STATEN ISLAND (WABC) — Tucked away on Staten Island, Historic Richmond Town offers something rare in New York City: a chance to walk through centuries of history, all in one place.
More than just a museum, Historic Richmond Town is a living history village, where restored buildings, preserved artifacts, and immersive storytelling bring Staten Island’s past to life.
From colonial homes to civic buildings, the site recreates what everyday life looked like for generations of New Yorkers – long before the skyline we know today.
The roots of the institution stretch back to 1856, when the Staten Island Historical Society was founded to preserve the borough’s history. Decades later, that mission found a permanent home in Richmond Town, where early efforts to protect and interpret historic structures laid the foundation for what visitors experience today.
A major turning point came in the mid-20th century, when preservation efforts gained momentum. Visionaries like curator Loring McMillen helped transform the area into a cohesive historical site, while support from city and state leaders ensured its survival. By the late 1950s, a formal partnership with New York City made the site one of the city’s Cultural Institution Groups – organizations that operate public cultural spaces with municipal support.
Today, the 100-acre property includes a 35-acre historic village core, complete with original and relocated structures that span centuries of American life. Visitors can explore everything from early Dutch colonial architecture to 19th-century community spaces, all set against the natural backdrop of Staten Island.
Historic Richmond Town is commemorating America’s 250th anniversary with special programs, events, and exhibitions throughout the year. From immersive living-history experiences to lectures, family activities, and a brand-new exhibition, the campus offers a place to explore the complexities, triumphs, and ongoing evolution of our shared history.
Visitors are invited to take part in this milestone moment as the nation reflects on its past and looks toward its future.
Beyond the main village, Historic Richmond Town also operates several satellite sites across the borough, including the working Decker Farm, one of the city’s last active farms, and historic homes like the Billiou-Stillwell-Perine House and the Judge Jacob Tysen House.
Through educational programs, seasonal events, and interactive exhibits, the site continues to evolve – offering new ways for visitors to connect with the borough’s diverse and layered history. From school groups to families to history enthusiasts, thousands come each year to experience a side of New York that feels worlds away from the city’s fast pace.
At its core, Historic Richmond Town isn’t just about preserving buildings- it’s about preserving stories. And in a city constantly reinventing itself, it stands as a powerful reminder of where it all began.
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