Near the Queens-Brooklyn line in Ridgewood, the Vanderende-Onderdonk House is a Dutch Colonial fieldstone house whose construction began in 1709. The museum connects the house’s story with the history of the surrounding neighborhood, through artifacts and guided tours. On the spacious grounds, look for Arbitration Rock, a boulder tied to the historic boundary between Ridgewood and Bushwick. The house was rebuilt after a fire in the 1970s, so its interior gives an impression of period life rather than preserving original furnishings.
A Dutch Colonial house in Ridgewood
Construction of the Vanderende-Onderdonk House began in 1709. It is described as New York City’s oldest Dutch fieldstone house and stands near the Queens-Brooklyn county line, in Ridgewood. Its history gives the museum a local focus: the house and its collection help explain the neighborhood’s past.
The original owners also owned three enslaved people. This part of the house’s history is important context for understanding who lived and worked there.
The house and its grounds
A fire in the 1970s destroyed the house, which was later rebuilt. The interior contains furniture and decoration that give an impression of a Dutch Colonial home, but they are not authentic furnishings from the original house. Artifacts on display offer further insight into the house and the surrounding neighborhood.
The grounds include Arbitration Rock, a boulder connected with the historic settlement of the boundary between Ridgewood in Queens and Bushwick in Brooklyn. Guided tours add context to the building and its collection. Staff can answer questions about individual objects and the area’s history.
Perguntas frequentes
Where is the Vanderende-Onderdonk House?
It is at 18-20 Flushing Avenue in Ridgewood, near the Queens-Brooklyn county line.
How old is the house?
Construction began in 1709. It is described as New York City’s oldest Dutch fieldstone house.
What is Arbitration Rock?
It is a boulder on the grounds associated with the historic settlement of the boundary between Ridgewood and Bushwick.
Is the interior original?
No. The house was rebuilt after a fire in the 1970s, and the furnishings and decoration are not authentic to the original interior.
