Historic Richmond Town

Celebrate America’s 250th anniversary this July 4 at Historic Richmond Town!

Witness a live reading of the Declaration of Independence, explore centuries-old homes and workshops, and experience history brought to life across one of New York City’s most unique historic sites, filled with costumed interpreters, historic trades, patriotic music, family activities, and hands-on demonstrations throughout the day.

July 4 | 11AM – 4PM
Tickets Available Now

Midland beach and boardwalk
Postcard 1919
Gift of William McMillen (24.1.2302)

This postcard is currently on display in Greetings From Staten Island: A Postcard Tour.

You can view this piece, along with many others, at our historical museum, where it offers a glimpse into early 20th-century Staten Island and its historic landmarks.

Join us on June 27 for the opening of Founding Principles: The Declaration of Independence, Civics, and Staten Island.

Featuring objects and primary sources from Historic Richmond Town’s collection, this exhibition highlights activism, civil service, and the importance of civic participation at every stage of life.

History isn’t behind glass at Historic Richmond Town!

Experience a living historic village this Independence Day filled with costumed interpreters, historic trades, live music, family activities, and immersive Revolutionary-era experiences as America celebrates 250 years of independence.

America turns 250. Celebrate it where history comes alive!

July 4 | 11 AM – 4 PM
Tickets Available Now

This month’s object is a portrait of Staten Islander Daniel D. Tompkins (1774 - 1825), who served as governor of New York from 1807 - 1817 and Vice President of the United States under James Monroe from 1817 to 1825. Originally from Westchester, he decided to make Staten Island his home while serving as Governor.

In 1814 -1815, he purchased nearly 700 acres of land, on the northeast shore of Staten Island (now Tompkinsville) with the intention of developing it; he laid out streets and building lots and advertised their sale. In order to increase the value of his land, he also created a transportation network through Staten Island linking NYC with Philadelphia; he built Richmond Turnpike (now Victory Boulevard), a 6-mile-long toll road across the island, which was advertised as the fastest route between the two cities.

In 1817, one of his final acts as Governor was to sign the law setting July 4, 1827 as the date of emancipation for over 4,000 people enslaved in New York State at the time.

Daniel D. Tompkins will be featured in the exhibition “You are Here: Locating Staten Island in the Civic Space” opening this month in the Historical Museum.

Clear Comfort
Photographer Alice Austen
Postcard, 1911
Gift of William McMillen (24.1.1567)

This postcard is currently on display in Greetings From Staten Island: A Postcard Tour.
You can view this piece, along with many others, at our historical museum, where it offers a glimpse into early 20th-century Staten Island and its historic landmarks.

There’s still time to be part of Historic Richmond Town’s Field of Flags.

Thanks to the generosity of our community, 111 flags have already been sponsored for this year’s display. By Independence Day, we hope to reach 250 flags standing proudly across our campus in honor of those who served.

Each flag represents someone’s hero, a parent, grandparent, spouse, sibling, friend, neighbor, or service member whose sacrifice deserves to be remembered.

Join us in reaching 250 flags.

Celebrate America’s 250th this July 4 at Historic Richmond Town!

Bring the family for a day of costumed interpreters, historic trades, live music, hands-on activities, and a reading of the Declaration of Independence in NYC’s living history village.

Step back in time and celebrate like it’s 1776!

July 4 | 11 AM – 4 PM
Tickets on sale now

Heading to The FIFA World Cup? Your ticket gets you in FREE at Historic Richmond Town! ⚽

June 11th through July 19th, FIFA World Cup ticket holders can enjoy complimentary General Admission to Historic Richmond Town’s daily experiences, including:

⚽ Museum Admission
⚽ Open Village Access

Present your FIFA World Cup ticket or proof of purchase in person at admissions and mention the FIFA promotion to receive your complimentary ticket.

Offer valid for daily General Admission only. Excludes special events and programs.

Join us at Historic Richmond Town on June 14 for the Metropolitan Opera’s popular summer recital series showcasing performances by members of the Met’s Lindemann Young Artist Development Program. Performers include Colorado-born soprano Tessa McQueen, who spent the Met’s 2025–26 season as Helen in the company premiere of Mason Bates’s The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay, the First Lady in The Magic Flute, and Annina in La Traviata; Connecticut-based tenor Alex McKissick, who recently covered several roles in Gabriela Lena Frank’s El Último Sueño de Frida y Diego; and Lonwabo Mose, a bass-baritone from Cape Town, who is set to make his company debut during the Met’s 2026–27 season as Happy in La Fanciulla del West and the King in Aida; with accompaniment by Mariam Bombrun, a pianist and coach from Paris, with credits with the San Diego Symphony, Académie de l’Opéra National de Paris, the Met’s revival of Carmen, and Tosca at the Paris Opera. This event forms part of Carnegie Hall’s United in Sound: America at 250 festival.

This is a FREE event. All are welcome!