FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Historic Richmond Town Debuts NEW Design for Programs & Events 

Staten Island, New York: This Spring, in an effort to establish a sustainable financial foundation and steady public offerings, Historic Richmond Town launched a new initiative to move away from hosting many one-day festival like fundraising events and begins the 2021 event season by transitioning into a new model of viable, recurring programs and events over a three month, seasonal period.

These three-month, seasonal periods, “Spring in Historic Richmond Town” (March-May), “Summer in Historic Richmond Town” (June-August), “Fall in Historic Richmond Town” (September-November), and “Winter in Historic Richmond Town” (December-February), will be a collective series of immersive, meaningful, and memorable experiences expressed through the living history, historic trades, foodways, lifeways, material culture, craft education and architecture of the historic site. The expansive grounds and structures will serve as an integral part of special events that provide the public opportunities to gather with friends and family to celebrate Staten Island history and our diverse community.

Historic Richmond Town Executive Director & CEO, Jessica Phillips, is optimistic about the organization’s new direction. “The COVID-19 pandemic has proven that financial sustainability is critical to allowing us to continue preserving and sharing Staten Island’s history,” she says. “Historically, we have hosted about six large, outdoor festivals each year. Several of these events are hosted by third party organizations and haven’t brought in the funds necessary to host them. This new format will allow Historic Richmond Town to offer more varied events, including the Richmond County Fair, and programs to the public that will better serve the organization’s mission.” 

The organization plans to meet this goal both by reimagining old events and programs, as well as developing new ones dedicated to illuminating the lived and shared experiences of humanity on Staten Island. A renewed focus will center on actively implementing the organization’s Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI) Plan by developing inclusive programs that celebrate Staten Island’s vibrant and diverse history.  

“Traditionally, Historic Richmond Town’s programs have centered around the interpretation of European settlers and their descendants on Staten Island,” says Director of Education & Public Programs, Luke G. Boyd. “Historic Richmond Town is committed to telling a more holistic human history of the borough--and doing so requires not only the creation of new programming but a wholesale repositioning of every existing educational initiative. It is both an immense challenge and a privilege as a cultural institution.”

Historic Richmond Town Board President, Laura Gentile, echoes this sentiment and reinforces the organization’s dedication to the new program structure. “Historic Richmond Town is responding to the historic events of the last year with innovation and inclusivity. Our programming and education values the history of all our people and includes the stories of everyone’s ancestors. We want everyone to see themselves reflected in our collections and we want to see everyone on our campus and enjoying HRT events. Under the stewardship and vision of CEO Jessica Phillips, we are building a path of economic sustainability and growth, keeping HRT healthy and meaningful for our children and their children too.” 

A selection of the organization’s long-standing festival favorites that both engage the community and are mission relevant will remain permanent staples of the annual calendar, but will also expand to include a collective series of additional interpretive programs. Events that will remain are Uncorked! Food & Wine Festival, Old Home Day, Richmond County Fair, and Pumpkin Picking at Decker Farm. Cancelled events include the annual Kansas City Barbeque Society Competition and International Chili Society Cookoff.

Historic Richmond Town members will continue to receive discounts on seasonal offerings in this new design for programs and events. Even more, members will now be able to use their discount more frequently for a multitude of worthwhile events and other offerings. If you are not already a member and would like to join, click here to learn more about our various membership levels and their additional perks.

Historic Richmond Town also welcomes partnerships with local businesses. With this new design for our programming and events calendar comes brand new sponsorship opportunities. New benefits will include recognition through Historic Richmond Town’s communications and marketing formats and more specific sponsorship opportunities at our staple events: Uncorked, Richmond County Fair, and Pumpkin Picking at Decker Farm. Please check our sponsorship page for updates.

2021 Calendar of Events

The seasonal event calendar continues to evolve, with additional programs being added in the coming months. 

Spring in Historic Richmond Town (March-May)

As winter fades in favor of the promise of spring, New York City’s historic village comes back to life. Step into the past as 19th century spring cleaning is in full swing in historic houses and shops. Daffodils push through the earthy green of the village landscape, and fresh blooms blossom on the trees. Take a tour through town or a hike in the woods beyond; rediscover the refuge of Historic Richmond Town.

  • Guided Tours continue by reservation only every Friday-Sunday. During the month of March, tours will include an Irish American History Focus. 

  • Market Basket Making Class (March 27 & April 3)

  • NYAC Webinar (Ship Graveyards) (March 31)

  • Spring Break Virtual Workshops (March 29-April 2)

  • Spring Chores n’ Tours (April 10,11, 17,18, 24, 25) 

Summer in Historic Richmond Town (June-August)

Summer days and nights are filled to the brim at Historic Richmond Town. Come together to raise a glass with friends and neighbors under the stars and to the music of local bands and artists. Travel through time as a historic trades apprentice or attending a living history event. Honor the Declaration of Independence with a unique celebration on July 4th. 

  • Uncorked! Food & Wine Festival (June 5) 

  • Tavern Terrace Beer Garden (June 12, Saturdays, through Sept. 25). 

  • Independence Day Celebration (July 4)

  • Apprentice Program (July 5-August 6)

  • Civil War Weekend (July 24-25)

Fall in Historic Richmond Town (September-November)

The annual Richmond County Fair returns Labor Day weekend and ushers in the Fall season at Historic Richmond Town. Enjoy the changing leaves and crisp fall air at our Pumpkin Picking at Decker Farm weekends, explore the haunted history of Staten Island with nighttime tours and special programs, and experience the time-honored festival of historical trades and crafts on Old Home Day. 

  • Richmond County Fair - (Sept. 4-6)

  • Revolutionary War Weekend (Sept. 18-19)

  • Pumpkin Picking at Decker Farm - (Oct. 2-31)

  • Old Home Day - (Oct. 9)

  • Kitchen Tours (Nov. 13,14, 20,21)

Winter in Historic Richmond Town (December-February)

As the chilly weather settles over Staten Island, Historic Richmond Town transforms into a winter wonderland. The grounds become the perfect setting for a brisk walk in the frosty air, and the charming Historic Village is a welcome reprieve to warm up beside a cozy hearth. The lights of the season shine brightly during a festive Christmas tree lighting, and flicker gently during Candlelight Tours. Cabin Fever Reliever Workshops offer a welcome respite from the doldrums of winter.

  • Candlelight Tours (Dec. 11,12, 18,19)

  • Cabin Fever Reliever - Candle Making Workshop (Jan. 8, 9)

  • Cabin Fever Reliever - Victorian Valentine Workshop (Feb. 5, 6)

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About Historic Richmond Town:
Historic Richmond Town is dedicated to creating opportunities for the public to explore the diversity of the American experience, especially that of Staten Island and its neighboring communities from the colonial period to the present. Historic Richmond Town preserves and maintains 40 historic structures over 112 acres of preserved parkland across four unique sites on Staten Island. The main site is a living history village featuring the Historical Museum that showcases the vast collection through engaging exhibitions. Historic Richmond Town offers public tours, membership, lectures, workshops, over a dozen special events and a variety of educational programs. A visit to Historic Richmond Town is an immersive step into history.

Historic Richmond Town
441 Clark Avenue
718-351-1611
www.historicrichmondtown.org

Historic Richmond Town is a non-profit educational cultural institution. Programs and events help raise funds to support the mission. Historic Richmond Town is operated by the Staten Island Historical Society, a Section 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation instituted and incorporated in 1856.

Press Contact:
Amy Kennard
Director of External Affairs, Historic Richmond Town
718-351-1611, ex. 266