Staten Island’s history and culture has been shaped by its detachment from the New York City subway system. For decades, Staten Islanders have felt isolated, creating an identity as ‘the forgotten borough.’

Kenneth M. Gold, author of The Forgotten Borough: Staten Island and the Subway investigates the impact of transit isolation on Staten Island’s history and identity. Gold chronicles decades of recurrent efforts to build a rail link, using this history to explore the borough’s fraught relationship with New York City as a whole.

Sounds of Summer series offers a free evening concert featuring Arden Reign and Joan Caddell & the Midnight Choir, presented by Borough President Vito Fossella. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy live music under the summer sky, surrounded by the charm of Staten Island at Historic Richmond Town, where history meets community!

Celebrating 30 years of music making, Symphonic Brass Alliance offers a bold, genre-spanning sound to audiences across New York City. From jazz and pop to classical masterworks, this dynamic ensemble delivers powerful, richly textured performances. Known for appearances at Yankee Stadium, Radio City Music Hall, and more, Symphonic Brass Alliance shares its signature sound at this Citywide performance at Historic Richmond Town. Join us for a FREE, unforgettable celebration of brass at its best!

Join us every Friday in July from 4pm to 10pm for a weekly evening event featuring great food, cold drinks, and relaxing outdoor fun for all ages. Bring a chair or blanket and unwind on the beautiful, historic grounds of Staten Island’s most beloved village. All are welcome! There will be a complimentary bounce house and face painting for the kids.

In 1776, while cities like Boston and Philadelphia celebrated independence, Staten Island remained loyal to the British and served as a key military base throughout the Revolutionary War. Join historian Dr. Phillip Papas and Historic Richmond Town’s Luke G. Boyd for a conversation exploring Staten Island’s Loyalist roots and what they reveal about America's complex path to independence.

In honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, join us for a FREE special discussion and interactive workshop exploring Filipino culture and script writing! Baybayin is an ancient script that was used widely in the 14th to 19th centuries in the Philippines, before Spanish colonization. This cultural expression is currently experiencing a revival led by artists and scholars including Mark Libatique, who will lead this workshop in the 3rd County Courthouse. All materials provided, no experience necessary. Recommended for participants 12 and up.

Discover Staten Island’s Hidden History! Join scholars Lori R. Weintrob and Heather M. Butts, authors of Discovering Staten Island, for a fun exploration of the borough’s diverse past. From famous figures like Cornelius Vanderbilt and Audre Lorde to immigrant artisans and oystermen, learn how Staten Island’s history shaped New York City in surprising ways.

Explore New York City’s past during the 22nd annual Open House New York Weekend! On Sunday, October 20, enjoy free guided tours of Historic Richmond Town, the city's living history village. Tours are available at 12, 1, 2, and 3pm, offering a special behind-the-scenes look at this historic gem.

Step back in time at Historic Richmond Town's annual Old Home Day, a celebration of living history and Staten Island's cultural heritage. Explore historic trades through live demonstrations, sip freshly pressed apple cider, and savor warm soup cooked over an open flame. Enjoy the sounds of historical music and the crack of muskets across the village fields. Visit the Native Encampment and Voorlezer's House to experience the complex interactions between the Lenape and Dutch settlers of the 16th century. A day filled with tradition, history, and community!

Explore historic houses by candlelight and delve into folklore and mysteries from the past. This program is led by historical interpreters who discuss the lives and deaths of Staten Islanders, including the infamous accused who stood trial at the 3rd County Courthouse.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:

This program was formerly known as 'Mystery After Dark'.

This program is not a paranormal 'Ghost Hunting' experience, but rather a storytelling interpretive program.

The tour begins at the Historical Museum. Please check in at the Third County Courthouse and Visitor Center at 441 Clarke Avenue, where you will be directed to the Museum.

Suitable for ages 8 and older. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Weather permitting: runs rain or shine, except in cases of severe inclement or cold weather.

Pets are not permitted.

Celebrate our nation’s independence with old fashioned family fun! Visit Historic Richmond Town over Independence Day Weekend for a weekend of special programming and events. Meet costumed interpreters and living historians portraying soldiers, tradespeople, and founding fathers. Sign your name to a copy of the Declaration of Independence, enjoy demonstrations of 19th century fireworks, food, cold beer, patriotic music, Revolutionary era muskets and MORE!

LEARN ABOUT THE HISTORY OF THIS IMPORTANT NATIONAL HOLIDAY, COMMEMORATING THE END OF SLAVERY IN AMERICA.

Visit Historic Richmond Town to honor Juneteenth, featuring a day of special programs, including demonstrations of hearth cooking, discussions of social history, and historical reenactment. Learn about the history and origins of this holiday celebrating the end of American chattel slavery.

Celebrate Native American culture and traditional 19th century harvest celebrations through food, dance, storytelling, and crafts.

Step back in time and experience the open village at Historic Richmond Town! The campus zones interpret life in the 1770s, 1820s, and 1860s. Historic trades are displayed in shops, and domestic life is shown inside historic homes.

Step back in time and experience the open village at Historic Richmond Town! The campus zones interpret life in the 1770s, 1820s, and 1860s. Historic trades are displayed in shops, and domestic life is shown inside historic homes.

Step back in time and experience the open village at Historic Richmond Town! The campus zones interpret life in the 1770s, 1820s, and 1860s. Historic trades are displayed in shops, and domestic life is shown inside historic homes.

Step back in time and experience the open village at Historic Richmond Town! The campus zones interpret life in the 1770s, 1820s, and 1860s. Historic trades are displayed in shops, and domestic life is shown inside historic homes.

Step back in time and experience the open village at Historic Richmond Town! The campus zones interpret life in the 1770s, 1820s, and 1860s. Historic trades are displayed in shops, and domestic life is shown inside historic homes.

Step back in time and experience the open village at Historic Richmond Town! The campus zones interpret life in the 1770s, 1820s, and 1860s. Historic trades are displayed in shops, and domestic life is shown inside historic homes.

Step back in time and experience the open village at Historic Richmond Town! The campus zones interpret life in the 1770s, 1820s, and 1860s. Historic trades are displayed in shops, and domestic life is shown inside historic homes.

Step back in time and experience the open village at Historic Richmond Town! The campus zones interpret life in the 1770s, 1820s, and 1860s. Historic trades are displayed in shops, and domestic life is shown inside historic homes.

Step back in time and experience the open village at Historic Richmond Town! The campus zones interpret life in the 1770s, 1820s, and 1860s. Historic trades are displayed in shops, and domestic life is shown inside historic homes.

Step back in time and experience the open village at Historic Richmond Town! The campus zones interpret life in the 1770s, 1820s, and 1860s. Historic trades are displayed in shops, and domestic life is shown inside historic homes.

Step back in time and experience the open village at Historic Richmond Town! The campus zones interpret life in the 1770s, 1820s, and 1860s. Historic trades are displayed in shops, and domestic life is shown inside historic homes.

Step back in time and experience the open village at Historic Richmond Town! The campus zones interpret life in the 1770s, 1820s, and 1860s. Historic trades are displayed in shops, and domestic life is shown inside historic homes.

Step back in time and experience the open village at Historic Richmond Town! The campus zones interpret life in the 1770s, 1820s, and 1860s. Historic trades are displayed in shops, and domestic life is shown inside historic homes.