This coming week provides plenty of opportunities for urbanites to get to know New York City a little more intimately. From historical talks to behind-the-scenes tours, check out the “Untapped” events that are unfolding soon:
Friday, April 13th
Join Professor Ken Jackson for an upcoming talk at the Columbia Alumni Association Brooklyn (CAA) about The Roller Coaster of History: The Rise, Decline, and Rise Again of Brooklyn.
The New York Preservation Archive Project is presenting four documentaries as part of its Preservation Advocacy Documentaries program. Each film relates to preservation efforts throughout greater New York City, and focuses on a range of contemporary events, historic buildings and neighborhoods.
Saturday, April 14th
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 our Secrets of Grand Central Terminal tour, we will tell you these stories — about what once was, what could have been, and what can be. Join us to see the transit hub’s hidden tennis courts, peek into the entrance of its glass walkways and much more.
Tour of the Secrets of Grand Central Terminal
We also have a few tickets left for our Underground Tour of the NYC Subway. Take a ride through the living history of the world’s largest rapid transit system (in area) by weaving in and out of the past and present transit hubs of lower Manhattan. This unique tour is designed to give a comprehensive history of the New York City Subway system, from its groundbreaking in 1901 up through the creation of the three different proprietary lines which were unified into the system we know today. See the architectural ghosts of the now nearly forgotten Chambers Street station and use the 6 train as your own time machine to ride through abandoned subway stations.
Underground Tour of the NYC Subway
The Museum of Sex will be presenting its walking tour of Satan’s Circus (aka the Tenderloin), led by Untapped Cities’ very own guide, Robert Brenner, who leads our tour of the Remnants of Gritty Times Square. This unique tour will be held every Saturday at noon.
Sunday, April 15th
The abandoned Ellis Island Hospital complex — once the standard for United States medical care (and later transformed to the FBI headquarters when the island served as a detention center) — has been left to decay for nearly 60 years. Now, Untapped Cities is bringing you behind-the-scenes for a unique exploration of the abandoned facility; on this experience, you’ll visit its contagious disease wards, the autopsy rooms and have exclusive access to places usually closed to the public.
Behind-the-Scenes Hard Hat Tour of the Abandoned Ellis Island Hospital
Take a ride back in time with the New York Transit Museum during its Nostalgia Ride, where you’ll have the opportunity to travel in vintage WWI-era subway cars. In celebration of the 100th anniversary of the first train pulling into the northern terminal of the IRT Jerome Avenue Line, guests will go on a round-trip ride from Grand Central Terminal to Woodlawn Cemetery, where a guided tour will take place.
In anticipation for the first annual George Washington Inaugural Ball at Federal Hall, join an 18th century-costumed flash mob and party like it’s 1789! Three Cheers for George Washington will take place on the steps of Federal Hall: the perfect event for history enthusiasts and a precursor for the ball! To RSVP, email [email protected].
Monday, April 16th
Join the Harvard Alumni Architecture and Urban Society for a conversation focused on the history of urban transformation and gentrification in late 20th century New York City. The event will bring together Brian Goldstein, author of The Roots of Urban Renaissance: Gentrification and the Struggle over Harlem
Tuesday, April 17th
The New York Landmarks Conservancy, in partnership with The General Society of Mechanics & Tradesmen of the City of New York, is hosting its Landmarks Lecture Series. Tuesday’s lecture, which will be followed by a reception, focuses on the Historic District Data Project, the largest and most comprehensive historic building data collection created by a municipal preservation agency in the United States.
Can you tell the difference between a secret and a lie? During New York City Secrets & Lies, presented by Caveat, five expert storytellers spin incredible tales about the secret pasts of New York City locations you walk by every day. All the stories are true except for one. If you can identify the lie, you’ll be in the running to win a pair of tickets to a secret event.
Wednesday, April 18th
Enjoy gourmet eats and drinks, alongside local music and chef demonstrations, during Taste of the Nation, which takes place at the Brooklyn Expo Center.
