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Travel back in time with these history walks and lectures. Learn about the city's epic past, and visit some of its less-known relics. Want to learn more? Visit our Parks History page.
History Events
Wednesday, October 14, 2026
Ongoing Museum Exhibit: Voices of 1776
at Conference House Museum (in Conference House Park), Staten Island 
10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Stop by the Lenape Gallery in the Conference House Park Visitor Center and explore “Voices of 1776: The People and Events Surrounding the Historic Staten Island Peace Conference of the American Revolution”.
Free!
Ongoing Museum Exhibit: New York's Brick & Terra Cotta Industries
at H.H. Biddle House (in Conference House Park), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
NYC Parks and the Tottenville Historical Society invite you to visit a unique collection of terracotta artifacts and masonry bricks.
Free!
Ongoing Museum Exhibit: Still Waters: Reflections of a Maritime Community
at Rutan-Becket House (in Conference House Park), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
NYC Parks and the Tottenville Historical Society invite you to an exhibit celebrating the South Shore of Staten Island's maritime history and heritage.
Free!
Ongoing Outdoor Museum Exhibit: Alice's Terracotta Garden
at H.H. Biddle House (in Conference House Park), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
NYC Parks and the Tottenville Historical Society invite you to visit a unique collection of terracotta artifacts that chronicle turn-of-the-twentieth-century architectural styles.
Free!
Thursday, October 15, 2026
Ongoing Museum Exhibit: Voices of 1776
at Conference House Museum (in Conference House Park), Staten Island
10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Stop by the Lenape Gallery in the Conference House Park Visitor Center and explore “Voices of 1776: The People and Events Surrounding the Historic Staten Island Peace Conference of the American Revolution”.
Free!
Ongoing Museum Exhibit: New York's Brick & Terra Cotta Industries
at H.H. Biddle House (in Conference House Park), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
NYC Parks and the Tottenville Historical Society invite you to visit a unique collection of terracotta artifacts and masonry bricks.
Free!
Ongoing Museum Exhibit: Still Waters: Reflections of a Maritime Community
at Rutan-Becket House (in Conference House Park), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
NYC Parks and the Tottenville Historical Society invite you to an exhibit celebrating the South Shore of Staten Island's maritime history and heritage.
Free!
Ongoing Outdoor Museum Exhibit: Alice's Terracotta Garden
at H.H. Biddle House (in Conference House Park), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
NYC Parks and the Tottenville Historical Society invite you to visit a unique collection of terracotta artifacts that chronicle turn-of-the-twentieth-century architectural styles.
Free!
Friday, October 16, 2026
Ongoing Museum Exhibit: Voices of 1776
at Conference House Museum (in Conference House Park), Staten Island
10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Stop by the Lenape Gallery in the Conference House Park Visitor Center and explore “Voices of 1776: The People and Events Surrounding the Historic Staten Island Peace Conference of the American Revolution”.
Free!
Ongoing Museum Exhibit: New York's Brick & Terra Cotta Industries
at H.H. Biddle House (in Conference House Park), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
NYC Parks and the Tottenville Historical Society invite you to visit a unique collection of terracotta artifacts and masonry bricks.
Free!
Ongoing Museum Exhibit: Still Waters: Reflections of a Maritime Community
at Rutan-Becket House (in Conference House Park), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
NYC Parks and the Tottenville Historical Society invite you to an exhibit celebrating the South Shore of Staten Island's maritime history and heritage.
Free!
Ongoing Outdoor Museum Exhibit: Alice's Terracotta Garden
at H.H. Biddle House (in Conference House Park), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
NYC Parks and the Tottenville Historical Society invite you to visit a unique collection of terracotta artifacts that chronicle turn-of-the-twentieth-century architectural styles.
Free!
Old Stone House: Open Hours
at Old Stone House (in Washington Park), Brooklyn
12:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.
Come visit the Old Stone House during our public Open Hours!
Free!
Open House New York: Gravesend Cemetery
at Gravesend Cemetery, Brooklyn
2:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m.
The Urban Park Rangers will guide you through this landmarked cemetery that was established by Lady Deborah Moody in 1643 and is home to graves of early settlers and founding families.
Free!
Candlelight Ghost Tours
at Merchant's House Museum, Manhattan
6:30 p.m.–10:00 p.m.
Venture into “Manhattan’s Most Haunted House” by flickering candlelight to hear chilling tales of otherworldly activity in the house, the results of years of paranormal investigations.
Super Spooky Candlelight Ghost Tours with Paranormal Investigator Dan Sturges
at Merchant's House Museum, Manhattan
9:30 p.m.–11:00 p.m.
Join paranormal investigator Dan Sturges on a 90-minute In-Person Super Spooky Candlelight Ghost Tour for an in-depth look at the latest research and findings.
Saturday, October 17, 2026
Fall Festival
at Dyckman Farmhouse Museum (in Dyckman House Museum), Manhattan
10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Join us for a day packed with fun, creativity, and a touch of history on Saturday, October 17th from 10AM-3PM!
Free!
Event
Ongoing Museum Exhibit: Voices of 1776
at Conference House Museum (in Conference House Park), Staten Island
10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Stop by the Lenape Gallery in the Conference House Park Visitor Center and explore “Voices of 1776: The People and Events Surrounding the Historic Staten Island Peace Conference of the American Revolution”.
Free!
Open House New York: Grand Army Plaza
at Grand Army Plaza Arch (in Grand Army Plaza), Brooklyn
10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers and the Prospect Park Alliance for a special access tour of Prospect Park's Grand Army Plaza. Registration only through Open House New York.
Free!
Farmhouse Family Day: Autumnal Wonders
at Wyckoff Farmhouse Museum (in Fidler-Wyckoff House Park), Brooklyn
11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Celebrate autumn with us with fall crafts and activities!
Free!
Kids
Historic New York: Italian Heritage Walk
at Front Lawn (in De Matti Park), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Follow along as we walk and talk about some important figures from historical explorers to pop culture phenomena, as well as engage with some activities familiar to Italian tradition.
Free!
Ongoing Outdoor Museum Exhibit: Alice's Terracotta Garden
at H.H. Biddle House (in Conference House Park), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
NYC Parks and the Tottenville Historical Society invite you to visit a unique collection of terracotta artifacts that chronicle turn-of-the-twentieth-century architectural styles.
Free!
Open House New York: Fort Totten
at Fort Totten Front Gate (in Fort Totten Park), Queens
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Explore the many historic structures of the peninsula and learn about the important role Fort Totten played in New York City’s defense history, from the Civil War to today.
Free!
Tour the Historic Lawrence Cemetery
at Lawrence Cemetery, Queens
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
The Bayside Historical Society is conducting a free guided tour of the historic Lawrence Cemetery, the burial ground of one of Bayside's founding families.
Free!
Docent led tours of the Historic Conference House Museum
at Conference House Museum (in Conference House Park), Staten Island
12:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.
Take a docent led tour of the Conference House Museum also known as the Billiopp House located in Tottenville on Staten Island
OHNY: Brougham Cottage Grounds at Blue Heron Park
at Brougham Cottage
12:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.
Join the Open House New York 2026 Festival and explore the grounds of the Historic Brougham Cottage in Blue Heron Park!
Located at 4746 Amboy Road, Staten Island, NY, and located within a wooded backdrop, the circa 1726 Brougham Cottage is a surviving Dutch H-frame home.
Brougham Cottage survives as a rare example of the small vernacular farm houses that were once common in the 18th and early 19th century rural landscape and have all but disappeared. It is a significant example of Dutch-American design and a rare reminder of Staten Island’s rural history and its vernacular architectural traditions.
Free!
OHNY: Conference House Park Historic Houses
at Conference House Park, Staten Island
12:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.
On OHNY Weekend, in addition to the park’s namesake, the circa-1680 Conference House (Christopher Billop House), two other historic house interiors will be open to visitors.
Free!
Event
Old Stone House: Open Hours
at Old Stone House (in Washington Park), Brooklyn
12:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.
Come visit the Old Stone House during our public Open Hours!
Free!
Historic New York: Orchard Beach
at Section 2 Orchard Beach (in Pelham Bay Park), Bronx
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers on a journey through time and learn the history of Pelham Bay Park’s Orchard Beach!
Free!
Open House New York: Fort Totten Battery
at Fort Totten Park Visitors Center (in Fort Totten Park), Queens
1:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
The Urban Park Rangers will guide you through this civil war era fort, designed to defend our city. Learn more about the history and significance of this site.
Free!
Open House New York: The Highbridge Water Tower
at West 174 Street and Amsterdam Avenue (in Highbridge Park), Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
Urban Park Rangers discuss the significance and history of this restored structure. Arrive between 1:00 p.m. and 2:45 p.m, to gain admittance. Registration is not required.
Free!
OHNY: Biddle House Gallery Dedication: Legacy of Sculptor George Brewster
at H.H. Biddle House (in Conference House Park), Staten Island
2:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.
Join the Tottenville Historical Society and NYC Parks, in conjunction with Open House New York (OHNY), for the dedication of the Henry Hogg Biddle and George T. Brewster Galleries and the unveiling of our newest exhibit: George T. Brewster - Master Sculptor - Preserving the Legacy.
Free!
Event
Candlelight Ghost Tours
at Merchant's House Museum, Manhattan
6:30 p.m.–10:00 p.m.
Venture into “Manhattan’s Most Haunted House” by flickering candlelight to hear chilling tales of otherworldly activity in the house, the results of years of paranormal investigations.
Super Spooky Candlelight Ghost Tours with Paranormal Investigator Dan Sturges
at Merchant's House Museum, Manhattan
9:30 p.m.–11:00 p.m.
Join paranormal investigator Dan Sturges on a 90-minute In-Person Super Spooky Candlelight Ghost Tour for an in-depth look at the latest research and findings.
Sunday, October 18, 2026
BHS Vintage Car Show 2026
at Bayside Historical Society (in Fort Totten Park), Queens
9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Ride back in time with the Bayside Historical Society's annual classic car show! A variety of vintage and antique automobiles will be showcased on the lawn of The Castle at Fort Totten.
Free!
Event
Open House New York: Prison Ship Martyrs' Monument
at Fort Greene Park Visitor Center (in Fort Greene Park), Brooklyn
10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
Discover the history of this Brooklyn landmark that pays tribute to the 11,000 men, women, and children who died on British Prison Ships during the Revolutionary War. Register at ohny
Free!
Farmhouse Family Day: Autumnal Wonders
at Wyckoff Farmhouse Museum (in Fidler-Wyckoff House Park), Brooklyn
11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Celebrate autumn with us with fall crafts and activities!
Free!
Kids
Historic New York: Sylvan Grove Cemetery
at Victory Boulevard and Alberta Avenue (in Sylvan Grove Cemetery), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers and the Friends of Abandoned Cemeteries of Staten Island for an in‑depth look at one of Staten Island’s historic burial grounds
Free!
Ongoing Outdoor Museum Exhibit: Alice's Terracotta Garden
at H.H. Biddle House (in Conference House Park), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
NYC Parks and the Tottenville Historical Society invite you to visit a unique collection of terracotta artifacts that chronicle turn-of-the-twentieth-century architectural styles.
Free!
Open House New York: Fort Totten
at Fort Totten Front Gate (in Fort Totten Park), Queens
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Explore the many historic structures of the peninsula and learn about the important role Fort Totten played in New York City’s defense history, from the Civil War to today.
Free!
BHS Castle Tour
at Bayside Historical Society (in Fort Totten Park), Queens
12:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.
The Bayside Historical Society is excited to participate in this year's Open House New York Weekend, an event spanning all five boroughs that celebrates architecture and design.
Free!
Docent led tours of the Historic Conference House Museum
at Conference House Museum (in Conference House Park), Staten Island
12:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.
Take a docent led tour of the Conference House Museum also known as the Billiopp House located in Tottenville on Staten Island
Old Stone House: Open Hours
at Old Stone House (in Washington Park), Brooklyn
12:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.
Come visit the Old Stone House during our public Open Hours!
Free!
Open House New York: Ecology Park
at Ecology Park, Brooklyn
12:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers at Ecology Park to learn about habitat restoration and ecological improvement. Register at Open House New York.
Free!
Open House NY: Historic Cottage Access
at The Cottage (in Fort Tryon Park), Manhattan
12:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.
Step inside Fort Tryon Park’s historic cottage during Open House New York and explore its history, architecture, and connection to the Billings Estate.
Free!
Event
Open House New York: Fort Totten Battery
at Fort Totten Park Visitors Center (in Fort Totten Park), Queens
1:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
The Urban Park Rangers will guide you through this civil war era fort, designed to defend our city. Learn more about the history and significance of this site.
Free!
Open House New York: Mount Morris Fire Watchtower
at Mount Morris Fire Watchtower (in Marcus Garvey Park), Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
Urban Park Rangers discuss the significance and history of this recently restored structure. Open access from 1pm to 2:45pm.
Free!
Monday, October 19, 2026
Ongoing Museum Exhibit: Voices of 1776
at Conference House Museum (in Conference House Park), Staten Island
10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Stop by the Lenape Gallery in the Conference House Park Visitor Center and explore “Voices of 1776: The People and Events Surrounding the Historic Staten Island Peace Conference of the American Revolution”.
Free!
Ongoing Outdoor Museum Exhibit: Alice's Terracotta Garden
at H.H. Biddle House (in Conference House Park), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
NYC Parks and the Tottenville Historical Society invite you to visit a unique collection of terracotta artifacts that chronicle turn-of-the-twentieth-century architectural styles.
Free!
Tuesday, October 20, 2026
Ongoing Museum Exhibit: Voices of 1776
at Conference House Museum (in Conference House Park), Staten Island
10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Stop by the Lenape Gallery in the Conference House Park Visitor Center and explore “Voices of 1776: The People and Events Surrounding the Historic Staten Island Peace Conference of the American Revolution”.
Free!
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