Step Back in Time at Staten Island’s Living History Village

Historic Richmond Town — Living History on Staten Island

Historic Richmond Town is a living history site and museum complex that highlights Staten Island’s cultural and material past. The site combines an Open Village of restored buildings, a Historical Museum with rotating exhibitions, and a full calendar of public programs that include daily guided tours, seasonal farm activities, lectures, and evening ghost tours.

What visitors can expect

• Open Village & Trades: Costumed interpreters demonstrate period trades and domestic activities in restored 18th- and 19th-century buildings. These hands-on interpretations bring traditional crafts and daily life to modern audiences.
• Historical Museum Exhibitions: Galleries feature rotating shows such as “Made on Staten Island,” “Toys!,” and family-focused displays that draw on local archives and objects.
• Guided Tours & Programs: Daily guided tours transport visitors to the 1820s and explore the social history of the village. Specialized programs include English Country Dance sessions, panel discussions, and Talks of the Town lecture series.

Seasonal highlights and family activities

Historic Richmond Town offers seasonal events that appeal to families and school groups:

• Pumpkin Picking at Decker Farm: Pick pumpkins, take a hay ride, work through a corn maze, and try the pumpkin slingshot during October weekends.
• Old Home Day: A free community day with traditional trades demonstrations, live historical music, and demonstrations that celebrate local heritage.
• Village Ghost Tours: Lantern-lit, one-hour storytelling walks explore local folklore, notable trials, and historic structures after dark.

Educational programming and community engagement

Talks of the Town lectures examine regional history topics such as Staten Island’s relationship to New York City transit and broader regional developments like the Erie Canal’s history. Panel discussions, such as sessions exploring the life and legacy of Alice Austen, connect archival research to public audiences. Volunteer opportunities are available for community members aged 16 and up, helping with events, visitor services, and special programming.

Practical visitor information

• Admission & Hours: All-day museum admission includes access to galleries and scheduled village programs. Visitors should check daily schedules for guided tours and public demonstrations.
• Accessibility & Groups: The site welcomes families, students, and history enthusiasts. Program details and volunteer sign-up information are provided through the museum’s event listings.

Why Historic Richmond Town matters

Historic Richmond Town preserves local history through documented structures, curated exhibitions, and live interpretation that emphasize accurate storytelling and hands-on learning. With a blend of educational programs, seasonal farm activities, and community lectures, the site offers diverse ways to experience Staten Island’s past. For travelers searching for living history museums, guided tours in Staten Island, family-friendly pumpkin picking, or evening ghost tours, Historic Richmond Town provides reliable, well-documented experiences rooted in local archives and public engagement.

Plan ahead: check event schedules for Talks of the Town lectures, panel discussions, seasonal farm weekends, and volunteer opportunities to make the most of a visit.