Talks of the Town: Before New York with Eric Sanderson

Please join us at the Historic Richmond House for The Before New York: A Public Lecture on the Historical Ecology of Staten Island with landscape ecologist Dr. Eric Sanderson. The program invites audiences to step back 400 years and explore the borough as it existed long before urbanization. Drawing on decades of historical ecology research, the lecture illuminates Staten Island’s original forests, wetlands, wildlife, and landforms, revealing how BIO: Dr. Eric Sanderson and colleagues reconstruct these landscapes through archival records, maps, and environmental data. This lecture will offer a vivid look at the island’s deep natural history and provide context for understanding today’s conservation challenges and opportunities. Dr. Eric Sanderson serves as the Vice President for Urban Conservation and Director of the Center for Conservation and Restoration Ecology at the New York Botanical Garden. He is the bestselling author of Mannahatta and is now completing its five borough sequel, Before New York: The Natural Geography of the City. His work has been featured in The New Yorker, National Geographic, NPR, BBC, and The New York Times, and his TED Talk has been viewed more than three million times. He has published more than 65 papers and technical reports on urban, wildlife, and landscape conservation, drawing on experiences from around the world and here in the Bronx.

Ticket Price Promise

Historic Richmond Town's mission is to foster understanding of Staten Island's diverse and unfolding history. Programs are offered throughout the year to visitors of all ages, geared towards residents and tourists alike. Experiences like this lecture are offered at no cost to visitors.

Know Before You Go

• Accessibility: Historic Richmond Town is an historic site that includes paved and unpaved roads that lead to the various public spaces, including historic buildings restored to resemble their original construction from the 17th-19th centuries. While many of the site's buildings have wheelchair-accessible entrances, such as the Museum and Visitor Center at the 3rd County Courthouse, wheelchair access to many of the historic structures on site varies. Please call 718-351-1611 x247 for additional information.
• Pets: Please leave your pets at home. Service animals recognized by the ADA are welcome.
• Photography/Videography Release: Photography& Media Release Statement
  You are welcome to take photographs of the buildings and grounds for your personal use. Commercial photographers and filmmakers must obtain a permit.
  By attending programs, events, or activities hosted by Historic Richmond Town, you acknowledge and agree that Historic Richmond Town and its authorized representatives may take photographs, video, and/or audio recordings of you and any minors in your care during the event. Please note that flash photography may be used.
  You grant Historic Richmond Town permission to use such images and recordings for lawful nonprofit purposes, including but not limited to educational materials, publications, marketing, websites, social media, and promotional materials, without compensation or further notice.
  You understand that these materials may be used in both print and digital formats and may be distributed to the public.
  If you do not wish to be photographed or recorded, please notify a staff member upon arrival or contact us in advance by calling 718-351-1611 so reasonable efforts may be made to accommodate your request. While we make every effort to honor opt-out requests, complete exclusion from all media cannot be guaranteed in public settings.
  For minors, consent is given by a parent or legal guardian by allowing the minor to attend the event.
  This release is governed by the laws of the State of New York.
• Other: No Smoking & No Soliciting