While parts of the Lower East Side are among the trendiest (and priciest) in 21st-century New York, its identity 150 years ago, however, was instead defined by the most undesirable living and working conditions, epidemics, and rampant child labor. Fortunately, one pioneering woman decided to do something about it — this is the story of Lillian Wald, and her fight for the rights of society’s, and New York City's, most vulnerable.
Join New York Adventure Club as we trace the steps and impact of Lillian Wald, one of the most influential and respected social reformers of the 20th century.
Led by Katie Vogel, the public historian of the Henry Street Settlement — which Lillian Wald founded in 1893 to assist the poverty-stricken immigrants on the Lower East Side — our unique virtual experience will include:
- An introduction to the Henry Street Settlement and the social service, health care, and educational programs they've provided to New Yorkers since their founding, including how they addressed the 1918 flu epidemic
- A deep dive into the world of Lillian Wald and her numerous social reform accomplishments, including placing nurses in public schools, starting a school lunch program, and the creation of Seward Park, the first city-built playground in the United States
- A virtual look inside Lillian Wald’s former home, which doubled as the Henry Street Settlement headquarters — this series of old row houses built around 1830 include her former bedroom, backyard, and dining room where some of the most important meetings of the progressive movement and early civil rights movement took place
Afterward, we’ll have a Q&A with Katie — any and all questions about Lillian Wald 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!
*Immediately upon registering, 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
***A full replay of the experience will be available to all registered guests for up to a week
****If the event has already passed, but it's been less than a week, you can still register for it on our website's active replay section!
Testimonials
"Well-researched, great selection of photos, intelligently presented." -Ron
"So engaging, great visuals with the talk, super presentation!!" -Gabriella
"Incredible photos and footage, and very engaging and knowledgeable presenter. Inspirational and timely -- good job NY Adventure Club!" -Deborah
"Katie Vogel's presentation was great, lively, informative & so interesting. She really brought Lillian Wald's amazing work to life." -Mary
"well organized; lots of information about Wald, Henry Street, and the Lower East Side" -Laurie
"Loved the photos of HSS and the talk was really relevant and interesting." -Valerie
"Katie was clearly well-versed in the topic. I was impressed that she was able to answer any question that was posed to her." -Amy
"Katie's enthusiastic presentation of so much interesting information." -Claire
"Fascinating detail about the progressive movement and its components." -Pamela
"I liked hearing the history about the Henry Street Settlement as well as seeing photos of the interior." -Diana
"Katie was very knowledgeable and enthusiastic. Aside from describing the founding of the Henry Street Settlement on the Lower East Side and the work and life of Lillian Wald, she conveyed her passion about the current programs sponsored by the Settlement." -Marcelle
"Really like seeing the photos. The combination of New York history, plus the backdrop of what else was happening in America at the time. Speaker had wonderful pacing." -Karin
"Clear and effective organization, strong content, excellent visuals, and pleasant presentation." -David
"Learning about the history of HSS and seeing all the great photos." -Ashley
"Lots of useful information, well presented." -Michael
"As a retired RN I loved it! A nursing series I read as a young teen had a book on Henry Street in this fictional series. It was a huge inspiration to me. I visited the city about 20 yrs ago (my first RN job was in a NYC hospital & got married on 57th St across from Carnegie Hall. We moved to the midwest & then Boston, but NYC is my first love. Staying with friends on the LES I visited - finally - Henry St Settlement - but it was closed at the time. :( It was great to see it here. At last!" -Sharon
" Learned about a woman I should have already known about" -Kathryn
" Shed light on a topic that deserves it" -Elyse
" Very good speaker! Class brought back memories of visiting the LES with my parents when we were fresh off the boat in 1951. I had heard of Henry St. Settlement but not Lillian Wald." -Ellen
"It was wonderful to learn about this amazing woman" -Rhonda
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Categories: Virtual, Moments in History
