The Coney Island History Project's newest walking tour explores the contributions of immigrants to the history and development of "The Playground of the World." Among the stops on the tour and the stories of struggle, success and achievement are Nathan's Famous, founded in 1916 by Polish immigrant Nathan Handwerker; Deno's Wonder Wheel Park, where the landmark 1920 Wonder Wheel was purchased by Greek immigrant Denos D. Vourderis as a wedding ring for his wife; and the B&B Carousell, created in 1919 by German and Russian immigrants and now Coney's last hand-carved wooden carousel. The tour will also go by shops and attractions operated by immigrants who have recorded their stories for the Coney Island History Project's Oral History Archive.

The FREE walking tour on April 23rd is part of Immigrant Heritage Week, a city-wide celebration that honors the experiences and contributions of immigrants in New York City established in 2004 and coordinated by the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs. The tour takes 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes, depending on the size of the group.

The April 23rd tour leaves at 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM. Please reserve a free ticket in advance on our Eventbrite page. Ticket reservations are limited to 2 per person as capacity is limitied.. Meet at the Coney Island History Project, 3059 West 12th St (at entrance to Wonder Wheel), Brooklyn NY 11224.

If you can't make it to Immigrant Heritage Week, starting in June, the History Project's Immigrant Heritage Tour of Coney Island will be added to the roster of our weekend walking tours, which cost $20. Visit our online reservation website to see the complete walking tour schedule and purchase advance tickets online.

Walking tours are held rain or shine. We reserve the right to cancel tours in the event of potentially dangerous weather.

This program is supported, in part, by the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council, and New York City Councilman Mark Treyger.