Join us as we rediscover some of the most beloved places in New York City: tonight, we’re exploring the Beaux-Arts townhouse housing the American Irish Historical Society, and later in the week, we’re embarking on a hunt for the Remnants of Penn Station and the Secrets of Grand Central Terminal. See all that we have in store:
Insider Tour of the American Irish Historical Society: Today, July 12 at 6PM
Usually off-limit to the public, the American Irish Historical Society is opening its doors to Untapped Cities. The center of Irish culture and knowledge, located on Manhattan’s Museum Mile, was built in 1901. The five story Beaux-Arts townhouse was a private home before it was purchased by the Society in 1939, and it currently stands as one of the last standing mansions on Fifth Avenue. With a library that holds over 10,000 volumes, it is home to one of the largest private collections of Irish and American Irish history and literature in the United States. Discover the historic townhouse with us, learn about the history of the Irish in America, and see highlights of the library and archives.
Insider Tour of the American Irish Historical Society
Tour of the Remnants of Penn Station: Saturday, July 15th at 12:00pm + 2:30pm
There are two things most commuters don’t realize about Penn: First, there used to be a gorgeous Beaux Arts station that was demolished in the mid-60’s. Second: Parts of that old station can still be found today. They’ve just been buried under the arena that landed on top of them.
On our tour of the Remnants of Penn Station, we’ll take you back inside this central transportation hub to discuss the past, present and future plans for the structure. Although Amtrak only acknowledges one remnant remaining, tour participants will learn about station history and discover remnants of the McKim, Mead & White building located in plain sight. Tours will continue to be supported by never-before-seen old photographic presentations of the station by renown photographers Norman McGrath, Peter Moore, and Aaron Rose, along with the work of railroad aficionados Alexander Hatos, an employee of Pennsylvania Railroad and Ron Ziel, a railroad historian. Each guest will also receive a framable, reproduction ticket of the first commuter ride into Pennsylvania Station from 1910.
Tour of the Remnants of Penn Station
Tour of the Secrets of Grand Central Terminal: Saturday, July 15th at 2:30pm + 4pm
The story of Grand Central Terminal is that of New York City itself: the structure embodies the social, cultural, economic and technological evolution around it. It is one of great men, feuding architects, ingenuity, rejuvenation, secrets and surprises. On this tour, we will tell you these stories – about what once was, what could have been, and what can be; about the struggle to save and restore Grand Central as a preserved icon of the past, and of challenge to ensure that it serves New York’s future. We will show you what it was like in the booming age of the railroad, as a rundown embarrassment, and as a renovated jewel at the center of the city. Peek into the entrance of its glass walkways, locate lost armchairs, see its hidden tennis courts and learn about its backwards ceiling. Whether you pass through it every day on your morning commute or stroll through the Beaux Arts beauty for the first time, you are sure to leave having learned, seen, or experienced something new and extraordinary.
Tour of the Secrets of Grand Central Terminal
Tour and Wine Tasting at Rooftop Reds: Sunday, July 16th at 12:30pm
Did you know the world’s first commercially viable rooftop vineyard is hidden within the Brooklyn Navy Yard? Untapped Cities will be bringing readers on a special wine tasting and tour at Rooftop Reds, led by one of its founders who will share their knowledge of winemaking.
Within the 14,800 square foot rooftop, you will see a unique urban planter system that is the first of its kind, developed with Cornell University and Finger Lakes industry leaders. As an added bonus: all guests will get 20% off purchases of Rooftop Reds wines. Get in on this experience early, as the first harvest will be taking place in October 2017. Take in an amazing view, lounge in a hammock, and sip on Rooftop Red wines in our tours. Please note that the wine served on the rooftop is from Rooftop Reds partners in the Finger Lakes until the first harvest off the Navy Yard rooftop are ready!
Wine Tasting & Tour of Rooftop Reds, the World’s First Rooftop Vineyard!