NYCHAPS welcomes any pet that’s well-trained and under full control of its owner. Many of the NYCHAPS events feature animals. In order to keep all animals safe, we have established the following guidelines:

• All pets must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet.
• Pets are allowed on all outdoor areas of the site.
• Pets on a leash are also allowed in areas accessed by vehicles, including roadsides, parking areas, and picnic areas.
• Pets are NOT permitted in the 1798 Log Barn & Visitor Center, Tavern, Wheel Wright Shop, Distillery, Historic Gardens or Maple Shade Barn.
• All pet owners must clean up after their pets or face possible expulsion from the property. Besides being unsightly, animal waste can be hazardous to health.

This policy only applies to pets. Service animals are permitted, by law, throughout the facility.

Smoking is permitted inside vehicles, on sidewalks, in gravel or paved parking areas, and in an area immediately adjacent to a fire ring, or a smoking station.

Period appropriate smoking (cigars and pipes) is permitted on a limited basis at select times in the Wheelwright Shop and Tap Room. Please ask before lighting up!

NYCHAPS may designate any portion of the plantation, or any portion of a building, structure or facility as closed to smoking when necessary to protect historic property, reduce the risk of fire, or prevent conflicts among visitors and activities

NYCHAPS is proud to maintain an authentic atmosphere. Part of that includes the use of candles and fireplaces. NYCHAPS is responsible for making adequate provision for the safety and security of its members, volunteers and guests.

In general, candles and other open flame devices shall be set up and ignited only by a designated NYCHAPS person who has been trained in its use and is present to serve as a fire watch.

Please note the following guidelines:

• Patrons are not permitted to move candlesticks. There are sufficient sticks in each room on both floors.
• Patrons who attempt to move lit sticks are at risk of burning themselves and others. NYCHAPS cannot assume responsibility for burn injuries.
• Use common sense around lit candles, do not let them burn down into the sockets. Extinguish and inform an event organizer or fire watch for a replacement.
• NYCHAPS personnel will periodically walk through the rooms to monitor all lit candles and replace as needed.

In addition, fireplaces must only be ignited and maintained by the designated NYCHAPS fire watch. If improperly operated or maintained, wood burning fireplaces are potential sources of an uncontrolled fires.

Never burn any garbage, plastics, wrapping paper, or other inappropriate materials.

NYCHAPS reserves the right to cancel an event due to low enrollment, inclement weather, or other circumstances which would make the event non-viable.

If NYCHAPS cancels an event, registrants will be offered a full refund. Should circumstances arise that result in the postponement of an event, registrants will have the option to either receive a full refund or transfer registration to the same event at the new, future date.

In the case of last-minute cancellations, all efforts will be made to inform necessary parties of the cancellation or rescheduling of the event.

Before every event, coordinators and visitors should check our website for updates.