Hundreds embrace American tradition during Independence Day Weekend at Historic Richmond Town

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — What better way to celebrate the independence of the nation than at Staten Island’s own living history village?

Historic Richmond Town has long encapsulated the essence of life from a time long past, serving as a reminder of the country’s origins. In recognizing the founding of these United States of America, the town celebrated with a two-day Independence Day Weekend celebration, welcoming about 200 guests per day.

Children indulged in sweet summer treats beside the grand courthouse; Old Glory prominently displayed above the entranceway. Red, white and blue accents adorned the buildings of Historic Richmond Town, many of which housed living history demonstrations. In numerous structures, villagers proudly portrayed their prowess, educating guests in various skills and trades.

“People have been reenacting and dressing up in costume for a long time, much longer than the last 50 or 100 years,” Luke G. Boyd, Director of Education and Public Programs, said. “That pageantry lives on through the things we do. We engage living historians to bring to life notables from America’s past…They (the people) meet our living historians, our tradespeople, our historical interpreters, who bring to life blacksmithing, Tinsmithing, broom making…the everyday folk, us, all of us; and then we have the notables who represent those benchmarks of history.”

The wafting smell of kettle corn enticed patrons to enjoy some food, while the resounding drum of the ‘New Jersey Fife & Drums’ called to the musically inclined. The entirety of Historic Richmond Town was alive with a palpable pulse of patriotism running through its streets.