Have you ever wondered what it was like to live in Brooklyn centuries ago? Today, standing here in Lott Park, we are just steps away from the Hendrick I. Lott House. This house is a rare surviving Dutch-American house in New York City. It offers a glimpse into the lives of a prominent family and the many people who lived and worked on their farm.
In 1719, Johannes Lott purchased a farm in Flatlands. The Lott family quickly became leaders in their community. Hendrick I. Lott found his grandfather’s house too small when he married Mary Brownjohn in 1792. He built a larger house. It combined Dutch and English details into a distinctly American building. Hendrick kept his grandfather’s house. It became the eastern end of the new house, serving as the kitchen wing.
The Lott family’s farm grew to over 200 acres in the 19th century. Like other large farmers in southern Brooklyn, the Lotts relied on the labor of slaves. They also used indentured servants and hired hands. These workers grew crops. The crops were sold in the markets of Brooklyn and Manhattan. The Lotts freed their slaves by 1805. This was years before New York State abolished slavery in 1827. The house is even believed to have served as a stop on the Underground Railroad.
Descendants of the Lott family continued to farm the land until 1925. The last family member lived there until her death in 1989. The New York City Department of Parks & Recreation now owns the Hendrick I. Lott House. It is operated by the Hendrick I. Lott House Preservation Association. The house is a member of the Historic House Trust.
The Hendrick I. Lott House is set to become Marine Park’s first museum. Renovations are expected to begin in early 2026. These renovations will modernize the house. They will also preserve its historical details. The museum will focus on the history of the Lott family. It will also share stories of the neighborhood and the people who lived and worked on the farm.
Archaeologists have found evidence of spiritual activities by enslaved people in the house. This makes it a significant cultural site. The museum will use technology. It will bring these individual stories to life through dynamic exhibits.
The Hendrick I. Lott House remains structurally sound. It is virtually unchanged from when Hendrick Lott constructed it in 1800. The house incorporates a section of the original 1720 homestead built by his grandfather, Johannes Lott. The interior features 18 rooms organized in a center hall plan.
Imagine the conversations. Think about the lives lived within these walls. The Hendrick I. Lott House offers a unique opportunity to connect with the past. It helps us understand the history of Brooklyn and New York City. The house stands as a reminder of the Lott family’s legacy. It also honors the stories of all who contributed to this area’s development.
As you leave Lott Park today, remember the stories you’ve heard. Carry with you a deeper appreciation for the rich history that surrounds us. The Hendrick I. Lott House is not just a building. It’s a living testament to the past. It will soon be a museum. It will share these stories for generations to come.