NEW YORK (1010 WINS) — New York City’s oldest surviving structure, the historic Wycoff House, was severely damaged by the remnants of Hurricane Ida, according to its caretakers.
Staff at the Wyckoff House Museum have suspended indoor tours as they fundraise for repairs. The house, built in 1650 on what is now the border of East Flatbush and Canarsie, is one of the oldest surviving US examples of a Dutch frame house.
“Like much of New York City, the Wyckoff House Museum experienced serious flooding on Wednesday due to extremely heavy rains and, until further notice, the house will be closed for open hours to the public,” the museum wrote in an online update posted this weekend.
“Historic structures are especially vulnerable to serious flooding from increased rainfall, especially faced will back-to-back storms as we have had in the last week,” the update continued.
The museum shared photos on its website showing what it said was five feet of flooding in the building’s basement, with a water line visible 75% up its stone wall.
Staff have been working around the clock to assess the damage done to the space, with the full extent of destruction still unclear.
“While we don't know the full extent of the damage yet, best case scenario is that we will need a new hot water heater, while the worst is that we will also need a brand new HVAC system as well as replace other tools and supplies stored there worth several thousands of dollars,” the museum wrote.
The museum is asking donors to contribute to its ongoing fundraiser to revive educational programs for local teens and expand its community composting project and farming initiatives.