The Conference House

11/02/2026

A look back at our Sunset Celebration!

A little rain didn’t stop us from enjoying a wonderful afternoon at the Conference House on October 4th! Friends and supporters gathered to celebrate the history of the Conference House and its role in America’s journey toward independence, all while enjoying delicious food, music, and great company.

We are grateful to Councilman Frank Morano and his office for their continued support of the Conference House. A special thank you to our planning committee, volunteers, and NYC Parks staff whose hard work helped make this event possible. We hope you enjoy these photos from a memorable celebration!

11/01/2026

November is Native American Heritage Month! Have you noticed the Wisdom Walk markers throughout Conference House Park?

The Wisdom Walk was created to honor the Indigenous people who once called this land home, including the Lenape. Each marker shares words of wisdom reflecting on the land, sea, and trees. Next time you're in the park, take a moment to stop and read a few!

You can learn more about the Wisdom Walk and Indigenous history on our website: https://conferencehouse.org/indigenous-history/

10/29/2026

If you couldn’t join us earlier this month for our event with the Battle of Brooklyn Chapter SAR - Page, be sure to check out this video! It captures the unveiling of the commemorative sign and the history lecture held in the Conference House Colonial Kitchen. We hope you’ll take a few minutes to watch and learn more about this important piece of history!

Watch Sons of American Revolution at Conference House

10/29/2026

Staten island, NY
🇺🇸 The Sword & the Olive Branch: 250th Anniversary Marker Unveiled at Conference House

On October 17, the Battle of Brooklyn Chapter, Empire State Society - Sons of the American Revolution, unveiled a 250th Anniversary marker at Conference House, commemorating the September 11, 1776, peace talks held in the aftermath of the Battle of Brooklyn.

The event featured “The Sword & the Olive Branch,” a presentation by chapter member Norman Goben and Conference House Association Board Member and author Phillip Papas. They explored the events following the July 4, 1776 Declaration of Independence; America’s “divorce papers” to Britain, the British response at the August 27, 1776 Battle of Brooklyn (the largest battle in the war), and the subsequent attempt at diplomacy on Staten Island at the Conference House, September 11, 1776.

American representatives John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, and Edward Rutledge met with British Admiral Lord Richard Howe at Conference House in a historic attempt to negotiate peace, but the discussions yielded no agreement, and the struggle for American independence continued.

🎥 Watch the event video to learn more about this pivotal chapter in America’s fight for independence!

Watch Sons of American Revolution at Conference House

10/28/2026

Help preserve history at the Conference House! This Giving Tuesday, December 1, we’re asking for your support to help preserve the house and continue sharing its stories through educational programming. Gifts of any amount are welcome and are greatly appreciated.

We invite you to donate early: https://www.givesignup.org/DonationWebsite/ConferenceHouseAssociation/Donate

Thank you for supporting this historic Staten Island landmark.

10/20/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined us for The Sword and the Olive Branch during Open House New York! We enjoyed an afternoon exploring the history of the Battle of Brooklyn and the Staten Island Peace Conference of 1776.

A special thank you to the Sons of the American Revolution for partnering with us on this event!

10/17/2026

See you soon for our OHNY program!

The day will begin with an opening ceremony and sign unveiling on Satterlee street at 12:15pm with a history lecture in the Colonial Kitchen to follow at 12:45pm

Free tours of the Conference House throughout the day until 4pm and don’t forget to visit our Voices of 1776 exhibit in the Visitors Center!

10/16/2026

America250: Open House New York starts tomorrow at The Conference House! Stop by for a FREE tour on Saturday, October 17, or Sunday, October 18. Tours run from 12–4 pm both days.

Tomorrow, Saturday, October 17, we’re also co-hosting The Sword and the Olive Branch with the Sons of the American Revolution from 12–2 pm. The history lecture is free, but an RSVP is required.

Lecture RSVP: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/the-sword-and-the-olive-branch-the-battle-of-brooklyn-and-the-staten-island-peace-conference-of--1776

See you there!

10/13/2026

See the Conference House through the seasons! Stop by the Franklin Alcove in the Visitor’s Center to explore an exhibit featuring paintings of this historic landmark throughout the year. Which season is your favorite?