Visiting Staten Island, New York - the Forgotten Borough

New York's Little Sister

I cannot believe how many times people have said that there is not a thing to do on Staten Island.   There are no subways, as there are in Brooklyn.   There aren't as many museums as in New York City.   Staten Island is the "forgotten borough" of New York.   Unfortunately, it is best known for the fact that Fresh Kills Landfill, (the dump), can be seen from outer space.  Yet, movies such as "The Godfather," "War of the Worlds," "Goodfellas," "Donnie Brasco," "School of Rock," "Analyze This," "Big Daddy,"  and "Scent of a Woman,"  to name a few, were filmed entirely or partially on Staten Island.

Let's plan a day trip, shall we?   Sailor Snug Harbor is an incredible 83 acre historic landmark, that has more than one activity to try while there.   Located at 1000 Richmond Terrace, right by the Ferry,  Sailor Snug Harbor was originally a home for retired sailors, who were too injured or old to continue working on the waters.   Snug Harbor has various classes for people to take, such as Mommy and Me classes for toddlers, art/history lessons for visiting schools, as well as a  theatre, church, pond, gallery, gift shop and history galore.

The "Hyphen" also known as "Shin Bone Alley" is a long, thin walkway connecting one building to another.   The name originated when sailors still lived on the grounds.   One building was the sleeping quarters, the other the cafeteria.   All the men would sit and wait in the "Hyphen" for meals.   Many of the men were old, or injured, so they had canes.   Anyone who tried to skip the line would be rapped in the shin bone with a cane.   Hence, the nickname. 

The Noble Maritime Collection is also located at 1000 Richmond Terrace, building D.  Artist John A. Noble was formerly a seaman who worked in marine salvage.   His art and writings were based on maritime life.   The work is housed in a former dormitory at Sailors Snug Harbor. The Museums Centerpiece is Noble's fully restored houseboat studio.