Smokin' Joes BBQ and Traditional Dinner at Historic Richmond Town

Welcome Foodies To Two Great Events At Historic Richmond Town

Staten Island, NY – The craving for truly great Barbecue has hit a fevered pitch in New York City once again this year. If you missed this past weekend’s Pitmaster Training Class, it is being offered again on Saturday, July 18th at Historic Richmond Town. This culinary sensation, a staple of the South and the West for years has finally worked its way north of the Mason Dixon Line and the New Jersey Turnpike, replete with new BBQ “Joints” popping up every day all over the city. Why travel to them, look for parking then wait on long lines when you can now learn the secrets that will make YOU an expert and culinary “Master of the Pit.”

Smokin’ Joe’s True Blue Texas Barbecue, Inc. and the Staten Island Historical Society are teaming up for their 2nd year to turn anyone into a “Pitmaster.” Come spend the day at Staten Island’s Historic Richmond Town, learn the art and secrets of cooking authentic wood-smoked Barbecue. As a bonus, you will enjoy a great meal of True-Blue Texas Barbecue with all the fixin’s! The class begins at 11:00 a.m. and ends about 4:00 p.m. Your class will culminate in a full BBQ Dinner, served family-style and will include Slow Smoked Beef Brisket, BBQ Pulled Pork Shoulder, Spare Ribs, Slaw, Pit-Baked Beans and Cornbread, and of course, an authentic “Pitmaster Diploma.” The cost for this unique culinary event is $80 and $75 for Staten Island Historical Society (SIHS) members - rain or shine; call (718) 351-1611, ext. 236 to secure your reservation.

Traditional Dinner will take place on Saturday, July 11, from 5:00 to 8:30 pm. Visitors will savor the flavors of the past, nibble on history and indulge in an authentic cuisine as they revel in 18th century games and entertainment. This meal is not to be missed. Served outdoors by costumed historical interpreters, it features early American foods, including fire-roasted meats, brick oven baked bread, freshly churned butter, seasonal vegetables, salads and fruit pie. Live music and tavern games will round out the festivities! Cost is $75 per person and $50 for SIHS members. Prepaid reservations required; call (718) 351-1611, ext. 281.

Arrive early for both these truly great ‘foodie’ events to explore Historic Richmond Town’s buildings and grounds. Ample parking is on the premises.

For more information visit www.HistoricRichmondTown.org.

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

The Story Museum

Preschool children up to age 5. Step inside a world filled with the magic of stories, crafts, music, dancing and singing. Every Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Historical Museum. Call for reservations (718) 351-1611, Ext. 280. $3.00 per child, adults are Free.

After-school Book Club

Students in Grades 4 through 7 meet on Wednesday afternoons at 3:30 p.m. in the Historical Museum to read and discuss selected books covering major periods in history. The collections and historic buildings of Richmond Town will enhance the readers’ experience of the time periods. Program is Free, cost of book additional.

Book Club for Adults

Join us on Tuesday, July 7 and the first Tuesday of every month from 7:30 to 9 p.m. in the congenial atmosphere at M. Bennett Cafe to discuss the political genius of Abraham Lincoln, “Team of Rivals,” by Doris Kearns Goodwin. Light refreshments for sale at the meeting.

New! Hooks & Needles Knit & Crochet Group 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. in M. Bennett Café. A group for all knitters and crocheters who are interested in supporting the community. Light refreshments will be for sale during the meeting. The group will meet the second Tuesday of every month. Next meeting July 14.

Independence Day Celebration

Saturday, July 4, 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Join in the fun and bring a pie you baked to enter the Pie-Baking contest, an exciting competition that pits ordinary citizens of today against expert “colonial” cooks! Other activities include a brick oven pie-baking demonstration, ice cream churning, and a Children’s Pinwheel Parade. Meet patriotic villagers from the 1800s and earlier. Regular village admission.

Summer Apprentice Program

July 6 through July 17, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

A 2-week program for ages 11-14 to explore the past by learning 19th century trades. Choose from tinsmithing, basketmaking, blacksmithing, open hearth cooking, or spinning. Monday through Friday.

Prepaid registration required. $350/$325 for SIHS Members.

Traditional Dinner

Saturday, July 11, 5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Savor the flavors of the past! Enjoy a meal served outdoors by costumed historical interpreters, featuring early American foods, including fire-roasted meats, brick oven baked bread, freshly churned butter, seasonal vegetables, salads, and fruit pies. Live music and tavern games will round out the festivities!

Prepaid reservations required. $75/person, $50 SIHS Members.

Community Day

Sunday, August 9, 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

See demonstrations of open hearth cooking, blacksmithing, and spinning. Try your hand at quill pen writing and old-fashioned games. Explore furnished interiors of buildings from the 1690’s through the 1890’s.

Free Admission.

Richmond County Fair 30th Anniversary

Friday, Saturday and Sunday, September 11, 12, & 13.

Celebrate America the Beautiful! Amusement rides, music, entertainment, arts & crafts competitions, contests and more!