Old Dutch Church NYC
Worship and Activism Since 1656
Port Richmond Today
Retaining its pre-mall atmosphere, Port Richmond Avenue may be the premiere neighborhood walking street on Staten Island. A tapestry woven of immigrants, descendants of families from Colonial times, and a solid middle class, it provides a rich experience and guides us to opportunities for community and growth. Best of all, there is a sense of place. Since June 2018 Port Richmond North Shore Alliance has been dedicated to the revitalization and healthy development of this family-oriented community through Quality of Life issues.
The first residents were Dutch, French, Belgian, and African; they probably did not even speak English. Our own Rev. William Jackson preached in Dutch until 1783. Then in the 1700s came the English, followed by: 1800s Irish, German, Polish, Scandinavian. 1920s Greek. 1960s Cuban. 1990s Filipino, Mexican, Syrian. Today the breakdown is approximately 27% White, 21% Black, >45% Hispanic, <4% Asian, <4% Other
In 2008 Ordained Elder, Dr. Warren A. Mac Kenzie,
and the Congregation
Landmarked the 1844 Church and 1898 Sunday School Annex
a well as the 1696 Burial Place
and listed them on the National Register of Historic Places.
​
There are four other landmarked sites
within easy walking distance of our old Dutch Church.
P.S. 20 Annex now Senior Housing
160 Heberton Avenue
29 Cottage Place
Carnegie NYP Library 75 Bennett Street
121 Heberton Avenue
Village Charm
A dramatic business slump, and building booms in Staten Island’s western and southern areas
that largely excluded Port Richmond, have allowed it to retain much of its original village charm.
Heberton Avenue has hidden gems of preserved late 19th century architecture.
Veterans Park
Veterans Park, the town green between Park and Heberton Avenues and Bennett Street, is Staten Island’s oldest park. It was laid out in 1836 as the village green when the streets were mapped. In 1898, the year of New York City’s consolidation, it was named Port Richmond Park until the residents renamed it in honor their veterans.
Unique properties around Port Richmond Avenue give a sense of place as you stroll.