Wyckoff House facts for kids
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Wyckoff House
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Part on the left dates to the 18th century, part on the right is of the 17th century
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 Location in New York City
Location in New York
Location in the United States
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| Location | 5816 Clarendon Road (Milton Fidler Park), Brooklyn, NY |
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| Built | before 1641 |
| Architectural style | Colonial |
| Website | https://wyckoffmuseum.org/ |
| NRHP reference No. | 67000013 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | December 24, 1967 |
| Designated NHL | December 24, 1967 |
The Wyckoff House, also known as the Pieter Claesen Wyckoff House, is a very old and important house in Brooklyn, New York City. You can find it at 5816 Clarendon Road, inside Milton Fidler Park. This house is special because it's one of the oldest buildings put up by Europeans on Long Island.
Contents
The House's Early History
Land and First Owners
The land where the Wyckoff House stands was bought around 1636. It was purchased by Wouter van Twiller, who was in charge of New Netherland. This was a Dutch colony in America. He bought the land from the native Lenape people. The Lenape lived in this area for a very long time.
Van Twiller ordered several houses to be built before he returned to the Netherlands. The Wyckoff House was likely built before 1641.
The Wyckoff Family Arrives
Around 1652, the family of Pieter Claesen Wyckoff moved into the house. This makes it one of the oldest homes in America. It is also one of the first structures built by Europeans on Long Island.
How the House Changed Over Time
The house you see today has changed a lot since it was first built. Most of the building was added in the 1800s. However, a small part, like the kitchen section, is from the 1700s. The oldest part of the house is from the 1600s. It shows how early Dutch homes were built.
Why the Wyckoff House Is Important
A National Historic Landmark
The Wyckoff House is owned by New York City. However, it is managed and cared for by The Wyckoff House & Association. This group helps keep the history of the house alive.
Because of its age and importance, the house was named a National Historic Landmark in 1967. This means it is a very special place in American history. It is also a New York City designated landmark.
What You Can See Today
The house is a great example of early Dutch frame architecture. It helps us understand what life was like for the first European settlers in New York. You can visit the house and learn about its long history.
See also
- Wyckoff-Bennett Homestead, another historic house in Brooklyn
- List of the oldest buildings in New York
- List of the oldest buildings in the United States
- List of museums and cultural institutions in New York City
