The Voorlezer's House is a historic clapboard frame house in Historic Richmond Town in Staten Island, New York. It is widely believed to be the oldest known schoolhouse in what is now the United States, although the sole inhabitant to hold the title of voorlezer, Hendrick Kroesen, only lived on the property from 1696 until 1701. The present structure became a private residence for more than a century and is now owned and operated by the Staten Island Historical Society. Despite being traditionally dated to before 1696 and sitting on land patented in 1680, it is more likely to have been constructed in the mid-eighteenth century, probably in the 1760s by Jacob Rezeau, whose family came into possession of the property in 1705.
Voorlezer's House
Historic Richmond Town is an authentic town and farm museum complex in the neighborhood of Richmondtown, Staten Island, in New York City. It is located near the geographical center of the island, at the junction of Richmond Road and Arthur Kill Road. Staten Island Historical Society and Historic Richmond Town are two different names for the same organization, reflecting its long history and evolution.
The Third County Courthouse (1837) or former Richmond County Courthouse, on the grounds of Historic Richmond Town
Two restored structures on the grounds of Historic Richmond Town: a relocated c. 1860 outhouse or privy, and a c. 1830-1860 Carpenter Shop reconstruction.
Eltingville Store/Print Shop, c.1860, relocated from Eltingville
The Britton Cottage, c. 1670 with additions c. 1755, 1765, 1800. Relocated from New Dorp.