The Vander Ende–Onderdonk House Museum is the oldest surviving Dutch colonial stone house in New York City. Here you can learn about the daily life of Dutch farmers who once owned the land that is now known as Bushwick.
If you’ve already been almost everywhere and happen to be nearby, why not stop in? The place is especially charming for those who live in the neighborhood.
History
In 1709, Dutch farmer Paulus van Ende purchased a plot of land and built a stone house in the colonial style.
In 1975, the house was severely damaged by a fire, and local residents united to save it, forming the Greater Ridgewood Historical Society. Restoration took place from 1980 to 1982, funded by city, state, and federal grants as well as community donations.
In 1995, the house was designated a New York City Landmark. Today it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
On the property sits a large boulder called Arbitration Rock, which once served as a boundary marker between the lands of Brooklyn (then Bushwick) and Queens (Newtown).
Exhibitions
The museum features three floors of exhibition space. Visitors can see:
- 18th- and 19th-century interior,
- historical artifacts uncovered during archaeological digs,
- maps, photographs, decorative pieces,
- antique furniture.
In the basement, you’ll find the old kitchen. The house also preserves a children’s room, a bedroom, and a 19th-century parlor.
In addition to the permanent displays, the museum hosts rotating exhibitions on a wide range of topics: rural life, regional domestic history, crafts, and holidays of Dutch culture.
The architecture reflects traditional Dutch colonial features: double “Dutch” doors, stone walls, and a gambrel-style roof.
Programs and Events
The museum regularly hosts cultural and educational events, including:
- Candlelight tours with atmospheric storytelling about the house and its former residents,
- A fall Harvest Festival with workshops, games, and pumpkin carving for kids,
- Family workshops such as hand-dipped candle making using historical techniques,
- Guided walking tours through Ridgewood, exploring old routes, local architecture, and the community’s efforts to preserve historic boundaries.
Visitor Information
Website: onderdonkhouse.org
Address: 1820 Flushing Avenue in Ridgewood, Queens, New York City
Admission: $6.94
