the Cost of Museum Tours

A historical tour of the Conference House and its adjoining grounds in the Tottenville neighborhood of Staten Island, on the southern-most tip of the island.

The resident caretaker of the Conference House gave a wonderful tour of the Conference House and its grounds. As someone who has devoted her professional life to the Conference House, she was able to explain the significance of the house, where John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, and Edward Rutledge met with Britain's Admiral Lord Howe to ty to secure a peaceful resolution to the Revolutionary War. Before and after this peace conference, the house was been owned by other prominent figures in Staten Island history.

Also, the house showcases what life was like around the time of the Revolutionary War, with period relics restored to give visitors a sense of how families lived back then. My favorite part of the tour was the visit to the underground root cellar, which served as a pantry. I also enjoyed the adjoining park and beachfront, with great views over the Arthur Kill into Perth Amboy, New Jersey.

Feel free to ask questions about Staten Island and New York history, as the caretaker is well-versed in these subjects. Expect to spend about an hour on the tour. You will receive individual attention, since the tours generally do not attract a lot of people all at once. You might consider giving a gratuity at the end of the tour as a courtesy. Afterwards, walk from the Conference House to Tottenville's Main Street for refreshments and a glimpse of a quaint downtown-style area.