The Wyckoff House Museum in Canarsie, Brooklyn, preserves a house built around 1652, considered New York City’s oldest building. A guided visit takes you through Dutch colonial rooms and exhibits about the Wyckoff family, early farming and immigrant life. Outside, explore the herb garden and farm plots across the surrounding parkland. The museum also runs family activities and special events, with free events for children and families on the third of each month. Check ahead to arrange a tour, as the house visit is guided.
A house from the 17th century
The Wyckoff House Museum stands at 5816 Clarendon Road in Canarsie, Brooklyn. Built around 1652, it is considered New York City’s oldest building and one of the oldest wooden-frame houses in the United States. The house began as a private home and is now preserved as a museum, alongside the surrounding parkland.
Pieter Claesen emigrated from the Netherlands in 1637 as an indentured servant. He later settled in what was then called New Amersfoort. The house is associated with him and the Wyckoff family, whose generations lived there until 1901.
Inside the farmhouse
A guided tour takes visitors through the house’s Dutch colonial rooms and explains its history and the family who lived there. Exhibits cover early farming and immigrant life, with historic tools and household objects among the items on display. Some rooms are not open to visitors, so follow the guide’s directions inside.
The house was designated New York City’s first landmark in 1965. It became a National Historic Landmark in 1968. After restoration, it opened to the public as a museum in 1982.
The garden, farm and community programs
The museum’s grounds include an herb garden and farm plots, with programs that connect food and agriculture to the site’s history. The garden grows fruit and vegetables that are sold on Saturdays. Family activities, cooking demonstrations and other special events are also held at the museum.
Free events for children and families take place on the third of each month. Check with the museum before setting out to confirm tour arrangements and the details of any event you plan to attend.
Perguntas frequentes
Where is the Wyckoff House Museum?
It is at 5816 Clarendon Road in the Canarsie neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York City.
How old is the Wyckoff House?
The house was built around 1652 and is considered New York City’s oldest building.
Do you need to schedule a tour?
The museum recommends calling ahead to arrange a tour of the house.
When are free family events held?
Free events for children and families are held on the third of each month. Check with the museum for event details.
How long does a visit take?
Allow about 30 to 90 minutes for a tour and time to explore the grounds.
