A stroll through Richmond Town

One of New York Citys best kept secrets to visitors is the Staten Island Ferry, which connects lower Manhattan to the North Shore of Staten Island. Free of charge, the ride takes roughly 25 minutes and during the trip you can see the famous Statue of Liberty.

Once on Staten Island, which was originally settled by the Dutch, you can take the #S 74 bus to Historic Richmond Town. Get off at Richmond Road & St. Patricks Place.

Staten Island became part of New York City in 1898 and is host to New York Citys only real historic village: Historic Richmond Town. There are few places in the United States where such real villages exist.

This historic village began in 1690 and by 1730 became the seat of country government. It was restored to portray the evolution of a Staten Island settlement during the 17th, 18th, 19th, and early 20th centuries. Occupying 100 acres, Richmond Town has 27 historic buildings representing a variety of architectural styles across four centuries. Authentic furnishings, antique toys, vehicles, costumes, and memorabilia fill the school, general store, farmhouses, barn, churches, trade shops, and even the jail of the village. Town life and the activities of its early householders, farmers, merchants, and tradesman, are reenacted for visitors.

Begin your stroll by entering the Third County Courthouse from 1837, which sits at the center of the village and serves as the visitors center. Because Historic Richmond Town is a joint project of the Staten Island Historical Society & The City of New York, which supports part of its operations with public funds through the department of cultural affairs, the price for a day pass is only $4.00. Also housed in the Courthouse building is the museum store.

After exiting the Courthouse, walk across the path to the Historical Museum building. This building, which dates back to 1848, served as the Richmond County Clerk’s & Surrogates office from 1848 until 1920. The two floors house exhibitions revolving around Staten Islands history as well as an interesting toy room on the second floor. Displayed there are some old Barbie dolls and Lionel electric trains.

After a visit to the Historical Museum building, walk over to the Stephens Black House, dating to 1837. There, if you are lucky, you will be greeted by volunteer George Presuto who is dressed in period clothes, along with most others working in the village. He will introduce himself as Mr. Stephens, the shopkeeper and will give you an overview of the house and show you some of the antiques housed there. They include beautiful wash basins, pitchers and vacuum cleaners.

Next door is the Tinsmith Shop. George Conlon, a history teacher, has worked in Richmond Town for the past 14 years, and he will introduce himself as Mr. Guyon, the tinsmith. He will show you various tin made items, including an oil lamp. Be sure to ask him about the unique sausage stuffers!

Some of the other houses in the village include a basket makes house, a general store, a print shop, an outhouse and the Voorlezer’s house, which has the honor of being the oldest building on its original site in Richmond Town dating back to 1695.

There are plenty of seasonal events that take place in Richmond Town, including the annual Richmond County Fair during Labor Day weekend. There are also several antiques and craft markets. For further information call (718) 351 1611.

By Wendy B. Schatzman

Courtesy of grouptravelblog