Tour the historic Riker-Lent Homestead

Nestled in the heart of Jackson Heights still stands a remnant of colonial times, and on Sunday, September 16, local residents will have the rare opportunity to tour the historic site once occupied by the prominent Riker family.
“The Riker-Lent Homestead is the last privately owned and occupied colonial farmhouse in New York City, not yet turned into a museum,” said Jim Driscoll, President of the Queens Historical Society (QHS).
Still a residence for current owners, Michael and Marion Duckworth Smith, Driscoll said that the couple opens their home at least once a year, allowing QHS to conduct a tour of the historic grounds.
Created to show the home of the first Dutch settlers in Queens, the tour includes a walk around the “lovingly restored” family home, the secret gardens, and the Riker family cemetery.
First built as a one-room dwelling by Abraham Riker in 1654, the house evolved into a two-story home over the years. Driscoll said that the Smiths did well in returning the home to its original state.
The interior features natural timbers, pine floors, Federal-style fireplace mantels, pegged oak doors, antiques and family memorabilia. “The house has beautiful pieces of furniture and other items from the original family,” said Driscoll.
Also created by the Rikers but beautified by the Smiths, are the Homestead’s garden and cemetery that contains 132 descendants of the Riker Family, some of whom fought in the American Revolution and the War of 1812.
“We are very grateful to the Smiths for allowing the Queens Historical Society to use their home for public viewing,” Driscoll said.
The Smiths purchased the property in 1975 and will be the last private owners. “To the best of my knowledge, the Smiths have arranged for QHS to let the Riker-Lent Homestead be turned into a museum after their passing,” Driscoll said.
For those interested in taking this special walking tour, tickets cost $15 in advance and $20 at the door. For more information, QHS can be contacted at their Flushing office at 718-939-0647.