Research & Library

the Staten Island Historian

The Staten Island Historical Society began publication of the Staten Island Historian in 1938, only three years after the society’s Historical Museum first opened its doors to the public. For nearly 80 years, the Historian featured articles contributed by Society staff and other local historians and longtime residents on a broad range of Staten Island topics, including archaeology, historic preservation, local industries, and family histories. Although the Historian ceased publication in 2016, it continues to be a valuable resource for anyone with an interest in Staten Island’s history and culture, and is free to download by clicking the link below.

submit a research request

Library holdings include more than 15,000 published volumes; an extensive archive representing Staten Island families, businesses, and organizations from the 1600s to the present day; and thousands of photographs of local people and places. Visit our Online Collections Database to explore only some of the highlights of our collections. 

We welcome researchers to visit the library on a scheduled basis–learn more below! Please note, our staff will gladly assist on-site researchers, but are not available to complete remote research requests. 

Planning your visit:

• The Library is open to researchers on Fridays from 1-5pm, at the price of museum admission. Please check our main Visit page for Historic Richmond Town’s hours and information. 

• Capacity is limited, so appointments are highly recommended.

• All researchers must check in at the Third County Courthouse & Visitor Center.

• An appointment may be required to access certain archival materials, such as large pieces and those of a delicate and rare nature.  

• Please click the button below to request an appointment. You will receive a reply within two weeks.

order photographs or request permission for publication

Please fill out the request form below and contact Carli DeFillo at crdefillo[at]historicrichmondtown.org