Introducing the Native Encampment at Historic Richmond Town

In recent years, Historic Richmond Town embarked on a journey to ensure the historical narrative communicated to the public through our programming is a holistic story of the community. This work can only be done with the authentic representation of the diversity of Staten Island. In order to accomplish this, Historic Richmond Town has been creating spaces and platforms where the experiences and perspectives of all people are heard and valued. This Summer, Historic Richmond Town's Native Encampment was constructed in the southwest quadrant of the Main Village Campus; which will see its debut at two of our upcoming Fall events.

David Bunn Martine, Director and Curator of the Shinnecock Nation Cultural Center and Museum, oversaw construction of a wigwam dwelling and several outlying structures. The encampment interprets the life of the Lenape people of Staten Island and Greater New York, post-European contact.

This fall, the Native Encampment will be activated during two special educational events. On October 15 & 16, during Old Home Day Weekend, the encampment will feature presentations of Native art, culture, and foodways, as presented by Drew Shuptar-Rayvis, Miciah Stasis and Taylor Stasis.

On November 19, Historic Richmond Town will focus its annual Hearth & Harvest Festival, in which encampment builder David Martine will give interpretive tours of the encampment site. The event will also feature presentations of Native dance by Patrick Little Wolf Brooks, US Army Veteran and member of the Tuscarora Nation, as well as 7 Directions Dancers. Additional features of the event include storytelling, vendors, and interpretive talks by John Scott-Richardson.

The Native Encampment project was made possible with generous support from Con Edison. Materials for the construction were harvested by volunteers from Freshkills Park and the Student Conservation Association.