Brooklyn Historical Society Local History & Culture
All Things Brooklyn
Brooklyn,
NY, 11201
United States
+1 718 222 4111
+1 718 222 3794
http://www.brooklynhistory.org..
reference@brooklynhistory.org
Transport Options:
Train Available: 2, 3, 4, 5 at Borough Hall; M, N , R at Court Street; A, C, F at Jay Street
Overview
This National Historic Landmark was originally founded in 1863 as The Long Island Historical Society. Today it acts as an archives and educational center with its soul purpose being the preservation of the history of Brooklyn. The Brooklyn Historical Society presents the following exhibitions: Brooklyn Works: '400 Years of Making a Living in Brooklyn' in celebration of the first phase of its grand reopening after four years of extensive renovations. Enter re-created environments of tenement buildings and sugar refineries, see original advertisements and artifacts from products manufactured in Brooklyn, and hear the stories of workers from enslaved Africans to modern restaurant owners. Among the most influential photographs of Lewis Hine's career are these 25 gelatin silver prints of children at work in New York City - as newsies, bootblacks, doing piecework at home, and factory laborers. Hine's photographs documenting the appalling circumstances of child labor in America from 1906 to 1916 and helped change the course of history. Brooklyn's History Museum is located on site with a large collection of related art and memorabilia. Admission: $6 adults/$4 students and seniors.
I went there because I was writing a paper about the building. It was a good experience. Try one of the Walking tours. The exhibits were far better than what I expected. However, if you plan on borrowing or using a book from the library collection, find out beforehand if it is available. Due the renovation project, many of the books are in storage. However, they still have a pretty good collection.
I don't know where the previous reviewer went, but I doubt it was the Brooklyn Historical Society. I've been there several times and it is a beautiful National Landmark building and interior, there is NO scum or rodents, trust me! As for it being boring, if you are interested in museums or history, you'll love it. If in doubt, schedule your visit to take advantange of the free docent-led tours of the building, exhibits, or neighborhood, which are very entertaining. Check their website for the calendar of events, they have other programs as well. For all the sports fans out there, they just opened an exhibit on the 1955 Dodgers, complete with Pennant on display.
I thought that it was extremely boring and hated it.
This place is dreadful i mean there was scum everywhere and i think i saw a rodent. Things are so much better in England
The architectural beauty of the building itself deserves a necessary visit if one's ever in NY. Its red terra cotta construction and elaborately designed interiors were spear headed by famous architect George Post, who had also designed the NY Stock Exchange. The BHS hosts a main gallery on the first floor, which has educational as well as entertaining displays of information about Brooklyn history and Brooklynites. BHS in October will also open its library on the second floor, which is supposed to contain a large collection of Brooklyn-related books. BHS hosts many fun-filled and informational evnets, such as the Beer Garden this summer. The Beer Garden takes place every Friday on the terrace just outside of BHS and provides freshly brewed beer from Brooklyn's finest breweries.
