Historic Richmond Town brings Staten Island's past to life

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Historic Richmond Town is a living history village on Staten Island that offers visitors a chance to walk through centuries of history. The 100-acre property includes a 35-acre historic village core with original and relocated structures spanning centuries of American life, from early Dutch colonial architecture to 19th-century community spaces. The site is commemorating America's 250th anniversary with special programs, events, and exhibitions throughout the year.

Why it matters

Historic Richmond Town stands as a powerful reminder of Staten Island's diverse and layered history, offering visitors a chance to connect with the borough's past in an immersive way. As New York City constantly reinvents itself, the site preserves the stories and everyday lives of generations of New Yorkers.

The details

The roots of Historic Richmond Town 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, and the site became one of the city's Cultural Institution Groups.

• The Staten Island Historical Society was founded in 1856.
• The site became one of the city's Cultural Institution Groups in the late 1950s.

What’s next

Historic Richmond Town is commemorating America's 250th anniversary with special programs, events, and exhibitions throughout the year. Visitors are invited to take part in this milestone moment as the nation reflects on its past and looks toward its future.