Snug Harbor; Historical Art Mecca of Staten Island

When you think of New York City, most people only think of Manhattan and typically Brooklyn; as these are the most famously active part of New York. Although there is a very historically rich island that seems to have become the typically “forgotten” borough. Staten Island, is primarily made up of residential neighborhoods and businesses. As of late the city has decided to invest in advancing the properties on the waterfront, to attract tourists and shine light on the Island. However, there has always been preexisting reasons to visit Staten Island for entertainment, art and cultural events. By investigating the success and history of The Snug Harbor Cultural Center, I will illuminate the …show more content…
Thomas Randall and his son Robert Randall who inherited most of his father fortune, dedicated massive property in their wills to this end. During its opening in in 1833 was home to thirty seven sailors. By the year 1900 the property had expanded and had a population of over nine hundred men. In 1967 more than ten thousand sailors had been aided and cared for within this single organization dedicated to the sailors of our country. As its true name implies "Sailors Snug Harbor" was started by men who made their living in the sea and after years of hard dangerous work, became a comfortable place nationally known for its assistance and remembrance of those sailors.
Today Sailor’s Snug Harbor has transformed into the Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Garden. On this eighty three acre campus there are many attractions within this one location. It has often been referred to as the Smithsonian of Staten Island with it’s fountains, classical Greek Revival architecture, gardens, museums and galleries. Their New House Center for Contemporary Art is where they showcase work from the local New York artists. The Snug Harbor Cultural Center has over twenty gardens throughout their …show more content…
Kelly of the organization states: Snug Harbor is on a mission to take their place among New York City’s cultural destinations, by conducting a new five year business plan they hope to achieve a “long-term financial sustainability and create a more vibrant center for the arts, education and entertainment, as well as beauty and relaxation.” (Kelly) The organization is a great asset to the Staten Island waterfront as it draws many new patrons towards its “wide variety of cultural, educational and entertainment venues” while enticing patrons to visit their 83-acre campus and take partake in all that Snug Harbor has to offer.