The Staten Island September 11 Memorial
Staten Island is the city’s smallest borough, impacted the most by the loss of 270 residents in the 9/11 attacks. This made a great need for the borough to have a memorial for themselves. Borough President Molinaro led the campaign. When he took office he made it his pet project, and $2 million was devoted to the fund. Mayor Bloomberg also donated $300,000. Masayuki Sono’s work entitled Postcards was the winner from nearly 200 other designs. Tranquil but refreshing, the design intended two thin structures resembling postcards to symbolize wings or a flower about to blossom.
Also unique to the design is the space devoted to the victims: each Staten Island victim is honored with a 9”x11” granite plaque with their name, birth date and place of work on September 11, 2001 as well as their profile in silhouette. You can find this memorial located along the North Shore Waterfront Esplanade adjacent to the Staten Island Ferry Terminal. It was dedicated and opened to the public on September 11, 2004.
Staten Island Children's Museum
At 1000 Richmond Terrace there stands the Staten Island Children’s Museum, sitting upon the Snug Harbor Cultural Center estate. The Children’s Museum is an exploratory space, kids of a variety of age groups will definitely enjoy the museum. Hands-on classes and workshops are held here, mirroring the public school schedule. The Museum is open Tuesday through Sunday & closed Monday except most school holidays, from noon through 5 p.m. when NYC Public Schools are open. 10 a.m. through 5 p.m. when NYC Public Schools are closed (including weekends and summer recess).
Throughout the year there are special events, like Friday Night Lights all November.
The Museum was open late every Friday in November, until 8 p.m. for family fun after supper. This program has been very popular and may carry over into December as well. Also for Member’s they have the run of the place only Wednesdays.from 10 a.m. to noon.
Alice Austen House Museum & Garden
Clear Comfort was a private modest family home, built in 1690 as a one-room Dutch farmhouse. By 1844 it was in the hands of John Haggerty Austen, Alice Austen's grandfather. Intended as a summer home, the family of Alice Austen moved there in the late 1860s with her mother, Alice Cornell Austen, after the two were abandoned by Alice's father. In 1917, partner Gertrude Tate moved in, and the two relocated in 1945 after economic hardship. Once the house was out of family hands the house fell into disrepair. A group of neighbors and friends saved it from demolition in the 1960s. The house successfully gained status as a historic landmark, and was restored in the mid 1980s.
The home is located at the entrance to New York Harbor. Clear Comfort is a perfect example of the picturesque suburban "cottages" that dotted the shore and hills of 19th-century Staten Island.
John Austen bought the dilapidated farmhouse on a half-acre lot. Later, additional land was purchased to create a property of one acre. The original structure was modest, built in the 1690s, it was reframed as the middle parlor and entry hall. About 1725, the room that became the present parlor was added, and at mid-century, the dining room/kitchen wing was constructed. John Austen, over more than two decades, transformed the original structure into a Carpenter Gothic cottage set on carefully landscaped grounds.
Austen did a lot of work: he added dormer windows embellished with Victorian bargeboards and birdhouse finials, plus decorative cresting and octagonal chimney pots give the structure a definitive silhouette. Austen created the covered porch by making the eaves flare at the bottom, enhanced by a scalloped valance. Full-length windows, flanked by louvered shutters, provided direct access to the front rooms. The piazza was an outdoor room where Alice and other family members would read, watch passing ships through Grandpa's telescope, or visit with friends and play the banjo on warm spring and summer nights.
The Friends of Alice Austen House, Inc. have made the preservation of this home a priority, refusing to let the structure crumble. They emphasise the use of Clear Comfort as an idyllic example of what once was, and as the home to one of America’s most important photographers.
Staten Island Zoo
Located in the northern area of Staten Island, the eight acre zoo is open all year long except for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. The Staten Island Zoo is proud home to Staten Island Chuck, Grandpa. One notable exhibit is an impressive African Savannah environment. The Zoo opened their doors in 1936 on June 10. They are open everyday from 10:00 am to 4:45 pm. Located at 614 Broadway this is a large space to cover in just one day. Be sure to set aside the whole day to explore. Exhibits are great for children of all ages, especially those of us older kids.
You can call ahead at (718) 442-3101. You can make special preparations for a large group. Local children come here for field trips and in guided tours. It’s best to plan ahead to make arrangements for fifteen or more to get a better deal on admission.
Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Garden
Captain Robert Richard Randall stipulated in his will that a portion of his fortune would help retired sailors. He named the harbor himself, suggesting “Snug Harbor”. In 1801 the institution was founded, for “aged, decrepit and worn-out seamen.” The first building wasn’t built until 1833. At first only 37 residents came to live here. But over time grew, then more buildings were planned, including places to worship and entertain. Plus more living space.
Completed between 1830-31, Building C, the center building in a series of five Greek-revival style structures facing the water, is the home of the Main Hall of the Newhouse Gallery. Four additional buildings were completed between 1839-1841 and 1879-80, and are notable in that they exhibit a high degree of stylistic uniformity. The Chapel was built in 1854. It is a great example of architecture and it’s also a landmark. A traditional romantic Anglo-Italian style.
Located at 914 Richmond Terrace in Snug Harbor, the grounds were left to the institute as a rural undeveloped piece of farmland. There was always space for an impressive formal and informal garden space. For more information call ahead of your visit at (718) 448-2500.
Fort Wadsworth
Once a former United States military, Fort Wadsworth was strategically placed on The Narrows. The Narrows divide New York Bay into Upper and Lower halves, a natural point for defense of the Upper Bay and Manhattan beyond. It closed it’s doors in 1994, at the time it claimed to be the longest continually manned military base in the United States. Fort Wadsworth is a big part of the Staten Island Unit of the Gateway National Recreation Area that is kept up by the National Park Service. The Army even commissioned a few artists, including Seth Eastman. “A view of Fort Wadsworth from across the Narrows” was commissioned by the U.S. Army in 1870. A very different view is imprinted on those who visit, with the under the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge looming over head.
The Dutch erected the blockhouse in 1663. It was taken over in the American Revolution. Renamed Flagstaff Fort; it was captured by the British in 1776, and stayed occupied by the British until 1783. It was maintained by New York State in 1806, and seized by the federal government for use during the War of 1812. It was made into several smaller units, including Fort Tompkins and Fort Richmond, its present name was bestowed in 1864 to honor Brigadier General James Wadsworth, who had been killed in the Battle of the Wilderness during the Civil War.
The fort fired a 21-gun salute to former President Theodore Roosevelt as his ship passed through the Narrows on his return from a nearly year-long trip to Africa and Europe in 1910. In 1913, ground was broken by President William Howard Taft for a proposed National American Indian Memorial that was to be built on the site of Fort Tompkins, but funds were diverted to fight World War I.
In the 1920s Fort Wadsworth became an infantry post, and from 1955 until 1974 it was the headquarters of the 52nd AAA Brigade. The property became part of Gateway National Recreation Area when the Navy left in 1995. The United States Coast Guard came into some of the buildings, once used by the Navy. Beginning in 2007 the United States Coast Guard Sector New York and a Maritime Safety and Security Team call the fort home. The United States Army Reserve calls several buildings home here as well. Other buildings house administrative and educational facilities for the National Park Service as well as operations for the United States Park Police.
Battery Weed, directly on the harbor, is a historic structure. Also Fort Tompkins, placed on the bluff above. Both were built in the mid-19th Century plus they are open to the public. You can catch a guided tour, but plan ahead because that is the only way to see everything. Seven smaller coastal artillery batteries were added in the 20th Century. They overlook panoramic views of the Upper Bay, Brooklyn and Manhattan. The National Park Service maintains a visitors' center on site and offers ranger-led tours of the facilities Wednesdays through Sundays.
Best remembered as featured in the comic book G.I. Joe, the covert military group was based in "The Pit," a secret underground base beneath the Motor Pool of the Army Chaplains' Assistants School in Fort Wadsworth. The name "Fort Wadsworth" is also sometimes used to denote the residential neighborhood surrounding the former fort, the neighborhood south of Rosebank, west of Shore Acres and north of South Beach.
Franklin D. Roosevelt Boardwalk and Beach
This boardwalk stretches 2.5-miles southeast from Fort Wadsworth to Miller Field’s Gateway Recreational Area, next to Father Capodanno Boulevard. Right on the Atlantic Ocean, it is one of New York City’s four most spacious beachfronts. From Ft. Wadsworth To Miller Field, from Capodanno Blvd. and back, this is a favorite runner and jogger path. You also have views of Fort Hamilton from here. Views look out to the lower bay and Hoffman Island, with backdrops of the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge.
There are vast areas for multiple purposes. Mostly active in the warmer months, you can still see artists and photographers here year round. Facilities include Barbecuing Areas, Baseball Fields and Basketball Courts. Bathrooms are located near the Beaches. This park also has Bocce Courts. Dog-friendly Areas are designated by their signs. Usually all dogs can have off leash play before 9 am and after 9 pm when the park is sparsely used by other patrons. But do have your pets papers up to date if you’re coming to a city park. There are all different kinds of Eateries. Handball Courts, Kayak/Canoe Launch Sites, Playgrounds and Skate Parks are maintained year round.
St. George Theatre
Located at 35 Hyatt Street, there are ever changing events calendars from month to month. (718) 442-2900 is their line for general information. It’s housed in a large building done in a modern art deco style. Brick and white stone adorn the facade.
Box Office Hours are Monday and Thursday from 9:30 am - 7:00 pm, and Tuesday, Wednesday And Friday from 9:30 am - 2:00 pm. Weekends the box office is closed unless show is scheduled. The theatre does a lot of Community Outreach like their “Night of Theatre Outreach Program”. Their goal is to expose the largest number of people to the theater experience, to fuel a passion for performance.
Beginning in 2004, the Night of Theatre Outreach Program has provided free tickets to thousands of children, teens, and seniors who come from socially and economically challenged homes. You can send in a request for tickets by sending us a letter on your organization’s letterhead with some general information about our organization, like: a Mission Statement, Who you service, Why are you asking for tickets, How many tickets will you need and, of course, Contact information with phone number. Councilman James Oddo and Assemblywoman Janele Hyer-Spencer head this endeavour. The theater also has a summer program for children 9 to 18 free of charge, it also provides free lunches.
Staten Island Museum
The Staten Island Museum is the host of a dynamic collection from natural science to art and history. Established in 1881 innovative exhibitions from the multi-faceted collections include intellectually stimulating programs, scholarly research and enriching partnerships. The Staten Island Museum is a proud member of the Cultural Institutions Group (CIG), a public-private partnership with the City of New York, and receives operating support from the City of New York which owns its building through the Department of Cultural Affairs.
Hours are as follow: From Monday - Friday 11am - 5pm, Saturday 10am - 5pm and Sunday 12pm - 5pm. The Museum is closed on National Holidays: on New Year's Day, Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
Recommended Admission rates apply: Adults: $5.00, Students and Seniors: $3.00 and Children under 12 and Members can get in free. There is also a Sneak Peek Tuesdays Free admission 12-2pm. The museum is located at 75 Stuyvesant Place.
Historic Richmond Town
Historic Richmond Town is located at its own Address: as “Historic Richmond Town” at 441 Clarke Avenue. You can call ahead for larger group tours at (718) 351-1611. Open from Wednesday to Sunday: 1 pm - 5pm, Guided Tours begin at the following times: Wednesday - Friday at 2:30pm daily and Saturday and Sunday 2:00pm and 3:30pm. The Town is a 15-minute drive from all bridges and a 30-minute ride from the Staten Island ferry on the S74 bus. From the ferry: Take the S74 bus from the terminal to Richmond Road and St. Patrick's Place.
This time of year a popular draw is the Christmas VIllage: You can see a Tinsmith create one of a kind decorations, and carolers sing holiday songs, or listen to lively storytelling session. You can tour the village, decorated in its holiday finery. Visit the Courthouse for greenery, home-baked goodies, and holiday gift items for sale. Sponsored by the Women's Auxiliary. The cost is about $2.00 to enter. M. Bennett’s Café Opens 9:30 AM and a Traditional Tree Lighting ends the day at 5 PM.
The Conference House Museum
This museum is only open three days a week, from Friday to Sunday, from 1 to 4 pm. It is located at 298 Satterlee Street in Staten Island, NY 10307. You can Phone ahead at (718) 984-6046 if you are planning a large group visit.
In 1846 Gabriel P. Disosway brought attention to its place in the history of the American Revolution. The article brought public interest into preservation efforts nationwide. In 1886, a bill was introduced in the New York State legislature to acquire the Conference House for museum purposes. It failed but in April 1926, Harmon National Real Estate, which had just acquired the property in 1925, gave the Billopp House one acre of land to the City of New York for use as a park, recreational area and museum. During this time, the Conference House became the first house museum on Staten Island; however, the house had been heavily deteriorated and was even in danger of being razed.
To conserve the site, the Conference House Association was formed on September 21, 1925, and observed the reconstruction of the house, furnished the newly restored rooms, and open the house as a museum. This was one of the first pet projects of the Daughters of the American Revolution (D.A.R.), which later included business and civic leaders, historians, and local preservationists.
Sandy Ground Historical Museum
Located on the shoreline of Staten Island South, the museum has a special focus on colonial crafts and historic reenactments, this community was founded by free men in the early 19th century. Men who were once oyster fishermen and residents of Maryland and Delaware. Their past residents were once stops on the Underground Railroad. Their descendants worked the land and stayed here. This museum holds the most complete and historically accurate exhibits of freed black people prior to the Civil War.
Today the museum is committed to learning and advancing the education of the public. Letters, photographs and other items are housed and preserved here. The Museum also possesses a rare surviving can of Tettersalve, a beauty product manufactured by Harlem businesswoman Madame C. J. Walker, and a letter from W.E.B. DuBois.
Jacques Marchais Museum of Tibetan Art
Founded in 1945, the Marchais Museum was created in a residential home in Lighthouse Hill, the Egbertville neighborhood of Staten Island. The Museum is designed to resemble a small Himalayan mountain monastery and in 2009, the buildings were listed on both the New York State Register and the National Register of Historic Places.
Only open for the season, from April through November, Wednesday - Sunday from 1pm - 5pm.
December through March, Friday - Sunday from 1pm - 5pm. This is a unique example of a museum fitting the needs of a collection, Jacques Marchais took a special interest in the style of art in a particular place in Asia, and bequeathed the collection to a public trust. This is a great location to explore and think in quit.The Museum sits atop Lighthouse Hill, one of the highest points on the Eastern Seaboard.
Borough Hall
Standing directly across from the Ferry Terminal, Staten Island Borough Hall houses the Borough President's Office, offices of the Departments of Buildings and Transportation and other civic offices. The main lobby has fantastic examples of civic mural artwork. And the time to make this space usable took tremendous thought. When the offices became consolidated . The building was completed in 1906 and still serves its original purpose. When Staten Island was consolidated as part of New York City in 1898, St. George was selected as Staten Island’s new civic center. Replacing Richmond Town.
French Renaissance style brick building is three stories high with a massive two-story mansard roof. The building features lavish limestone trim, including a stone base, a stone center entrance, window enframements, and Doric columns separating the windows. The high clock tower in the center can be seen from the harbor and throughout St. George.
This is a Carrere & Hastings design, others include the New York Public Library, the monumental Manhattan Bridge Approach, and the first congressional office buildings in Washington, D.C. (the Russell Senate office building and the Cannon House office building).Th street Address: 10 Richmond Terrace (entrance on Stuyvesant Place). Call ahead for a large group to be accommodated at Phone number: 718-816-2000.
Casa Belvedere, The Italian Cultural Foundation
Located at 77 Howard Ave, the building is open from Monday to Thursday from 10:00 am – 6:00 pm.
You can request additional information in advance of your visit by calling :(718) 273-7660. The building was constructed in 1908 as a mansion. Over the years it housed a number of different families, including for several years being the official residence of the President of Wagner College.
It was declared a New York City Landmark in 2006 as the Louis A. and Laura Stirn House. In 2008 it was purchased by Gina Biancardi and Luciano Rammairone, and turned into a cultural center. It is otherwise known as the Louis A. and Laura Stirn House and it is on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.
Exhibitions include wine tastings, lectures, films, cooking lessons, book signings, displays of Italian-made motor vehicles (e.g. Alfa Romeo, Lamborghini, and Vespa), and art exhibits.
Garibaldi-Meucci Museum
Open Wednesday to Saturday from 1:00–5:00 pm, the museum is formerly known as the Garibaldi Memorial circa 1840 in a gothic revival style cottage.The family used this place as a private home, and in I884 a plaque commemorating Garibaldi's stay was placed on the building, with Meucci in attendance.The house was moved from its original nearby location in 1907 and placed within an open air colonnaded memorial pavilion, which was later removed.It was dedicated in 1907 to mark Garibaldi's 100th birthday. Since then, the site has been the location of a number of protests and celebrations on the anniversary of Garibaldi's birth.
A memorial to Meucci was erected in the front yard in 1923. In 1956 the house was opened as the Garibaldi-Meucci Museum, helping to celebrate Italian-American heritage and culture, as well as the lives of Giuseppe Garibaldi and Antonio Meucci. The museum is owned by the National Order Sons of Italy Foundation and administered by the New York Grand Lodge Order Sons of Italy in America.
After a major restoration, the museum was rededicated in a ceremony on July 11, 2009, involving museum president John Dabbene, Salvatore Lanzilotta, president of the New York State Order of the Sons of Italy in America, and U.S. Congressional Representative Michael McMahon.
The museum is located at 420 Tompkins Ave, Staten Island, NY 10305 at Phone:(718 ) 442-1608
Noble Maritime Collection
a. Located at 1000 Richmond Terrace, Building D the collection encompasses much of the work of artist John A. Noble who was the son of an American painter, Wichita Bill Noble. His son was able to study in Paris and live the life of a painterly gentleman. Much of his life was lived on the houseboat, and many of the most frequently used rooms in the artist's lifetime were preserved, like the artists studio and writing rooms.
“In the wintertime, while still going to school, I was a permanent fixture on the old McCarren line tugs, which had the monopoly on the schooner towing in New York Harbor. This kept them constantly before my eyes. In the summertime, I would go to sea."
A graduate of the Friends Seminary in New York City, Noble returned to France in 1931, where he studied for one year at the University of Grenoble. There he met his wife and lifetime companion, "the lovely, green-eyed" Susan Ames. When he returned to New York, he studied for one year at the National Academy of Design.
Noble the Younger was born in 1914. In 1919 he said "It was the greatest wooden ship launching year in the history of the world,"Noble began to take art seriously in 1929 and he is quoted as saying that Port Johnston was "the largest graveyard of wooden sailing vessels in the world." Filled with new but obsolete ships, the great coalport had become a great boneyard. In 1941, Noble began to build his floating studio there, out of parts of vessels he salvaged. From 1946 on, he worked as a full-time artist. Often accompanied by his wife, he set off from his studio in a rowboat to explore the Harbor. These explorations resulted in a unique and exacting record of Harbor history in which its rarely documented characters, industries, and vessels are faithfully recorded.
One of the newest gallery features ship models from around the world. Many of these models are on loan from the Trustees of the Sailors’ Snug Harbor in the City of New York and are housed in the original carved mahogany cases that graced the halls of Sailors’ Snug Harbor and brought great pleasure to its residents.
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