Did you know that New York City held the record for the world’s tallest buildings from 1890 to 1974? On April 27th, we’re bringing back our Untapped “tour and a cocktail” concept, led by Untapped Cities History Editor Benjamin Waldman. In Downtown Manhattan, we will delve into little-known facts and stories about some of the city’s landmarks. The tour will end with a cocktail at the historic Fraunces Tavern where you can mingle with other urban enthusiasts and the Untapped Cities contributor crew.

The tour will also explore the evolution of the city’s skyline from a single church spire to the skyscraper-filled skyline recognized worldwide today, and trace the transformation of the city from a classical European colony to a modern metropolis. Highlights will include the Woolworth building (exterior), Trinity Church, and the site of the Singer building, the tallest building ever peacefully demolished.

In addition to being the History Editor and a writer for Untapped Cities, Benjamin Waldman, has written for The New York TimesColumbia Magazine, and Curbed. He has lectured at venues around the New York metropolitan area on topics including “A Walk Through Parisian History” and “Edgar Allan Poe’s New York City” (which was part of a National Endowment for the Arts grant). Benjamin is a licensed New York City tour guide and leads tours through the Lower East Side Jewish Conservancy for groups including the 92nd Street Y, Columbia University, and Jewish Historical Society of Greater Hartford.

See more from Untapped Cities events, including a tour of the inside of the Woolworth Building (3 tickets left!) and a tour and cocktail at an authentic speakeasy in the East Village.