Take a lantern-lit journey through Staten Island’s Historic Richmond Town with the Village Ghost Tours, where storytelling and history uncover the village’s most haunting tales. Step into the past and hear the mysteries behind its historic homes and infamous trials.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
1 hour
Fitness Level
Light walking ability sufficient; tour covers short distances on uneven terrain.
Wildlife
History
Historic Richmond Town preserves Staten Island’s 17th- to 19th-century village life, including its role in early county justice and local governance.
Conservation
The site emphasizes educational preservation efforts to maintain historic structures and minimize environmental impact during visitor programs.
Historic Richmond Town
Take a lantern-lit journey through Staten Island’s Historic Richmond Town with the Village Ghost Tours, where storytelling and history uncover the village’s most haunting tales. Step into the past and hear the mysteries behind its historic homes and infamous trials.
Historic Richmond Town preserves and interprets the social and material history of Staten Island through a living museum village, museum exhibitions, public programs, and seasonal events. The site maintains restored 18th- and 19th-century buildings, costumed interpreters, and working period trades that illustrate domestic life, agriculture, and commerce across centuries.
Visitors can explore the Open Village, the Historical Museum galleries, and specialized programs such as daily guided tours, English country dancing, village ghost tours, and panel discussions that contextualize local stories and broader American history.
Historic Richmond Town offers family‑friendly activities including pumpkin picking at Decker Farm, hay rides, corn mazes, and Old Home Day demonstrations. Special programming connects archival research and community memory through Talks of the Town lectures, volunteer opportunities for community members aged 16 and up, and events that highlight manufacturing and childhood artifacts in rotating exhibitions like “Made on Staten Island” and “Toys!” Museum staff and trained volunteers operate programs, maintain historic structures, and lead interpretive tours and workshops.
All-day museum admission provides access to exhibitions and scheduled village programs. As a documented historic site, Historic Richmond Town partners with educators, researchers, and local organizations to support historical scholarship and public engagement. The institution emphasizes accurate interpretation, hands-on demonstrations of historic trades, and inclusive programming that reflects Staten Island’s cultural heritage.
Clear visitor information, accessible daily schedules, and seasonal events make the site a practical destination for families, students, and history enthusiasts. Detailed signage, archival exhibitions, and trained interpreters support reliable learning experiences for visitors of all ages.
Historic Site
Open Village
Restored buildings and living-history trades
Guided Tours
Daily
Daily guided walks to the 1820s
Volunteer Program
Ages 16+
Opportunities for community participation
Reserve tickets, join a guided tour, sign up to volunteer, or pick pumpkins at Decker Farm — experience Staten Island history in person.
Bring a flashlight
Lantern light guides the path, but a personal flashlight ensures safer footing on uneven surfaces.
Wear sturdy shoes
Cobblestone paths and historic grounds require reliable footwear to navigate comfortably.
Check weather conditions
Tours run rain or shine except in severe weather—dress accordingly for outdoor walking.
Arrive early
Tours begin promptly; early arrival lets you settle in and chat with interpreters before departure.
Comfortable walking shoes
Provides secure footing on uneven village paths and historic surfaces.
Warm jacket or layers
Evenings can be chilly in fall; layering ensures comfort throughout the tour.
fall
Insect repellent
Protects against bugs during warm summer nights.
summer
Small flashlight
A personal light source supplements lantern illumination, improving safety.
Seasonal Events
Family Activities
Pumpkin picking, Old Home Day, and more