Digital Audio Tour at Historic Richmond Town

First-Ever Digital Audio Tour at Historic Richmond Town “Bringing Up Baby: Children’s Furniture and Family Life”

Staten Island, NY -- A new audio tour of the “Bringing Up Baby” exhibit brings Historic Richmond Town’s latest museum show to life and connects the past to today’s family life. Officially titled “Bringing Up Baby: Children’s Furniture and Family Life,” the exhibit includes historic highchairs, cradles, carriages, and other furnishings, together with photographs, baby clothes, and accessories.

This is Historic Richmond Town’s first-ever digital audio tour, utilizing MP3 technology and iPods to offer a new interpretive option for our visitors. Listeners hear about homes and families of the past and are encouraged to look closely at exhibit details--such as carved decoration or worn areas on a child’s chair—that offer clues to how these museum objects were valued and used by their young owners long ago. The tour compares traditional methods of feeding, dressing or potty training with today’s practices and connects the antiques with timeless issues of childrearing. Today’s parents and children find that the tours offer a unique opportunity to consider the joys and struggles of raising a family, then and now.

Ed Wiseman, Executive Director, explains, “The audio tour is a terrific way for Historic Richmond Town to share its treasures with the public. It’s one of many digital tools that help us tell the thousands of stories that make up the American experience.”

The 30-minute audio tour was produced completely in-house and made possible by the Museum’s Board of Directors. Due to its popularity, the “Bringing Up Baby” exhibit has been extended through September, 2009.

The exhibit was made possible by the generosity of Wendy Shadwell.

For visitors who are looking for additional 2009 fun, the Staten Island Historical Society is offering several seasonal programs at Historic Richmond Town including:

NEW! Sleepovers for Grades 3 through 6 – Great for birthday parties & scouting groups!

Mystery, Murder and Mischief at Historic Richmond Town

Groups of up to 20 Children; $45 Per Child

Call (718) 351-1611, ext 281.