Staten Island Institute of Arts and Sciences

Staten Island, Richmond County, NY Genealogical Resources
Bible Records Books/Lookups Cemeteries Census/Directories Churches FHL Holdings Forums Genealogies History and geography Immigration Legal records Message Boards Military Newspapers Obituaries Organizations Photo tour Sailor's Snug Harbor Schools Search Site Info Site map Slaves Surnames Vitals Info: B, M, D	Basic Information Staten Island Institute of Arts & Sciences 75 Stuyvesant Place Staten Island, NY 10301 Telephone 718/727-1135 Fax 718/273-5683 Founded in 1881, the Staten Island Institute of Arts and Sciences (SIIAS) is one of the oldest and most diverse cultural organizations in the city of New York. While focusing on the interrelationship between art, science, and history, SIIAS is also dedicated to the heritage of Staten Island and its people. SIIAS is best known for its museum which features six to eight exhibitions annually. In addition, SIIAS is world renowned for its collections which contain over one million artifacts. These collections allow for assorted educational and cultural opportunities. Archives/Library Natural Science Collections Art Collection Education Sections, Groups, Clubs Museum Shops Exhibitions Summer 1998 Programs Membership News for the Future Archives/Library Contact: Vince Sweeney, Curator of History Telephone: 718/727-1135 extension 21 Mail Research In-person Research Book & Periodical Collections: About the history of Staten Island and related topics such as the New York Harbor and some waterfront communities in New Jersey. These collections are supplemented by atlases, directories and works by Staten Island authors. Photograph & Print Collections: Images depicting over two hundred years of Staten Island history arranged demographically and thematically. Photographers represented include Anthony Lanza, Caesar Nicolai, Loeffler, and Howard Cleaves. Microfilm Collection: Includes local newspapers, directories, census records, and Moravian Cemetery Interment Records. Genealogical Research Materials: Staten Island-oriented resources include Church and Cemetery collections, family bibles, family papers, correspondence, diaries, certificates and awards, photographs, deeds, financial records, wills and estate inventories, and both published and unpublished works about Staten Island families: Mabel Abbot; William G. Ward; Kolff family papers; Nathaniel Lord Britton; George W. Curtis; William T. Davis; Egbert family papers; Decker, Prall, and Hillyer family papers, Jacques Jacobsen Jr. papers, Robert J. O'Connor family papers, Hugh Powell Collection, and the John J. Crooke papers. The Institute's Section of Genealogy meets the second Thursday of every month. Vertical Files: Includes newspaper clippings and pamphlets pertaining to a wide variety of Staten Island subjects. Staten Island Business & Industry Collections: Includes archival records from: Free Port; Staten Island Rapid Transit Railway Company; S.S. White Dental Manufacturing Company; Nassau Smelting & Refining Company; Procter and Gamble Company; Icemaking, Oystering, Dairy, Farming, Waterfront, and Brewery industry collections; Ferries and Railroads Collections, Richmond County Medical Society; Staten Island University Hospital; and the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce Records. Staten Island Ferry Collection Staten Island Ferry Museum illustrates the history of municipal ferry service beginning in 1905 until the present. The Museum is located at the St. George Staten Island Ferry Terminal. SIIAS Archives houses photographs, illustrations, artifacts and manuscripts reflecting the entire history of the Staten Island Ferry as well as the history of Staten Island ferry services. Staten Island Organization Collections: Includes archival records for the Fire Department of New York, Dutch Reformed Church, Womens Club of Staten Island, Good Intent Council #7. Daughters of America, Philemon Literary & Historical Society, Staten Island Philatelic Society, and Belles-Lettres Society. Staten Island Newspapers on Microfilm Richmond Count Free Press (1833 - 1835) Richmond County Mirror (1837 - 1839) Staten Islander [original] (1856 - 1857) Staten Islander [Re-organized] (1889 - 1926) Sepoy (1859) Richmond County Gazette (1859 - 1889) Staten Island Gazette (1899 - 1901) Richmond County Sentinel (1879 - 1889) Richmond County Standard (1881 - 1890) Staten Island World (1902 - 1915) Richmond County Transcript (1925 - 1939 & 1940 - 1951) Staten Island Advance (recently expanded - dates not available) Mail Research Requests must be submitted in writing and addressed to: Archives, Staten Island Institute of Arts and Sciences 75 Stuyvesant Place Staten Island, New York 10301-1998 To Contact by Telephone: (718) 727-1135 To Contact by FAX: (718) 273-5683 A fee of $20.00/hour will be billed upon completion of the research, do not send a check with your request; large projects may require special arrangements and a minimum deposit of $20.00 plus handling charges. Checks should be made payable to the Staten Island Institute of Arts and Sciences. Fee Schedule for Research Conducted By SIIAS Personnel General Public $15.00 per hour Members $7.50 per hour Photocopying: $ .25 per copy - limit 30 copies Photocopying: $ .30 per copy - 11 X 17 In-person Research Fee Schedule for Research Conducted In Person General Public $ 5.00 per day Members $ No Charge Students(current ID required) $ 3.00 per day Seniors $ 3.00 per day Commercial $10.00 per day Photocopying: $ .25 per copy - limit 30 copies Photocopying: $ .30 per copy - 11 X 17 Natural Science Collections Contact: Ed Johnson, Curator of Science Telephone: 718/727-1135 extension 16 Collections reflect the interests of founders: William T. Davis (Homoptera, Odonata, Orthoptera); Charles W. Leng (Coleoptera); Arthur Hollick (Palaeobotany); and Nathaniel Lord Britton (botany). The collections span a range of disciplines: Entomology About 500,000 specimens representing 16 orders mostly regional in scope: Coleoptera, Homoptera (especially Cicadidae), Orthoptera, Lepidopters and Odonata. Collection contains 87 primary and numerous secondary types, mostly of beetles and cicadas. Botany The herbarium covers mostly Staten Island and the immediate vicinity. The flora of Staten Island from the 1860's to the present is well represented. The following sub-collections are included: Vascular plants, Algae, Mosses and Lichens, Myxomycetes and Diatoms. Zoology (other than insects) Wet Collection - includes invertebrates, fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals. Mammalogy - mounted specimens, study skins and skeletal material. Ornithology - includes mounted specimens, study skins, nests, eggs and skeletal material. Conchology - 10,000 shells mostly exotic, but good representative local collection Marine Invertebrates - 200 dried specimens mostly arthropods. Geology Staten Island - 2,100 rocks, minerals and fossils Non-Staten Island - 3,600 rocks, minerals and fossils Archaeology Includes 15,000 stone, bone, and clay artifacts from Staten Island. The Natural Science Collection and services are generally offered free of charge to qualified researchers, museums, city agencies, universities, etc. as a professional courtesy. Access to the Natural Science Collection is usually not available to the general public, except under certain circumstances. Each request will be analyzed on a case by case basis. Consultants and the general public are charged the following standard archival research rates: To conduct research by mail: Requests must be submitted in writing addressed to: Natural Science Collection, Staten Island Institute of Arts & Sciences, 75 Stuyvesant Place, Staten Island, NY 10301-1998, telephone: (718) 727-1135, Fax (718) 273-5683. A fee of $15.00/hour will be billed upon completion of the research, do not send a check with your request; large projects may require special arrangements and a minimum deposit of $15.00 plus handling charges. Checks should be made payable to the Staten Island Institute of Arts and Sciences. The fee schedule is as follows: Fee Schedule for Research Conducted By SIIAS Personnel General Public $15.00 per hour Members $7.50 per hour Photocopying: $ .25 per copy - limit 30 copies Photocopying: $ .30 per copy - 11 X 17 To conduct research in person: Fee Schedule for Research Conducted In Person General Public $ 5.00 per day Members $ No Charge Students(current ID required) $ 3.00 per day Seniors $ 3.00 per day Commercial $10.00 per day Photocopying: $ .25 per copy - limit 30 copies Photocopying: $ .30 per copy - 11 X 17 Art Collection Contact: Peggy McGuire, Curator of Art Telephone: 718/727-1135 extension 19 The Art Collection of the Staten Island Institute of Arts and Sciences includes a strong regional perspective in addition to: Portraits of Prominent Staten Islanders European and American Art Non-European Art including works from Africa, Asia and Native America 19th and 20th Century Costumes Furniture and Decorative Arts Upcoming Art Events East/West: Traditions in Christian Art, July 17, 1998 - January 10, 1999 This exhibit will feature icons painted in the northern Russian tradition by Staten Island artist, Father John Walsted and four religious paintings from the Italian Renaissance donated by the Kress Foundation. 1998 Juried Biennial Art Exibition, September 18, 1998 - March 7, 1999 Education The Education Department of the Staten Island Institute of Arts and Sciences serves over 50,000 students annually. Children in grades pre-K through twelve enjoy a variety of Curriculum-Based Instructional Programs which include Days of Dinosaurs; Lenape: Staten Island Native Americans; The Staten Island Ferry Tour, columns, Capitals & Cornices: An Introduction to Architectural Design; Art Now!; The Immigrant Experience: The Italians, and Garbage, Garbage, Everywhere. Summer Day Camps also participate in a variety of fun, yet informative programs that include; Come Fly With Me! (butterflies and moths); Creativity: Made by Hand; Days of Dinosaurs; and the Staten Island Ferry Tour. People of all ages also enjoy fact-filled presentations offered by the SIIAS Lifelong Learning Department. Programs and events include: Out and About Tours, Lunch & Learn, Science for Young Children, Young Astronauts, Crafts with Donna, and Mini-Courses in health, science, nature, art, and music. Educatioal lectures are also popular with adults and past topics have included Heymishe Tales: The Humor in Jewish-American Stories, T-Rex: Pugnacious Predator or 4-ton Vulture!, and Baseball in Films. The Lifelong Learning Department is also pleased to host Summer Day Camps for Individual Children. Run on weekdays during July and August, this educational experience features three thematic programs which include Earth Camp; Camp-on-the-Go; and Mystery History Camp. Sections, Groups, Clubs The Staten Island Institute of Arts and Sciences is also pleased to be the home of several exciting groups, sections, and clubs. The SIIAS Section of Natural History and the Nature Study Group both sponsor assorted environmental outings, lectures, and analysis of important nature-related topics throughout the year. Specific walks and talks on ornithology, geology, entomology, botany, and other specifi nature oriented issues and news are featured. The Section of Genealogy is another popular group found at SIIAS. Family histories, research and lineage are among the topics discussed by this original organization. New members are always welcome! The SIIAS Reading Club celebrates the written word by reading, analyzing, and discussing various books, articles, and manuscripts during their popular meetings. SIIAS is also home to the Color Photographers of Staten Island. Group meetings focus on the latest techniques in photography, as well as the analysis of photographic images. Competitions on color slides and prints are also presented throughout the year. Museum Shops SIIAS features two recently renovated gift shops that accomodate a variety of merchandise. Located at the Staten Island Institute of Arts and Sciences and the Staten Island Ferry Collection, both stores contain assorted items that are sure to please both children and adults. The Gift Shop at the Staten Island Institute of Arts and Sciences is home to a variety of popular merchandise with an historic, environmental, and artistic flair. Gift items include a spectacular array of dinosaur items, minerals, puzzles, rubber wildlife, mobiles, T-shirts, and both current and historic postcards. Phenomenal selections of books are also found at this location. Titles include many informative texts on Staten Island including A comparative Flora of Staten Island 1879-1981, Census Occupations of Afro-American Families on Staten Island 1840-1875, Days Afield on Staten Island, and Red Carnation - The History of the Richmond County Medical Society. Assorted natural history guides and posters are also available for purchase. Memorable keepsakes from the Staten Island Ferry Collection shop include such intriguing maritime related items as ships in a bottle, deck prisms (which were originally set into the decks of ships to transmit light to the interior), Ferry Pin/Tie Clips that show off a genuine Staten Island Ferry image, and a popular Staten Island Ferry holiday ornament. Exhibitions for All to Enjoy... Sports on Staten Island: Beyond the Score March 13 - September 6, 1998 In the Eyes of the Beholder: American Female Portraiture May 1998 through August 30, 1998 Then/Now: Traditions in Christian Art July 17 - January 3, 1999 1998 Biennial Juried Art Exhibition September 25, 1998 - March 7, 1999 Programs For a complete list please call (718) 727-1135 Membership As a valuable resource to both tourists and local residents the Staten Island Institute of Arts and Sciences would be unable to successfully fulfill its mission without the valued assistance of members. Membership makes possible the outstanding exhibitions at our galleries, the care of our unique and historic collections, access to the Archives/Library, educational and scholarly publications, school and day camp visits, and events and programs for the general public. Not only does SIIAS gain frommember contributions and involvement, but members also receive valuable benefits and discounts as gratitude for their generosity. Membership rewards include complimentary admission, discounts on special events, price reductions at our two museum stores, and sneak previews of gallery openings. Membership categories include: Family $35.00 Benefits are extended to spouse and children under 18 years. Discounts to children's events are also included. Individual $25.00   Senior Citizen (62 or over) $15.00   Collector's Club $100.00 (If applicable, $70 is tax deductible within the limits prescribed by law.) Includes Family Membership benefits and subscription to The Proceedings of SIIAS. Connoisseur's Club $150.00 (If applicable, $120 is tax deductible within the limits prescribed by law.) Leng & Davis Society   all the benefits of the Connoisseur's Club invitation for two to special Leng and Davis Society receptions/luncheons your name listed on a plaque in the museum Curator's Circle $250.00 (If applicable, $150 is tax deductible within the limits prescribed by law.) President's Circle $500.00 (If applicable, $400 is tax deductible within the limits prescribed by law.) Includes personal behind-the-scenes tour for four by a curator or senior staff member. Trustee's Circle $1,000.00 (If applicable, $900 is tax deductible within the limits prescribed by law.) Includes private lunch for two with President & CEO of SIIAS and chairman of the Board of Trustees, while also including the benefits of the President's Circle. This partnership has sustained SIIAS through its long and productive history and will carry us all into the next century. News for the Future SIIAS is pleased to note that a new museum will rise at the Staten Island Ferry Terminal at the onset of the twentieth century. Designed by world-renowned architect, Peter Eisenman, the new state-of-the-art museum will be a major component of a new transportation and cultural gateway to Staten Island. As a shining beacon onto the harbor our new site will not only attract visitors to New York City, but it will also serve as a catlyst to the development of Staten Island's North Shore. Over 30,000 square feet of exhibition space will be available at the new site. While a spacious education facility, modern orientation center, large scale auditorium, an exciting new museum store with merchandise for both children and adults, a cafe and fine dining restaurant will allow visitors to have an unparalleled cultural experience. This world class waterfront museum willb e complemented by a SIIAS presence at the Snug Harbor Cultural Center. Located at 1000 Richmond Terrace, the Harbor is home to many of Staten Island's premier cultural facillities, groups, and organizations. SIIAS will proudly take its place amongst these organizations by relocating some of our collections and departments to two of the front five landmark Greek Revival structures at Snug Harbor. In addition, SIIAS will still proudly maintain its original home at 75 Stuyvesant Place. The future of the Staten Island Institute of Arts and Sciences is one that is brightly filled with promises of health and prosperity. We hope that individuals from both Staten Island and around the world stop in to see, learn, and hear about nature, history, art, the humanities, Staten Island, and all of the other assorted topics that we strive to present to all people. To this end we would like to invite you to contact us at (718)-727-1135 for further information, a complete calendar of events, travel directions, or for answers to any other questions that we might be able to help with because of our expertise. Please call us at any time... More Info "My trip to the SIIAS" by Barbara Bradford Gardner From http://www.nycarts.org/cgi-bin/bigshow.cgi?file=/archive/stateni/stateni.txt.16.html website Curator's Choice Allied Parking has kindly offered a $2 rate to visitors. Simply park your car in the lot that is directly opposite the Institute on Wall Street and pay the fee. Before retrieving your car obtain a voucher from the Museum and present it to the parking lot attendant upon your return. For more info, call or write the SIIAS.
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