Image via Wikimedia Commons, Library of Congress
Those with a passion for New York City history can kickstart their weekend with our lineup of tours. We’re hosting our first fall tour of the Historic Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney Studio, followed by our Tour of the Remnants of Penn Station and our 400 Miles of History in 1 Mile Walking Tour. Join us for the day (tickets can be purchased below)!
Tour of the Historic Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney Studio: Friday, September 15th at 3:30pm
Located in the heart of the Greenwich Village Historic District, the Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney Studio has served American artists for well over a century — and now, it’s finally opening its doors to Untapped Cities. Join us on a special tour on September 15th at 3:30pm, which will take you inside this National Historic Landmark, the first and former home of the Whitney Museum of Art.
While The Metropolitan Museum of Art famously rejected Whitney’s art collection and a donation to maintain it, Whitney’s work to showcase American art at this studio spurred the modern art movement in the United States. On this tour, you’ll learn about the art career and patronage of Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney, who used the building as her private studio, salon and gallery. Also view works of art from students who currently utilize the studio, as well as the few surviving works of decorative art by Robert Winthrop Chanler, the designer of the Whitney Studio, whose fireplace and the ceiling can still be seen.
Tour of the Historic Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney Studio
Tour the Remnants of Penn Station: Saturday, September 16th at 12pm and 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 the indoor and outdoor remnants of the McKim, Mead & White building located in plain sight.
Tours will continue to be supported by never-before-seen 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 the Secrets of Grand Central Terminal: Saturday, September 16th at 2pm and 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, September 17th 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!
400 Years of History in 1 Mile Walking Tour: Sunday, September 17th at 2pm
Take a walk in the footsteps of George Washington and Alexander Hamilton, revel in beautiful architecture across four centuries, hear stories of heroes and rogues that have shaped our history as a country and as a city. Our newest tour, 400 Years in 1 Mile, looks at the history of New York City by walking a mile long portion of Lower Broadway. In this area of Lower Manhattan, you can find examples of streets and structures that date from our Dutch past to the 21st century. Architectural and technological breakthroughs from all period of the city’s history can be found here.
400 Years of History in 1 Mile