched the lawsuit against the city.

New York City Parks Department

The city agency that operates the Van Cortlandt House Museum and agreed to the settlement.

Van Cortlandt House Museum

A historic 1748 Bronx residence that hosts the oldest standing building in the Bronx and was turned into a public museum.

J. Paul Oetken

The U.S. District Judge who entered the settlement on Tuesday.

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What they’re saying

“The ADA applies to all places of public accommodation, even those that predate our Declaration of Independence.”

— Jay Clayton, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York (amny.com)

What’s next

The city Parks Department must submit a design plan for the modifications by May 1, 2027, with all work to be completed within five years.

The takeaway

This settlement highlights the ongoing efforts to make historic landmarks and public spaces accessible to all, ensuring that important pieces of New York City history can be experienced by visitors of all abilities.