Historic Richmond Town facts for kids
Historic Richmond Town is a special museum village and farm on Staten Island, in New York City. It's like stepping back in time to see what life was like long ago. You can find it near the middle of the island, where Richmond Road and Arthur Kill Road meet. The Staten Island Historical Society helps run Historic Richmond Town, making sure its history is preserved.
This area was named Richmond Town in the early 1700s. It used to be an important center for the county, with its own courthouse. Most people living here were from Dutch, English, or French families. They often worked as blacksmiths, shoemakers, or other skilled craftspeople. During the American Revolution, British soldiers were even stationed in Richmond Town.
Historic Richmond Town has more than 30 old buildings and sites. They show what life was like from the late 1600s to the early 1900s. There's also Decker Farm, a short distance away, where you can find a farm stand and enjoy seasonal fun like pumpkin picking. Many of the buildings, like homes and shops, were moved here from other parts of Staten Island to be saved and shared.
Contents
How It Started
Creating Historic Richmond Town was a big project. Many people from Staten Island helped, especially local historians Loring McMillen, William T. Davis, and banker David L. Decker. They were very passionate about saving history during a time when many old places were being torn down. They wanted to create a place that showed Staten Island's rich past. This was similar to how Colonial Williamsburg was created to preserve history.
Historic Richmond Town officially opened in 1958. It's a team effort between the Staten Island Historical Society, which is a non-profit group, and the City of New York. The city owns the land and buildings. It also helps pay for some of the museum's activities.
In 2020, Laura Gentile became the president of the Staten Island Historical Society. She is the second woman to lead the organization in its long history. Edna Hayes was the first, serving from 1978 to 1989.
What You Can See
The main part of Historic Richmond Town covers about 25 acres. It has 15 restored buildings that let you see what a community was like 300 years ago. There are also two churches nearby, St. Andrew's Episcopal and St. Patrick's Church. A third church, the Reformed Dutch Church of Richmond, was taken down. The Mount Richmond Cemetery is also next to the site.
Exploring the Past
The goal of this museum village is to make you feel like you're living in the 1800s. Visitors can get a real sense of what Historic Richmond Town was like long ago.
You can take a guided tour of different homes and shops. These buildings are fully furnished and set up to look like they did in specific time periods. Some other buildings are still being fixed up and are not open yet. While it's not a full-time "living history" museum anymore, you can still see demonstrations. People in costumes show how old trades, crafts, and household tasks were done. These demonstrations happen during special events or for school groups that book ahead.
Fun Events and Activities
Historic Richmond Town hosts many fun events throughout the year. Some popular ones include:
- Old Home Day: This is the oldest event at the museum. It features many demonstrations of traditional crafts and trades.
- Richmond County Fair: A big fair with lots to see and do.
- Oktoberfest: A celebration with German traditions.
- Egyptian Festival and Greek Festival: Cultural celebrations.
- Quilting Classes: Learn how to make quilts.
- Tavern Concerts: Enjoy music in an old tavern setting.
- Pumpkin Picking: At Decker Farm in October.
- English Country Dancing: Learn traditional dances.
- Candlelight Tours: Explore the town by candlelight.
- Traditional Dinners: Enjoy meals like people did long ago.
- Summer Apprenticeship Program: In the summer, kids up to age 15 can learn old trades. This includes things like tinsmithing, blacksmithing, and cooking. They use real tools from the past.
Important Buildings
Many interesting buildings are part of the museum:
- The Voorlezer's House: Built around 1695, this is the oldest exhibit. It's also the oldest standing elementary school building in the United States!
- The Guyon-Lake-Tysen House: A Dutch Colonial farmhouse from about 1740.
- The Christopher House: Built around 1720, this house is still being restored. It has the only working "jambless fireplace" in New York City.
- Other great examples of old architecture include The Stephens-Black House, the John Bennett House, The Britton Cottage, the Crocheron House, the Boehm House, the Basket Maker's House, and the Treasure House.
In 1987, the Staten Island Historical Society moved the Jacob Crocheron farmhouse. It was built around 1819-1820. They moved it over 3 miles from its original spot in Annadale to Historic Richmond Town. It was a big journey!
Getting There
You can reach Richmond Town by taking the S74, S54 buses.
See also
- List of museums and cultural institutions in New York City
- List of Staten Island neighborhoods
