From its beginnings in the early 1800s as a retreat for wealthy New Yorkers escaping the overcrowding of lower Manhattan, to the modern neighborhood that looks much like it did 100 years ago, Brooklyn Heights has a fascinating history to tell, one that in many ways mirrors the journey of New York itself. This is the story of where modern Brooklyn was born, and why it remains one of the most prominent and vital neighborhoods in all of New York City.
Join New York Adventure Club as we explore the rich tapestry and lesser-known tales of Brooklyn Heights, a New York City neighborhood that has shaped American history and culture throughout the past 200 years.
Led by NYC Tour Guide Michael Morgenthal, our on-the-ground exploration of this small, yet influential waterfront neighborhood will include:
- A look at its pivotal role in The American Revolution, and how The Continental Army was almost squashed there in 1776
- A visit to the many religious institutions based in the neighborhood, including the rise and recent departure of the Jehovah's Witnesses
- Stories of the neighborhood's strong ties to the abolitionist movement, with a look at homes that were reputed stops on the Underground Railroad to pastor Henry Ward Beecher of Plymouth Church, whose strong support for the abolition of slavery enticed Abraham Lincoln to speak there on several occasions
- A stop at the houses of literary giants who called the neighborhood their home, including Walt Whitman, Truman Capote, and Thomas Wolfe
- A visit to the Brooklyn Heights promenade with sweeping views of Manhattan to discuss the past, present, and future of development and preservation in Brooklyn Heights — from the construction of the Brooklyn Bridge, to the birth of the landmarks preservation movement, to the Brooklyn–Queens Expressway's (BQE) construction and now controversial plans for its reconstruction
See you there!
*Please bring a water bottle and comfortable pair of shoes as we’ll be doing a lot of walking!
**This tour will conclude at the corner of Henry & Middagh Streets, which is close to the A/C train at High Street and the pedestrian entrance to the Brooklyn Bridge
Testimonials
"I love the loads of information." -Natalia
"Very informative and enjoyable." -Lawrence
"Mike is a really great tour guide. He adds a lot of context live in the moment, and shares knowledge from many different fields to help create a full picture. Feels like a really in-depth look at a neighborhood's full history." -Kirsten
"Guide was informative and knew what he was experienced" -David
"Our tour guide Michael was the best! Super knowledgeable and funny! Highly recommend taking a tour from him!" -Anthony
"Great time of day and learned a lot about the neighborhood! Super job! Will look for other tours to take!!" Dennis
"Mike was great in taking us around Brooklyn Heights and his knowledge about the district was fantastic" -Michele
"Mike was a phenomenal wealth of information about Brooklyn Heights-it’s history, buildings and residents. Will definitely look for one of his upcoming tours" -Lou
"Very informative and interesting. Our guide was extremely knowledgeable, friendly and ready to answer all questions. Would highly recommend this tour!" -Paul
"Very informative tour of an interesting NYC neighborhood! Michael was a professional friendly and very knowledgeable guide. He was warm, sharing and very receptive to information provided by tour takers." -Jean
"I'm familiar with the neighborhood (Brooklyn Heights) and it was great to connect to the sites of the literary and religious history. An extra bonus was the other people on the tour were really nice." -Raul
"Guide was excellent and provided many anecdotal details, his use of photographs and news clippings enhanced the experience. The neighborhood is beautiful and extremely walkable and even wheelchair accessible. I highly recommend this tour." -Aviva
Disclaimer
Event takes place rain or shine.
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Categories: In-Person, Neighborhood Tours
