FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Historic Richmond Town debuts first Program in New Series: Talks of the Town: “Fresh Kills - A History of Consuming and Discarding in New York City” with Martin Melosi and Phillip Papas
Staten Island, New York - Talks of the Town, the public program series from Historic Richmond Town kicks off the 2024 season with a special conversation featuring environmental historian Dr. Martin Melosi in conversation with lifelong Staten Islander and Senior Professor of History at Union College of Union County, New Jersey (UCNJ), Dr. Phillip Papas. The program, "Fresh Kills: A History of Consuming and Discarding in New York City," will take place on Saturday, April 20, from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM.
Martin Melosi will delve into the fascinating story of Fresh Kills—a massive landfill-turned-park site that dominates the landscape of Staten Island. From its origins as a receptacle for New York City's refuse, to its transformation into a cemetery following the 9/11 attacks, Melosi will offer new insights into the city's growth and development, as well as the complex relationship between consumption, waste, and disposal.
“I am very pleased to be able to discuss my research on Fresh Kills with Staten Islanders,” says Melosi. “This has been a long time aspiration. I spent considerable time researching my work at various depositories on Staten Island and came away with a powerful sense of how important the Fresh Kills story is not only to the history of Staten Island itself, but to New York City and beyond. From its origins in 1948, Fresh Kills Landfill has been as iconic as other New York landmarks, and hopefully Freshkills Park will someday rank alongside the most important American parks.”
Phillip Papas, author of That Ever Loyal Island: Staten Island and the American Revolution and Renegade Revolutionary: The Life of General Charles Lee, brings a unique perspective shaped by his lifelong connection to Staten Island and his extensive research in history. Papas is currently engaged in writing about the First World War, further demonstrating his commitment to exploring pivotal moments in history.
"We're honored to have these scholars join us for what promises to be a provocative conversation about waste and urban life - an integral aspect of Staten Island’s history and its relationship to New York City,” says Historic Richmond Town Director of Education & Public Programs, Luke G. Boyd.
Tickets for the event are available for general admission at $5, with free admission for members. Visitors are encouraged to book tickets online in advance, with cash payments accepted at the door (credit card payments limited to $10).
For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit www.historicrichmondtown.org.
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About Historic Richmond Town:
Historic Richmond Town interprets and restores a living history village, operates a historical museum, and collects and preserves material culture to inspire engagement with and understanding of the diverse histories of Staten Island. The organization preserves and maintains 40 historic structures over 112 acres of preserved parkland across four unique sites on Staten Island, and offers public tours, membership, lectures, workshops, 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
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.
About Talks of the Town:
Talks of the Town is a program series dedicated to exploring diverse topics relevant to Staten Island and Greater New York. Through engaging lectures, discussions, and presentations, Talks of the Town aims to connect the community with experts and scholars, offering in-depth insights into various subjects related to history, culture, and current affairs.
Press Contact:
Amy Kennard
Director of External Affairs, Historic Richmond Town
718-351-1611, ex. 266