Today, Upper Manhattan's Fort Tryon Park is home to one of New York City’s most beautiful green spaces, as well as the world-class Cloisters Museum of medieval art managed by The Met. But in 1776, “Long Hill” (as it was then known) was a fiercely contested rocky hilltop where American and British soldiers passionately fought for possession of Manhattan Island. How did this area of Manhattan, which was originally settled by the Lenape people, eventually attract the likes of generals, millionaires, artists, saints, politicians, and even speakeasies to its majestic wooded slopes high above the Hudson River? It's time to uncover the creation story of what Mayor Fiorello La Guardia once called “the most beautiful of all our chain of beautiful parks.”
Join New York Adventure Club as we take a deep dive into the creation story and cast of characters surrounding Fort Tryon, and how it evolved from a once-remote rocky hilltop to the breathtaking park and museum that's still one of New York City's most spectacular natural and cultural gems.
Led by Dyckman Farmhouse Museum Alliance president Don Rice, our unique virtual experience featuring rarely seen images, maps, and little-known primary sources will include:
- An overview of pre-18th century Fort Tryon, from how bedrock, glaciers, and fault lines influenced its geography; to the early presence of the Lenape and the Dutch; to the 1776 Battle of Washington Heights during the American Revolution
- The arrival of the railroad in 1849 and how it jump started an age of lavish country estates
- How American Gilded Age personality C.K.G. Billings and his over-the-top mansion signaled the end of an era
- A discussion of the creation behind the original Cloisters museum, including Sculptor George Grey Barnard’s role and rarely seen images of its interior and exterior
- How a roadhouse and speakeasy made Fort Tryon an early destination for tourists and the smart set
- A deep dive into John D. Rockefeller’s love for the Fort Tryon area, with a focus on his ambitious plans to upgrade and rebuild the Cloisters and surrounding grounds, and the long game he played
- Why NYC rejected the Fort Tryon Park plan for over a decade before embracing the idea, and once finally approved, what The Olmsted Brothers' vision was for it
- How the Metropolitan museum became the caretaker of today’s Cloisters museum
Afterward, we'll have a Q&A session with Don — any and all questions about Fort Tryon are welcomed and encouraged!
Can't make it live? Don't worry, you'll have access to the full replay for one week!
See you there, virtually!
*Once registered, you will receive a separate, automated email containing the link to join this webinar
**For the best possible viewing experience, please ensure you're using the latest version of your internet browser — Google Chrome is the most compatible. Exact technical requirements and a webinar user guide will be shared in the automated confirmation email upon registration.
***A full replay will be available after the experience for all registered guests
Testimonials
" Wonderful presentation - I learned much about the park!" -Paul
" Though I was familiar with some of the history I enjoyed learning new parts of the story" -Barbara
" I liked the detail, the history, the personal stories, the photos and diagrams. I really appreciate the scope of events in general, but those related to northern Manhattan have been of particular interest." -Marguerite
" I enjoyed the webinar. Very informative!" -Keiko
" Great pictures and more detail about the Husby going back before Rockefeller era." -Beth
" I liked the deep dive into history. Please keep these coming." -Jody
"The history of neighborhood and Don Rice is excellent!" -Martin
"Presenter was awesome! Very informative and well-presented. I like the presenter so much I signed up for next weeks lecture." -Rebecca
"Excellent clear presentation. The speaker, Don Rice, really knows his facts and presents in an organized but entertaining way." -Kenneth
"I just visited Ft Tryon Pk and the Cloisters a week ago. It was very helpful to have done so, because I could follow along well. I love Don Rice as a presenter. He tells stories and moves along, not belaboring stupid stuff, and he knows what he's talking about." -Aleisa
"Photos matched commentary well; pace was slow enough to take notes." -Marguerite
"Multidimensional info: land, history, culture, economics, societal values and changes over time." -Annette
"Speaker was good- didn’t read too many of his slides which I dislike- nice manner-" -Jane
"Splendid overview of the history from the beginning, including the geology. Great review of all the different wealthy people who built mansions it got turned into something else or burned up but what a great outcome in Cloisters and FtTryon Park." -Sharon
Disclaimer
By attending a New York Adventure Club experience, you accept our terms of service.
Categories: Virtual, Landmarks
