History, Heritage, and Hidden Stories: Spend September with Village Preservation
As late summer gently yields to autumn’s crisp embrace, Village Preservation invites you on a journey through time—where history, culture, and community converge in a rich series of September events. We have events that take advantage of the lingering warmth, including outdoor tours and a garden party, while other events explore the history of our neighborhoods from the Dutch founding of our great city to accusations of Cold War espionage.
September is also a month with a special focus on membership and showing our members how much their support is appreciated. Becoming a Village Preservation member isn’t just about supporting heritage—it unlocks exclusive experiences and benefits. Early access to events ensures you don’t miss limited-capacity or members-only programs. Nevertheless, non-member-only programs are all open and free, so anyone can sign up! The goal remains to build deeper connections with New York’s cultural past—and others who cherish it.
Here’s a glimpse of the rich variety of Village Preservation events in September:
1. Tour of Fraunces Tavern – Tuesday, September 9, 2025, 6 PM
Step inside Manhattan’s oldest standing structure and retrace the footsteps of early American icons—from Aaron Burr to Alexander Hamilton. This guided visit to the storied Fraunces Tavern Museum is a rare chance to connect with our Revolutionary-era roots.
2. Members-Only Garden Tour at Merchant’s House – Saturday, September 13, 2025, 10 AM
Village Preservation members who contribute at the $100+ level are invited to explore the lush, time-capsule garden of Merchant’s House Museum. Expect charming company, refreshments, and a taste of the season’s harvest.
Author Jeff Kisseloff revisits one of America’s most explosive Cold War controversies. This virtual book talk unveils new evidence supporting Alger Hiss’s innocence, offering fresh historical insight.
4. Members-Only Greenwich Village Coffee Tour & Tasting – Wednesday, September 17, 2025, 12 PM
For $250+ members, a caffeinated walking tour through Greenwich Village awaits. Discover New York’s coffee culture through history—and your favorite brew—sampling espresso, drip coffee, chocolate-covered beans, and cappuccino.
5. Exhibition Tour of “New Visions of Old New York” – Tuesday, September 23, 2025, 11 AM
Delve into 400 years of New York’s past with an interactive exhibit at the NYC Department of Records: 3D maps, archival 17th-century documents, and stories of women, Indigenous peoples, and enslaved residents who shaped early Manhattan.
6. The Birth of New York City – Tuesday, September 23, 2025, 6 PM
In commemoration of NYC’s 400th anniversary, James Nevius explores the city’s beginnings—from Hudson’s arrival to Dutch governance and the English takeover, and what living in New Amsterdam was truly like.
In-person discussion with Executive Director Andrew Berman, joined by Dena Tasse-Winter and Juan Rivero, about the many benefits of landmarking—from cultural pride and housing affordability to neighborhood stability and local businesses.
Village Preservation events spotlight voices and stories that are often overlooked—those of Indigenous people, women, enslaved residents, and other less-explored stories. From serene gardens to vibrant coffee tours, experience the seasons and the neighborhoods through immersive, sensory programs.
Village Preservation’s September 2025 calendar is a heartfelt invitation to sip the last warmth of summer, to learn hidden histories, and to celebrate the vibrant heritage of our neighborhoods as they prepare for autumn’s embrace. Whether you’re stepping into the past at Fraunces Tavern, strolling through a historic garden, or savoring a Village espresso while unpacking centuries of change—there’s a spot for you in the Village’s story. Explore all our upcoming as well as hundreds of past programs (including videos and photos) on our Events page.
Make sure to explore Village Preservation’s YouTube channel and discover hundreds of recordings of past programs!