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This week, we got a special tour inside the archives of the Brooklyn Navy Yard by Dennis Riley, the archivist. A visit through any archive brings to light the historical context in which an institution was formed, but the Brooklyn Navy Yard archive is particularly unique, because much of the content was simply left behind by the U.S. Navy when the yard changed ownership to the Brooklyn Navy Yard Development Corporation. Riley, who has been with the Navy Yard for a little over a year, has really continued the effort of previous archivists and bring to light some of the amazing artifacts in side. “This is the stuff that makes the link,” between past and present, Riley tells us. Here’s a recap, with photos, of some of the most unique pieces we saw. You can check out an official exhibit in BLDG92

1. Floor Plans for the Admiral Row Mansions

Brooklyn Navy Yard Archives-Dennis Riley-Brooklyn Navy Yard Development Corporation-NYC_14
The crumbling Admiral Row mansions are awaiting demolition, except for two that will be salvaged but there are the original floor plans for the townhouses which reveals buildings of generous proportions: front and back parlors, parlor extension and a library just on the first floor.
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