Staten Island wants to draw more tourists

NEW YORK (FOX 5 NEWS) - The so-called "forgotten borough" of Staten Island is taking steps to become unforgettable. A new tourism and cultural affairs office opened this week aimed to get more tourists to explore the area. This is exciting news for local attractions.

"We were thrilled to find out this news," said Sarah Clark, the curator at Historic Richmond Town. "It's a wonderful thing for all the cultural organizations on Staten Island to have an office dedicated to helping people find us, helping us find our audiences, making sure everyone has a good experience with arts and culture in Staten Island."

Visitors to Historic Richmond Town can experience life from the 17th Century.

"Historic Richmond Town is a museum complex made up of over 30 historic structures," Clark said. "A very unusual assemblage of historic architecture here in one place."

Investors are showing an interest in Staten Island and new projects are in the works along the waterfront, according to the office of Borough President James Oddo. Construction is underway for New York City's first outlet shopping mall. A 630-foot-high Ferris wheel is planned but the project is currently on hold.

For now, visit one of New York's oldest buildings: the home of 19th Century photographer Alice Austen. The home is called Clear Comfort and is a national historic landmark. Built in 1690, this two-floor Victorian gothic cottage is now lined with Alice's documentary style work.

Grab a moment to reflect and relax at the Jacques Marchais Museum of Tibetan Art. Founded in 1945, the museum resembles a Himalayan mountain monastery. Explore the extensive collection of Tibetan artifacts and stroll through the beautiful gardens.

Other sights include the ballpark of the Staten Island Yankees, the National Lighthouse Museum, and the famous Staten Island Zoo. All of this is just a ferry ride away.