Alice Austen House Museum & Garden, Staten Island

A very small place, unfortunate was closed when we went a few days ago but was able to walk around the place. You can feel the history cramped in such a small place. I'm sure once they get the grounds back to beautifying it, it will be more beautiful. Nice spot for some snaps, clean and cozy. Next time hopefully I get inside the museum.

Fabulous small museum commerating the pioneering photographer Alice Austen. It's also a national designated site for LGBTQ+ history. Alice Austen lived here before being evicted in 1945. She got discovered just before her death in 1952. Beautiful exhibits and nice contemporary art space. The house itself is a Victorian marvel with fantastic views of NY Bay and Manhattan. Super knowledgeable and friendly staff.

Amazing Staten Island history, well maintained and staff is great. The grounds are great to relax and look out at the water with the park next door. Really peaceful place. They also have jazz festivals here and other events to keep you busy throughout the year.

My most recent trip was by kayak the day before Tropical Storm Henri arrived in New York. I was the guide for a group of five paddlers (who happen to be friends as well) and since we were ahead of schedule decided to stop. The grounds are gorgeous, green and lush at this time in late August and the views, of course, are amazing. Keep in mind that as of this time (late August 2021) the museum inside is open only to those that have booked online ahead of time. I did get to walk the grounds though. I had not realized previously, just how old the house itself is, dating to the 1690s, which makes it one of the oldest homes in NYC. Please visit the museum website for the history of Austen herself, an amazing woman and New York City character in addition to her photography.

Sitting on the edge of New York Bay — this Dutch colonial home was the residence of renowned photographer Alice Austen. An old neighborhood tradition told that, after midnight, one could hear the clanking of chains coming from the cellar. This was attributed to the ghosts of slaves who were kept there during the American Revolution. Another story is that of a British soldier hanging himself from a beam in the parlor because of a broken heart. It is said that the sound of his military boots and the clinking of his spurs may be heard in that room