Historic House Trust of New York City

Open House NY - Free Admission Tours of the Conference House
2026-10-16 12:00 - 2026-10-18 16:00 (America/New_York) | Conference House, 7455 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, New York, 10307, United States
Open House New York Weekend is an annual festival that unlocks 300 destinations across the five boroughs for behind-the-scenes tours and special activities. Don’t miss out on an free opportunity to learn about the historic Conference House on Staten Island.

Built by English immigrant Captain Christopher Billopp, in or around the year 1680, this handsome stately manor was a wheat farm throughout the first century of its existence. An invaluable relic in America’s history, the Conference House was the site of a 1776 peace conference which attempted to end the Revolutionary War. Edward Rutledge, John Adams, Lord Howe and Benjamin Franklin were among those in attendance. Surrounded by lush acreage of forests, marshland and meadows, the Conference House overlooks the Arthur Kill River, Lower Raritan Bay and nearby New Jersey. The history and location of our museum gives visitors a glimpse of a pre populated landscape of New York City, while also illustrating our nation’s history.

Lewis Latimer's 178th Birthday Celebration
2026-09-19 13:00 - 16:00 | Lewis Latimer House, 34-41 137th St, Flushing, NY, 10037, United States
Join the Lewis Latimer House in celebrating Lewis Latimer’s life and contributions on Saturday, September 19 from 1:00pm to 4:00pm.

This annual free event features lively performances, games and exciting STEAM activities for the whole family! Let’s come together to honor the remarkable life of Lewis Latimer and his passion for science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM).

America250: Staten Island Philharmonic Concert in the Park
2026-09-12 16:30 - 18:30 | Conference House, 7455 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, New York, 10307, United States
As part of the Conference House’s America250 series, this outdoor concert celebrates the nation’s 250th anniversary through music and community.

The Staten Island Philharmonic presents an outdoor concert at the conclusion of the 1776 Peace Conference Celebration and Reenactment with a celebratory program of American orchestral music. Set in a scenic park environment, the performance offers a reflective yet uplifting musical experience honoring the nation’s 250th anniversary.

1776 Peace Conference Celebration & Reenactment at the Conference House
2026-09-12 11:00 - 15:30 | Conference House, 7455 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, New York, 10307, United States
As part of the Conference House’s America250 series, this signature event commemorates the nation’s 250th anniversary at the very site where history unfolded.

This signature America250 event commemorates the historic 1776 Peace Conference with a full-day public program featuring a live reenactment of the negotiations, bringing to life the diplomatic tensions and conversations that shaped the Revolutionary era. In addition to the reenactment, visitors will experience immersive 18th-century demonstrations, including period-appropriate crafts, military drills, domestic life activities, and interpretive presentations that illuminate daily life during the Revolutionary period. Interactive educational programming and family-friendly activities will further engage audiences in exploring the political and social context of 1776. This cornerstone event of the America250 series offers a dynamic, hands-on opportunity to connect with the nation’s founding history on the very site where it unfolded.

11:00 A.M. – Opening Ceremony featuring the Staten Island Bagpipers and a reading of the Declaration of Independence

1:00 P.M. – Peace Conference Reenactment featuring Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, Edward Rutledge, and Admiral Lord Howe

Enjoy a full day of history, tradition, and family fun, including:

Snack stand

Outdoor museum displays

18th-century crafts and trade demonstrations (print shop, tin smith, woodworking, spinners, quilters)

Colonial music

Auxiliary open-hearth cooking demonstrations with free recipes

Colonial kitchen garden

Children’s activities

Conference House Gift Shop

Handwriting the Constitution
2026-09-07 18:00 - 19:30, 2026-08-03 18:00 - 19:30 | Old Stone House & Washington Park, 336 3rd Street, Brooklyn, New York, 11215, United States
Join Old Stone House’s Director of Education, Margaret Weber, for a session of Handwriting the Constitution.

Handwriting the Constitution is a social art project begun in 2017 by artist Morgan O’Hara. It invites people from all walks of life to meet in public spaces to handwrite the US Constitution or other documents written to protect human rights and freedoms. This art practice was created so that people will know their rights, deepen their understanding of laws created to protect these rights, and to help resist negative thinking. To date approximately 2000 people have participated, both nationally and internationally.

The goal of this art practice is to encourage people to hold their own Handwriting sessions on a recurring basis; to create a physical and psychological space that explores the practice of concentrated writing as an art form, and a process designed to bring people together in a quiet and calming way, all by focusing on human rights. It has been identified as a powerful and transformative form of activism for introverts.

Participants are welcome to work on their own journey through the U.S. Constitution, but are welcome to explore other documents of freedom such as the U.N. Declaration of Human Rights.

Copies of both documents will be available for reference.

Email education@theoldstonehouse.org for more info

Battle of Brooklyn Walking Tour: Grand Army Plaza to Old Stone House
2026-08-27 18:00 - 19:30, 2026-08-09 11:00 - 13:00 | Old Stone House & Washington Park, 336 3rd Street, Brooklyn, New York, 11215, United States
Follow the footsteps of the revolutionaries!

This tour meets up at Grand Army Plaza and traces the path of retreat of the Continental soldiers who fought in the Battle of Brooklyn on August 27, 1776.

End at the Old Stone House and Washington Park for a light snack and private gallery tour at the site of the final stand-off.

Journey to the 1776 Peace Conference Lecture by Dr. Phillip Papas at the Conference House
2026-08-22 13:00 - 14:30 | Conference House, 7455 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, New York, 10307, United States
As part of the Conference House’s America250 series, this lecture explores the historical roots of the nation during its 250th anniversary.

Join Dr. Phillip Papas, historian and professor at Union College of Union County New Jersey (UCNJ), for an engaging lecture exploring the events leading to the 1776 Peace Conference and Staten Island’s unique role in early American diplomacy. This program provides historical insight into the negotiation efforts during the Revolutionary era and sets the stage for what happened at this historic site.

"Choosing Freedom" Exhibition Opening
2026-08-22 12:00 - 16:00 | Conference House, 7455 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, New York, 10307, United States
As part of the Conference House’s America250 series, this exhibition marks the nation’s 250th anniversary by exploring stories of freedom and identity. Opening day for the Conference House exhibition “Choosing Freedom,” which explores the Revolutionary War era through the stories of individuals who shaped the struggle for independence. The exhibit highlights local and national narratives connected to liberty, identity, and the founding of the United States, offering an immersive experience for visitors of all ages. The exhibit will be on display in the Conference House Visitor’s Center through December 13th.

Maryland 400 Remembrance Ceremony & Battle of Brooklyn Living History
2026-08-22 12:00 - 14:00 | Old Stone House & Washington Park, 336 3rd Street, Brooklyn, New York, 11215, United States
August 27, 2026 marks the 250th anniversary of the Battle of Brooklyn.

Old Stone House & Washington Park partners with the Society of the Cincinnati of Maryland, the Sons of the American Revolution Battle of Brooklyn Chapter, and the Michael A. Rawley American Legion Post to commemorate the Battle of Brooklyn.

This event includes reenactor regiments from the Battle of Brooklyn, battle strategies and daily life during the Revolutionary War, historical costumers, live music, and a scavenger hunt along the Gowanus Road to The Green-Wood Cemetery (today’s 5th Avenue).

Battle of Brooklyn 250th Anniversary Reenactment
2026-08-22 10:00 - 12:00 | Old Stone House & Washington Park, 336 3rd Street, Brooklyn, New York, 11215, United States
Join the Prospect Park Alliance, the Old Stone House of Brooklyn, and the Brigade of the American Revolution to commemorate the 250th Anniversary of the Battle of Brooklyn, the largest battle of the American War for Independence. Enjoy a re-enactment of the historic Battle of Brooklyn following the footsteps of the soldiers who fought in this historic military event, from the Long Meadow in Prospect Park down 3rd Street to the Old Stone House.

Celebrate 250 Years of American Independence with Bowne House
2026-08-15 12:00 - 16:00, 2026-07-18 12:00 - 16:00 | Bowne House, 37-01 Bowne Street, Flushing, New York, 11354, United States
Join for an afternoon of historical fun at Bowne House as we celebrate the 250th Anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence! Enjoy guided tours of Bowne House, create a patriotic craft, play games in the garden, and sip on refreshing beverages.

All Day In the Garden:

Enjoy refreshing beverages on a seat in our lovely garden.

At our craft table, create a patriotic keepsake to commemorate this historic anniversary. The craft project is appropriate for kids (and adults!) of all ages.

Try your hand at family-friendly outdoor games including “Ball & Cup” and toy hoops!

Admission: $12 General ; $10 Student (with a valid high school or college I.D.) ; $5 Children 14 years old and under ; $5 Member of Bowne House Historical Society

USA 250 Public Tours at the Wyckoff House
2026-08-08 11:00 - 14:00, 2026-08-01 11:00 - 14:00, 2026-07-25 11:00 - 14:00, 2026-07-18 11:00 - 14:00, 2026-07-11 11:00 - 14:00 | Wyckoff House, 5816 Clarendon Road, Brooklyn, New York, 11203, United States
This summer, experience New York’s oldest house during the Wyckoff House Museum’s public tour hours, offered every Saturday in July and August. As we commemorate the 250th anniversary of US Independence, visitors will have the opportunity to learn about daily life in Brooklyn on the eve of the American Revolution. Visitors will be guided through three furnished rooms of the historic house, reflecting periods from the 17th-century Dutch Colonial Era to the late 19th-century. After exploring the history of the Wyckoff House, enjoy a restful moment in our garden or on the covered patio.

The park grounds and garden are open from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, with guided tours of the historic house offered each hour starting at 11:30 AM. Tour times are as follows:

11:30 AM – “Family Style” Tour, well-suited for young historians

12:30 PM

1:30 PM

Before the Battle of Long Island
2026-08-02 11:00 - 13:00 | Hendrick I. Lott House, 1940 E 36th St, Brooklyn, New York, 11234, United States
Join Friends of the Lott House to mark the 250th anniversary of the Battle of Long Island — the first major engagement after the Declaration of Independence, fought right here in Brooklyn. Before the fighting began, British forces marched, camped, and moved through South Brooklyn, with the historic Lott Farm among the nearby sites. Hear presentations from archaeologist Dr. Alyssa Loorya and historian Dr. Tom Campanella, enjoy a live performance by Linda Russell and reenactors.

Admission is free. This year, we encourage our community to help us commemorate this milestone by raising $1,776 for the Lott House. Each contribution directly supports the preservation of our historic farmhouse for future generations.

A Distant Love: Songs of John and Abigail Adams
2026-07-24 19:30 - 20:30 | Old Stone House & Washington Park, 336 3rd Street, Brooklyn, New York, 11215, United States
Song Cycle with libretto by Terry Quinn and music by Gary S. Fagin

“A Distant Love: Songs of John and Abigail Adams”, with libretto by Terry Quinn and music by Gary S. Fagin, celebrates one of the most consequential and influential couples of the Colonial period during a time when our America’s fortunes hung in precarious balance. This song cycle for soprano, baritone and string quartet covers the 11-year period when, except for intermittent visits home, John was abroad raising money for the American Revolution and Abigail was tending the Adams homestead. “A Distant Love” renders the flavor of this extraordinary couple’s time apart, based on the extensive correspondence of these two “dearest friends” — their passions, hopes, doubts and anxieties; their complexities and half-hidden emotions; their most intimate thoughts.

Declare Independence: Tear Down the King
2026-07-12 12:00 - 15:00 | Old Stone House & Washington Park, 336 3rd Street, Brooklyn, New York, 11215, United States
Join the Old Stone House for a family-friendly reenactment of a Revolutionary turning point + the Urban Park Rangers.

After General George Washington ordered the Declaration of Independence read aloud to American troops in Manhattan and Brooklyn preparing for a British assault in July 1776, servicemen tore down and cut apart the gilded statue of King George III at Bowling Green. This act shocked the royal families of Europe and continues to serve as a symbol of liberation today.

Join Scholar-in-Residence Dylan Yeats for a fun, family-friendly reenactment of this historic event in front of the Old Stone House. Visitors will be encouraged to write tyrannies they seek to declare independence from on a re-created statue of King George III.

Stars, Stripes & Staten Island: America 250 Celebration
2026-07-08 17:00 - 22:00 | Conference House, 7455 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, New York, 10307, United States
As part of the Conference House’s America250 series, join for an evening of history, community, and celebration as we commemorate the 250th anniversary of the nation’s founding.

Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities throughout Conference House Park, including local vendors, food trucks, family-friendly activities, and live entertainment. The historic Conference House will be open throughout the evening, with visitors invited to walk through the Conference Room where delegates met in 1776 in an effort to avoid war.

Bring your family, meet your neighbors, and celebrate America’s 250th anniversary at one of the nation’s most significant historic sites. The evening will conclude with a special performance by the Staten Island Philharmonic.

The Declaration of Independence, Reading and Discussion
2026-07-08 13:00 - 16:00 | Conference House, 7455 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, New York, 10307, United States
As part of the Conference House’s America250 series, this program invites audiences to reflect on the nation’s founding ideals during its 250th anniversary.

This educational program features a public reading of the Declaration of Independence followed by a facilitated discussion exploring its historical context, language, and continuing relevance. Participants will examine the ideas that shaped the nation’s founding and consider how the document’s principles have been interpreted and challenged over time. The program will also include tours of the Conference House throughout the day, as well as a special Peace Conference reenactment, bringing to life the historic 1776 negotiations that took place at the Conference House. The day will conclude with a performance by the Staten Island Philharmonic at 4:00 pm.

Parade of Tall Ships Viewing Party
2026-07-04 09:30 - 14:00 | Alice Austen House, 2 Hylan Blvd, Staten Island, NY, 10305, United States
Come celebrate America’s 250th Birthday on the lawn of the Alice Austen House for a viewing of the Parade of Tall Ships. Bring a lawn chair or blanket, picnic lunch and celebrate July 4th with community and sweeping harbor views.

The museum will also be open for the duration of the parade to view our permanent exhibition and our contemporary summer exhibition Radical Botany.

JULY 4th MUSEUM HOURS: 10am-2pm

Battle of Brooklyn Walking Tour: Grand Army Plaza to Old Stone House
2026-07-03 18:00 - 20:00 | Old Stone House & Washington Park, 336 3rd Street, Brooklyn, New York, 11215, United States
Follow the footsteps of the revolutionaries!

This tour meets up at Grand Army Plaza and traces the path of retreat of the Continental soldiers who fought in the Battle of Brooklyn on August 27, 1776.

We end at the Old Stone House and Washington Park for a light snack and private gallery tour at the site of the final stand-off.

"The Bronx; Crucible of Liberty" Exhibition Opening Reception
2026-07-01 18:00 - 20:00 | Museum of Bronx History, 3266 Bainbridge Ave, The Bronx, New York, 10467, United States
In celebration of America 250, join The Bronx County Historical Society on Wednesday, July 1, 2026 to celebrate the grand opening of a new permanent exhibit at the Museum of Bronx History, The Bronx; Crucible of Liberty. Radicals, Runaways, & Revolutionaries; 1600–1850. The exhibit tells the little-known story of how the area of today’s Bronx and lower Westchester County shaped the American struggle for freedom.

Visitors will encounter Indigenous Lunaapeew peoples who practiced their own traditions of liberty long before European arrival; religious rebels like Anne Hutchinson; defiant printers like John Peter Zenger; everyday Patriots; and the enslaved who risked everything for freedom and ran away from their self-styled masters. The exhibit also highlights the abolitionists and radical democrats who insisted the American experiment remain unfinished in the years after the Revolution.

Battle of Brooklyn Walking Tour: Battle Pass in Prospect Park
2026-07-01 14:00 - 2026-09-06 15:00 | Lefferts Historic House, 452 Flatbush Ave, Brooklyn, New York, 11225, United States
Celebrate the 250th Anniversary of the Battle of Brooklyn with a Prospect Park tour about this major American War for Independence battle.

Join Prospect Park Alliance for a free tour of the park to learn about the Battle of Brooklyn, the first and largest battle of the American War for Independence, on its 250th Anniversary. This one-hour tour begins and ends at Lefferts Historic House, and takes visitors to the park’s Battle Pass to see the replica fortifications where on August 27, 1776, thousands of Pennsylvania and New England soldiers fought their British and Hessian counterparts.

Along the way, attendees will learn about the battle and its aftermath from the perspective of the Africans enslaved by the Lefferts family, soldiers who fought in what is now Prospect Park, and the overall impact of the conflict on Flatbush and Brooklyn. Please note this tour leaves promptly at 2 pm.

Also enjoy our exhibit about the important and varied roles Black people played in the Battle of Brooklyn, on view in the Lefferts yard.

Wednesdays–Sundays + Holidays, July 1–September 6, 2–3 pm

"Black People and the Battle of Brooklyn" Exhibit
2026-07-01 12:00 - 2026-11-15 17:00 | Lefferts Historic House, 452 Flatbush Ave, Brooklyn, New York, 11225, United States
Join Prospect Park Alliance to learn about the important and varied roles Black people played in the Revolutionary War’s Battle of Brooklyn in August 1776, the first and largest battle of the American War for Independence. They served as soldiers and spies on both sides, built American forts, maintained the British ships, and seized the conflict to better their lives. This pop-up exhibit in the yard of Lefferts Historic House explores this complex history by illustrating the different ways Black people related to the conflict, but also their shared struggles and goals. Come learn how the Africans enslaved by the Lefferts family and their neighbors and counterparts navigated the American War for Independence, including fighting at Battle Pass in what is now Prospect Park.

"Battle Pass in Prospect Park" Exhibit
2026-07-01 00:00 - 2026-11-15 23:59 | Lefferts Historic House, 452 Flatbush Ave, Brooklyn, New York, 11225, United States
Join Prospect Park Alliance to learn more about the Revolutionary War’s Battle of Brooklyn, the first and largest battle of the American War for Independence, on its 250th anniversary with this replica of the famous Battle Pass: in August 1776, American troops stationed two cannons on this site, in the hills separating Flatbush from the rest of Brooklyn, to defend against the British. However, on August 27, British troops evaded these defenses, forcing the Americans to withdraw across the Gowanus Creek to temporary safety. Nearly a century later, Prospect Park landscape architects Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux named this area Battle Hill to commemorate the soldiers who fought there. This replica military installation, replete with two historic replica cannons, serves as a place for visitors to learn more about this formative battle.
