Historic Richmond Town Talks
a series of meaningful conversations exploring the richness of
Staten Island history.
From the North Shore to Tottenville; from the 17th century to the present--this series covers a wide array of stories and topics.
In light of temporary closure and social distancing concerns, these programs will be hosted virtually. In June, the first program in the series, The Quarantine War of 1858, will be made available for digital download on the Historic Richmond Town website. After June, you can the livestream of each program and access a digital download following the program!
June
The Quarantine War of 1858
June 17 (download only) | $3.00
For decades, Staten Island was home to several quarantine facilities, designed to manage the spread of infectious diseases. On September 1st and 2nd, 1858, protesting the dangers posed by the presence of contagion in the community, local residents stormed the Quarantine Station in Tompkinsville.
In this current moment of lockdowns and social distancing due to COVID-19, the story of the quarantine fire is especially relevant. Local historian and Historic Richmond Town Blacksmith Jeffrey Cavorley joins Historical Interpreter Ian Hagens in conversation. Featuring original music by Norm Pederson and Stout.
Watch the webinar recording
Supplemental Material | $3.00
Winter 2009 Edition of the Staten Island Historian, featuring Jeffrey Cavorley’s article on the Quarantine War
July
Living History Museum Meetup
FRI. July 17, 2020 | 1:00 p.m. | $3.00 | Zoom
In the 20th century, industrialists, preservationists, and others led efforts to preserve local history by moving historic structures from their original sites onto new landscapes, creating outdoor museum campuses. Living History museums act as ‘time machines’, transporting visitors into the past by immersion with structures, artifacts and costumed interpretation.
Decades after their initial creation, living history museums face unique challenges with visitor engagement and adapting interpretive approaches to reflect inclusive narratives. Join Historic Richmond Town’s Director of Education & Public Programs, Luke Boyd, and Timothy Van Wickler from Old Bethpage Village Restoration as they compare and contrast these two New York State living history museums.
Watch the webinar recording
August
HRT EqualitEA
MON. AUGUST 24, 2020 | 4:00pm | SUGGESTED DONATION | ZOOM
In honor of the centennial of the 19th Amendment in August, a special edition of Historic Richmond Town talks will be offered in August. Join Historic Richmond Town's Curator and Diversity Coordinator Sarah Clark, and Edwina Martin, Commissioner and Public Administrator of Richmond County for "HRT EqualiTea.” Special collections items related to the women's movement will be discussed, as well as the stories of some known and lesser-known female figures in Staten Island history.
If you enjoyed this webinar recording, and would like to support free programming, please consider supporting Historic Richmond Town by making a suggested donation below.
September
Staten Island and the American Revolution
WED. Sept. 30, 2020 | 7:00PM | $3
In the 1770s, Staten Island was firmly opposed to the rebellion to British rule in America. As the war continued, loyalists and rebels on the island clashed. revealing a more complicated stance on American Independence. In our latest Historic Richmond Town Talks webinar, join scholar Dr. Phillip Papas, filmmaker James Verdi, and living historian Michael Grillo for a conversation about this tumultuous period in Staten Island history.
Watch the webinar recording.