Insider Tour of the American Irish Historical Society: Thursday, August 10 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.
Behind-the-Scenes Hard Hat Tour of Abandoned Ellis Island Hospital Complex: Saturday, August 12 at 2pm
The abandoned Ellis Island Hospital—once the standard for United States medical care—has been left to decay for nearly 60 years. Now, we’re taking you back inside to visit select parts of the facilities, from its infectious and contagious disease wards to its autopsy room. On our newest tour, we’ll visit locations exclusively accessible to Untapped Cities and not available on any other public tour of the site.
While Ellis Island has become one of New York City’s top tourist attractions, drawing over two million visitors per year, the 22-building South Side hospital complex is hidden in plain sight, just to the left of disembarking passengers headed towards the Great Hall. Looking at its desolate, skeletal frame now, it’s difficult to imagine its backstory as one of the largest public health undertakings in American history. Join us for our upcoming hard hat tour, guided by a Save Ellis Island docent, where we’ll uncover its many, buried secrets. You’ll discover buildings over 100-years-old (which have not been occupied since 1954), explore the Laundry Building, autopsy room and infectious disease wards, and see an exhibition installed by the world-renowned artist JR, who has placed life-sized historic photographs of Ellis Island immigrants on interior walls of the hospital buildings. Please note that while the tour starts at 2pm, guests will have to head to the ferry departure location no later than 11:30am.
Secrets of Central Park Walking Tour: Sunday, August 13th at 2pm
Did you know that Central Park was once the site of a former African-American village? Or that it was previously home to an infamous casino, where alcohol flowed throughout the Prohibition? For almost 160 years, Central Park has been the green heart of the city, serving as a pastoral haven for New Yorkers and visitors alike. Even so, it still holds many secrets that have yet to be discovered. On this walking tour, we’ll explore the history behind some of its best-loved and hidden sites. Learn about the genesis, design, and evolution of the immense green space, while uncovering its many outrageous happenings, scandals and more. Discover the secret navigational device that keeps pedestrians from getting lost on the park’s winding paths, see the secret bolt left behind from the creation of Manhattan’s street grid and uncover the hidden meaning in Bethesda Terrace’s sculptures.
Tour and Wine Tasting at Rooftop Reds: Sunday, August 13th 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!
