VOORLEZER'S HOUSE

Richmond Town, a 100-acre settlement that dates back to 1690 and was once the county seat of Richmond, is home to Voorlezer's House, the oldest schoolhouse in NYC. Until 1701 this National Historic Landmark served as home to the voorlezer (minister and teacher) of the Reformed Dutch Church, as well as church and school for the community. A thriving community during the 1700s when it served as a convenient stop in the center of New York Harbor, it became a sleepy town by the end of the 1800s. Today, Voorlezer's House is fully restored and one of 27 historic buildings on this site.