Conference House

At the outset of the American Revolution in 1776, British Lord Admiral Richard Howe and colonial leaders Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, and Edward Rutledge met for peace negotiations at the 17th-century stone manor on Staten Island known today as the Conference House, though the two sides did not reach an agreement. Today, the restored two-story fieldstone structure illustrates aspects of colonial life and the role of New York City during the Revolution.

On-site programs: Tours include a brief history of the house and hands-on activities. Students investigate subjects such as 17th-century building methods, domestic furnishings, archaeology and Native American artifacts, the culinary and medicinal use of herbs, and writing with quill pens. (Grade 1–12; $)

General information: Mailing address: P.O. Box 171, Staten Island, NY 10307; Phone: (718) 984-6046; Web: www.theconferencehouse.org.

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