Canarsie’s Treasure–N.Y.’s Oldest Homestead–Holds Open House

Canarsie’s Treasure–N.Y.’s Oldest Homestead–Holds Open House

Lisabeth MacKinlay, the great-granddaughter of Amelia Wyckoff, stands with Canarsie Historical Society President Ira Kluger.

By Marsha Sereno

Anyone who believes that history is dull and dry and reserved for dusty volumes on a high shelf hasn’t visited the historic Wyckoff House on Ralph Avenue and Clarendon Road. (The area, originally named Nieuw Amsfoort when purchased by the Dutch from the Manhates Indians in 1626 and later renamed Flatlands by the British in 1664 is presently East Flatbush)

Pieter Claesen Wyckoff, who emigrated to the new world from Holland in 1637, built the mid-17th century house on land originally occupied by the Canarsee Indians and has been at it’s current site ever since. It is the oldest standing house in New York City and in 1965 became the first property on the New York State Historic register.

Recently an open house was held at the site to celebrate the 367th anniversary of Wyckoff’s arrival in New York at which time visitors and guests had the opportunity to tour the famous house to take a step back in time. Knowledgeable tour guides described in detail the house’s furnishings and implements on display as well as life when Pieter Wyckoff, his wife Grietje and their ten children lived in the house.

Wyckoff House Museum, above, is located at Ralph Avenue and Clarendon Road. Photos by Marsha Sereno

Lisabeth MacKinlay, a 12th generation Wyckoff family member, was present at the open house. Greeting visitors, MacKinlay was a delightful living link between the past and present Wyckoff family.

Forty-first Assembly District leader Lewis Fidler, whose father Milton was instrumental in saving the house from demolition, then battled tirelessly for restoration funding, brought his family for a visit. Furthermore, they came to see Fidler-Wyckoff Park, the property’s grounds co-named for his father’s in honor of his efforts.

Ira Kluger, president of the Canarsie Historical Society, was also on hand for the festivities. He expressed delight at the success of the survival of the Wyckoff House and bemoaned the fact that so many of Canarsie’s original homes and other structures have been destroyed by land development, which changes the integrity of the community. Kluger also admonished current Canarsie residents to hold fast to the remnants of the community’s legacy before it becomes a memory bulldozed under rubble.

Some visitors at the open house expressed sentiment that the house seems to be a well-kept secret. The site’s director, Sean Bowstead, noted that the Wyckoff House Association intends to reach out and make the house a true part of the community, not simply a structure within it.

Bowstead looks to a future that holds a wide range of programs taking place at the Wyckoff homestead, including class trips to serve as history lessons, meetings and lectures, crafts projects, community involvement in the carrying out of activities (a volunteer program involving a wide age span of people) and any number of special events, like the upcoming May Mothers Day Tea and Tulip Festival.)

If you ever thought of becoming a part of history, this is your chance. To volunteer your time & talent (and if possible, financial support) at the Wyckoff House contact Sean Bowstead at 718-629-5400.