Historic Richmond Town is one of Staten Island’s most prized cultural attractions. It was founded in 1856 by the Staten Island Historical Society with the intent of creating “opportunities for the public to explore the diversity of the American experience from the colonial period to the present.” Historic Richmond Town came into being as a result of an ambitious project “to collect, preserve and interpret the material culture of our region.” Today, the institution encompasses four sites and dozens of buildings that include one of the oldest original houses in the United States.
Historic Richmond Town | LWYang via Flickr
Historic Richmond Town is composed of four sites. The Decker Farm, located at 435 Richmond Hill Road in New Springville, is a collection of 11 structures (including a privy) on 11 acres of land. Constructed circa 1810, it remains one of the oldest continuously working family farms in New York City. On 1476 Richmond Road in Dogan Hills, lays the Billiou-Stillwell-Perine House. This was built in five sections completed between 1662-1663, and it is the oldest standing building on Staten Island. The Judge Jacob Tysen House located at 355 Fillmore Street on the corner of Tysen Street and Livingston, is right next to Snug Harbor. The Greek Revival house is notable not only for its architecture but also for its one-time resident Judge Tysen, a former member of congress and New York State Senator.
Voorlezer’s House | Dmadeo via Wikipedia
Historic Richmond Town’s main campus is more well known today and brings in most of the organization’s visitors. The site’s buildings include the oldest elementary school building in the United States, the Voorlezer’s House; a nineteenth-century general store (completely stocked); a carpenter’s shop; and even a museum illustrating the Staten Island’s history, which occupies a former courthouse. During our many trips to Richmond Town, we always look forward to the many costumed interpreters and craftsmen, who are very knowledgeable and give you a feeling of really going back in time. Even during the days where tours are not available, we always see and hear about the many public events the Town is running. These events include everything from cookouts to public talks, giving us plenty of opportunities to learn about Staten Island through the years.
Historic Richmond Town is part of the Historic House Trust of New York.
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