Staten Island Historical Society facts for kids
The Staten Island Historical Society is a special group that helps us learn about the past of Staten Island and nearby areas. They started way back in 1856! Their main job is to run and share Historic Richmond Town, which is the biggest and best historic village in New York City.
This society collects and keeps old things, like tools, clothes, and documents, that tell us how people lived long ago. They also help people research history and share what they learn with everyone through fun activities and exhibits. Historic Richmond Town is like a time machine! It's a living history village and museum with more than 30 original old buildings spread across over 100 acres. It shows us what life was like in New York City for the past 350 years. The Staten Island Historical Society also helps with history research and projects all over the world.
You can even see some of the amazing things they've collected by looking at their Online Collections Database.
Contents
What is the Staten Island Historical Society?
The Staten Island Historical Society is an organization dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich history of Staten Island. They focus on everything from the very first settlers to what life is like today. Their goal is to make sure that the stories, objects, and buildings from the past are saved for future generations to learn from and enjoy.
How They Preserve History
The Society collects many different kinds of historical items. These include old tools, furniture, clothing, letters, photographs, and even entire buildings! They carefully store these items to protect them from damage. This way, people can study them for many years to come.
Sharing History with Everyone
Besides collecting, the Society also works hard to share history with the public. They do this through:
- Exhibits: Special displays that show off their collections.
- Programs: Events and activities that teach people about history in fun ways.
- Research: Helping historians and students learn more about the past.
- Publications: Creating books and articles about Staten Island's history.
Exploring Historic Richmond Town
Historic Richmond Town is the main place where the Staten Island Historical Society brings history to life. It's not just a museum; it's a "living history" village. This means you can see what life was really like in the past, with people dressed in old clothes showing how things were done long ago.
What You Can See and Do
At Historic Richmond Town, you can explore many different buildings from different time periods. These include:
- Old homes: See how families lived and what their houses looked like.
- Shops: Discover what general stores or blacksmith shops were like.
- Workshops: Watch craftspeople demonstrate old skills, like candle making or weaving.
- Farms: Learn about farming practices from centuries ago.
The village helps you imagine what it was like to live without modern technology, like electricity or cars. It's a great way to experience history firsthand!
Important People in Staten Island History
The Staten Island Historical Society helps us remember important people who contributed to the island's history. Here are a few historians who played a big role:
- Charles W. Leng - He was the Staten Island Borough Historian from 1923 to 1934.
- Loring McMillen - He served as the Staten Island Borough Historian for a very long time, from 1934 to 1991.
- William T. Davis - Another important Staten Island historian.
External links
- Historic Richmond Town, Staten Island Historical Society
- Online Collections Database, Staten Island Historical Society
