Letter to the LPC about Designating The Stonewall Inn
On January 16, 2014, GVSHP sent a letter to the then-chair of the Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) Robert Tierney calling for landmark designation of the Stonewall Inn.
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Author: Matt
Many Layers of History at 1st Avenue and 3rd Street
New Year, new entries! As the calendar year resets, so to the dates that correspond to Village intersections. We begin our 2019 series back where it all started: the East … Continued
Many Layers of History Throughout 2018
As the calendar year comes to a close, GVSHP is looking back at some of our 2018 blog posts. Our neighborhoods are so rich in history on every street and … Continued
A Tale of Two Crises: Thomas Paine and Marie Du Mont
On December 19, 1776, Thomas Paine published The American Crisis, a series of pamphlets that helped fan the flames of American patriotism to inspire the American troops and public during … Continued
Henry Highland Garnet and the Village
On December 23, 1815, African-American abolitionist, minister, educator, and orator Henry Highland Garnet was born into slavery. Garnet escaped his bondage and worked hard to fight for himself and the … Continued
POPS goes the Village!
Privately owned public spaces, or POPS, are public areas adjoining or adjacent to buildings created through incentivized zoning. What this zoning means is that by providing a public space, developers … Continued
The Cemeteries of the Spanish-Portuguese Synagogue Shearith Israel
On March 31, 1492, Spain ordered that all Jews living within the kingdom either convert to Christianity or be expelled. Portugal did the same less than five years later. Some … Continued
Ernest Flagg Roundup!
On November 12th, 1968, Firehouse Engine Co. 33 at 44 Great Jones Street was designated a New York City landmark. The design of the firehouse, a “distinguished example of French … Continued
Many Layers of History at 7th Avenue and 11th Street
This post is part of a series about Village intersections that correspond to the date. In July, we took a look at 7th Avenue and 12th Street and discussed the former … Continued
Halloween Has Gone to the Dogs!
The Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade has been a much-loved event in the East Village since the 1990s. This year’s parade was initially canceled, but then moved to the East … Continued
Basque & Bank
October 25 is the Day of the Basque Country, the national holiday of the Basque Autonomous Community. But did you know that 82 Bank Street was once a major hub for … Continued
Gay Activist Alliance Headquarters Bombed
On October 15, 1974, the Gay Activist Alliance Firehouse, located in SoHo at 99 Wooster Street, was bombed.
Coming Out, and Going Out, in the Village
October 11th is National Coming Out Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness and visibility of the LGBT community through the process of “coming out,” or identifying one’s LGBT identity … Continued
Lost Saints of the Village
The Village is hallowed ground, and much like any sacred space, its landscape is marked by holy figures. For our neighborhoods, these figures are the architecture, and we even have … Continued
Remembering General Slocum, the man
On September 24, 1827, Union General Henry Slocum was born. Though the namesake of the steamship fire that became one of the largest losses of life in NYC history (second … Continued
Villagers, (Pumpkin) Spice Up Your Life!
The fall equinox is this weekend, ushering in the start of autumn. As we all know, autumn has a flavor, and that flavor is pumpkin spice. A mixture generally consisting … Continued
Many Layers of History at 9th Street and 5th Avenue
This post is part of a series about Village intersections that correspond to the date. September is here and a new month means a new corresponding Village intersection! Ninth Street … Continued
Many Layers of History, and Beyond the Village and Back: Penn Station
Today is a rare day on Off the Grid as we are able to combine two of our ongoing series: Many Layers of History and Beyond the Village and Back. Unlike … Continued
Many Layers of History at 8th Avenue and 13th Street: Jackson Square Park
This post is part of a series about Village blocks that correspond to calendar dates. Once again, another August date corresponds with a Village intersection. Jackson Square Park is located … Continued
Cats and the Village
August 8th is International Cat Day! From pets to pest control, cats make up an important but often overlooked part of NYC and its neighborhoods. In the Village, you can … Continued
Many Layers of History at St. Marks and 2nd Avenue!
This post is part of a series about Village blocks that correspond to calendar dates. You can read some of the other ones here. August is here and so is … Continued
A Tale of Two Forgotten Alexander Jackson Davis Mansions
Architect Alexander Jackson Davis was born on July 24, 1803. Davis, one of the most successful and influential American architects of his generation, is perhaps best known for his association … Continued
One Small Step for Man…One Giant Leap for 121 Charles Street!
On July 20, 1969, the Apollo 11 Moon Landing became one of the most defining events of American History in the 20th Century. Two years prior though, the Village experienced … Continued
Many Layers of History at 7th Avenue and 12th Street: St. Vincent’s Hospital
This piece is part of a series about Village blocks that correspond to calendar dates. You can read some of the other ones here. Another day, another date that corresponds … Continued
Many Layers of History at 7th Street and 2nd Avenue
As we enter July, it’s not hard to notice that some of the dates align with some neighborhood intersections. In honor of today’s date, we are taking a look at some … Continued
WWI and the Village
On June 28, 1914, the Archduke Franz Ferdinand was assassinated, an event that led to the start of World War I. While the Archduke himself bears few of any ties … Continued
Beyond the Village and Back: “Becoming Visible” and The Legacy of Stonewall at the NYPL
Our Beyond the Village and Back series takes a look at great landmarks in New York City outside of our neighborhoods, finding the sometimes hidden connection to the Village. Today we … Continued
Many Layers of History at 6th Avenue and 11th Street
Once again, another date has come that lines up with an intersection in the Village, but as the calendar starts to climb, our focus also starts to move westwards. In … Continued
Beyond the Village and Back: Chicago’s “L” and the New York City “El”
On June 6th in 1892, the Chicago “L” (elevated train line) began running. But did you know that elevated trains (or “Els” as they were known) were once a not … Continued
Pride Month in All Corners of the Village
June is Pride Month, which makes it especially exciting time to be in the Village. LGBT history is closely tied with the Village and environs, and throughout the course of … Continued
Many layers of history on 4th and 5th Streets
May the 4th be with you! While today is a special day for many Star Wars fans, for us in the Village today’s date is a reminder of that the … Continued
Smells Like The Pyramid Club
Nirvana is one of the most influential alternative rock bands of all time. They helped to popularize this genre of music and brought the Washington State grunge scene that emerged … Continued
An Unusual Resident for An Unusual House: Richard Harding Davis and 108 Waverly Place
In the course of our research about buildings and events in our neighborhood, we often come upon some unusual characters and stories. One which certainly qualifies is Richard Harding Davis, an … Continued
Many layers of history at the corner of 4th and 12th
The 12th of April isn’t a particularly special day of the year, but the spots around 4th Ave. and 12th St. are some special locations themselves. In honor of today’s … Continued
From Condemned Land to National Monument: Christopher Park
Christopher Park has come a long way; beginning its life as a condemned parcel of land on April 5, 1837, the park was born, transformed, and eventually born again as … Continued
Gerde’s Folk City: The End of a Greenwich Village Icon
Gerde’s Folk City was a Greenwich Village music venue central to the folk and rock scenes in this neighborhood for a quarter century. Though always moving locations, the club finally … Continued
Snow and the City
Only three months into the year and we have already experienced four Nor’easters here in NYC! Though a definite inconvenience, snow is nothing new to New Yorkers, and many have … Continued
Be Aware! The Ides of March and the Village
Beware the Ides of March! Though Caesar may have had cause to worry, thankfully the Village is a little more manageable than the Roman Republic. However, that doesn’t mean this … Continued
The Founding of Our Lady of Pompeii
On March 7th, 1898, Our Lady of Pompeii Church was incorporated as a separate parish. This South Village icon has been serving the neighborhood since 1926, but Our Lady of … Continued
Many Layers of History between 3rd and 2nd Avenues
Scratch the sidewalk anywhere in the Village or East Village and you’ll always find interesting layers of history. Last month, we went out on a limb and talked about 2nd … Continued
President’s Day Roundup!
Happy President’s Day! Though the Village is only one neighborhood in our great, big country (though ask any resident and they will say the Village should be its own country!), … Continued
The Village is our Valentine!
Happy Valentine’s Day! For us at GVSHP, the Village, East Village, and NoHo are our Valentine, and we find new reasons to fall in love with them each and every … Continued
The “East Village” Is Born, In Print
On February 7, 1960 the New York Times wrote an article discussing changes in Greenwich Village and the Lower East Side. Four years beforehand the El (above ground subway) had … Continued
Many Layers of History on Second Avenue and Second Street
Our neighborhood has many wonderful intersections, where generations of history and culture intersect — too many, in fact, to easily do them all justice. But on February 2nd, the second … Continued
Remembering Jodie Lane
On January 16, 2004, Jodie Lane was walking her dogs in the East Village, where they began to act erratically around the corner of 11th Street and 1st Avenue (about … Continued
Landmarks vs. National Monuments: How Safe is the Stonewall Inn?
In late April of last year, President Trump signed an Executive Order aimed at reviewing all National Monuments created under the Antiquities Act since 1996. As the Stonewall National Monument, … Continued
Our 2018 Resolutions
Happy New Year! We here at GVSHP hope everyone had a wonderful holiday and look forward to 2018! Like many people everywhere, GVSHP has also made some resolutions for the … Continued
The Gay Activist Alliance is Founded
On December 21, 1969, the Gay Activist Alliance (GAA) was founded. Almost exactly six months after the Stonewall Riots, the group was founded by Marty Robinson, Jim Owles, and Arthur Evans, … Continued
Happy Birthday, Jane Freilicher!
On November 29, 1924, artist Jane Freilicher was born. Freilicher was a member of the New York School, “an informal group of American poets, painters, dancers, and musicians active in … Continued
Moby Dick: Herman Melville’s Epic Journey Began on Gansevoort Street
On November 14, 1851, Herman Melville’s magnum opus, Moby-Dick, was published. Unlike the search for a white whale, it isn’t difficult to find Melville’s deep connection to the Village, as … Continued
Labor History in the Village
Some of the most important events and most prominent figures in the labor movement bear strong connections to the Village and East Village. Without these courageous individuals, or the events … Continued
Two Village Ghost Stories!
As a surprise Halloween treat, this year’s Bowery Boys ghost stories podcast is focused all on the Village! While some of the stories are quite familiar to us at GVSHP, … Continued
How Edith Wharton and Henry James Struck Up A Friendship Around Washington Square
On October 26, 1900, two great writers with ties to the Village began a correspondence that would spark a lifelong friendship…
A Tale of Two 50’s!
Fifty years ago today, the musical Hair premiered at The Public Theater. The first rock musical, it would go on to become a pacifist symbol throughout the world and bring groundbreaking … Continued
Murder He Wrote: Gruesome Tragedies That Shook the Village
Our neighborhoods are home to many charms and delights, known throughout the world. But they’ve also been home to more than their fair share of horror and mayhem. Below are … Continued
October 15th: A Community Conversation with Andrew Berman!
GVSHP is happy to announce a new program “Community Conference: The Village Past, Present, and Future with GVSHP Executive Director Andrew Berman,” that will be taking place on Sunday, October 15th … Continued
Happy Birthday, Tom Bernardin!
Our good friend Tom Bernardin was born on this day in 1948. A longtime resident of the West Village, Tom is perhaps best known as the “unofficial” historian of Julius’ … Continued
Celebrating David Rothenberg and the Fortune Society
Last night, GVSHP and the Fortune Society hosted a celebration in honor of the 50th anniversary of the Fortune Society’s founding by David Rothenberg, and marking the release of GVSHP’s … Continued
Eleventh Street Methodist Episcopal Chapel Landmark Designation
On this day in 2010, the Eleventh Street Methodist Episcopal Chapel (545-547 E. 11th Street) was designated a New York City landmark.
David Rothenberg, Civil Rights and Social Justice Pioneer
Civil rights and social justice crusader David Rothenberg, the founder of the Fortune Society and a 2015 Village Award winner, has now been added to the GVSHP Civil Rights and … Continued
East Village Cheese!
Tonight is GVSHP’s Cheese Please! Members Only Summer Tasting at Murray’s Cheese. We LOVE cheese here at GVSHP! Murray’s is a beloved and renowned Greenwich Village staple, and has been … Continued
Carole Teller — Photographer, and Artist
Carole Teller’s rich collection of photographs of our neighborhoods over the last half century, which she generously donated to GVSHP, have created quite the buzz on the web of late, … Continued
Happy Birthday, Linda Ellerbee!
Today we celebrate the birthday of journalist and Village resident Linda Ellerbee.
Walk & Draw: MacDougal-Sullivan Gardens
On Saturday, GVSHP held a second Walk & Draw event, this time to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the MacDougal-Sullivan Gardens historic district.
Roundup of posts on immigration and the Village
Immigration is a core theme in the history of New York City, and in the Village this is reflected in both the architecture and remaining and past cultural enclaves. People … Continued
USPS’ Landmark Legacy: the Cooper Station Post Office
On July 26, 1775 the United States Postal System was established by the Second Continental Congress, with Benjamin Franklin as the first Postmaster General. Franklin, in his turn, put in … Continued
Rosetta Stones Right in Our Home: Little Germany
On July 19, 1799, the Rosetta Stone was discovered during the Napoleonic Campaign in Egypt. This stele is inscribed in three languages — Ancient Egyptian Hieroglyphics, Demotic, and Ancient Greek — … Continued
Echoes of Bastille Day in Greenwich Village
On July 14, 1789, the Storming of the Bastille was the galvanizing event that kicked off the French Revolution. The Bastille was a fortress-prison that held both political prisoners and … Continued
Marsha P. Johnson: Trans-activist, Stonewall Revolutionary, Village Resident
In the wake of the Stonewall anniversary last month, it’s a good time to look back at some of the inspiring figures that were involved with the uprising that helped … Continued
The Church of the Village: Remembering Injustice Against Gay Clergy Event
On Wednesday, June 21st, the Greenwich Village Society for Historic Preservation attended a plaque unveiling at the Church of the Village to honor former gay clergymen. Reverends Clarence Edward Egan … Continued
LGBT History in All Corners: NoHo
June is Pride Month, an especially exciting time in our neighborhoods. LGBT history is closely tied with the Village and environs, and this month we’re highlighting the LGBT history of the … Continued
LGBT History in All Corners: the South Village
June is Pride Month, an especially exciting time to be in the Village. LGBT history is closely tied with our neighborhoods, and this month we’re highlighting the LGBT history of the … Continued
LGBT History in All Corners of the Village: East Village
This is the latest post in our Pride Month series, read the first on the West Village here. June is Pride Month, which makes it especially exciting time to be … Continued
LGBT History in All Corners of the Village: The West Village
June is Pride Month, which makes it an especially exciting time to be in the Village. LGBT history is closely tied with the Village and its environs, and throughout the … Continued
GVSHP Oral History: Otis Kidwell Burger
The Greenwich Village Society for Historic Preservation recently released two new oral histories. Today, we dive into Otis Kidwell Burger‘s.
2017 Village Award Winner: Frank Collerius
Off the Grid is highlighting the 2017 Village Awards winners in the lead up to the June 6th Annual Meeting & Award Ceremony. Click here for more information about the event and to … Continued
Remembering Two Disasters: Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire and the East Village Gas Explosion
106 years ago, the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire took place, which was one of the deadliest industrial disasters in American history. This tragedy is commemorated each year with memorials and reflections … Continued
Happy Pi Day!
Happy Pi Day! Every year on March 14th is the celebration of the mathematical constant Pi (π) as the month/day (3/14) matches the first three significant digits of π (3.14). … Continued
“Where Are the Women?” A Mother-Daughter Greenwich Village Pair Tell Us
March is Women’s History Month. With the recent “Day Without Women” activities and our upcoming walking tour on Radical, Notorious Women of Washington Square, we thought we would take this … Continued
Black History Month in the Village: African-American & LGBT Historic Sites
February is Black History Month. We here at GVSHP are celebrating it by highlighting different sites of significance to the African-American community within our neighborhoods. We’re focusing on sites found on … Continued
Black History Month in the Village: Black Churches No Longer Standing
February is Black History Month. We here at GVSHP are celebrating it by highlighting different sites and locations of significance to African-American history in the Village. A great source for this is … Continued
Black History Month in the Village: The NAACP and Martin Luther King Jr.
February is Black History Month. We here at GVSHP are celebrating it by highlighting different sites and locations of significance to African-American history in the Village. A great source for this is … Continued
Black History Month in the Village: The South Village and Little Africa
February is Black History Month. We here at GVSHP want to celebrate it by highlighting different sites of significance to the African-American community within our neighborhoods. Over the course of the … Continued
‘Alternative Facts’: A Familiar Theme When Fighting Overdevelopment
“Alternative facts” seems to be the buzzword this week, and may become the phrase of the next four years. For better or worse, for those of us involved in the … Continued
“Ten & Taller” Village Edition: Give My Regards to Broadway
Currently the Skyscraper Museum in Battery Park City is hosting an exhibit “Ten & Taller: 1874-1900” that “examines every single building 10 stories and taller that was erected in Manhattan … Continued
LGBT History: Not Just West Village Bars
Here at GVSHP we are excited about our recently launched Village Civil Rights & Social Justice Map. With our upcoming LGBT history bar crawl at the end of the month … Continued
The Times They Are a-Changin: Village New Year’s Eve, Bob Dylan style!
2016 is coming to an end. What better way to ring in the New Year than at some of Bob Dylan’s old haunts? Below is a non-exhaustive list of some … Continued
It’s What’s on the Inside: the Merchant’s House’s Landmarked Interior
2016 marked the 80th year in the Merchant’s House Museum’s history. While the museum is also a NYC landmark, did you know it’s also one of the few landmarks to … Continued
GVSHP 2016 Book List & Holiday Gift Ideas
In 2016, the Greenwich Village Society for Historic Preservation held approximately 15 book-related programs. Each author related their insights, perspectives, and tales of Village history and beyond, showing the multifaceted depth … Continued
World AIDS Day 2016 & AIDS Memorial Dedication
Every December 1st since 1988 has been marked as World AIDS Day, but this year’s commemoration of those lost to and living with HIV and AIDS is a particularly special … Continued
10th Street, A. T. Stewart, & Ladies’ Mile
For everyone who attended Saturday’s walking tour, we hope you enjoyed learning about shopping in the Gilded Age and the Ladies’ Mile. Did you know that November 21 actually is … Continued
Happy Landmark Anniversary: 144 West 14th Street & 22-26 East 14th Street
14th Street is an eclectic ecotone; it’s not only the upper boundary of the Village but also the lower Boundary of Chelsea and Gramercy. It’s not surprising then that this … Continued
Chess Forum program this Thursday, Nov. 10th at 7pm!
This Thursday, GVSHP will be hosting a program with our October Business of the Month, Chess Forum. The program is in preparation for the World Championship of Chess, which will … Continued
Witchcraft and EVill
Happy Halloween! It’s a time for tricks and treats and taking to the Village streets for mischief and mayhem, fun and fright, and a parade on 6th Ave. starting at around … Continued
Village Purr-servation
At GVSHP, we’re proud and protective of many of our community’s more well-known residents. Recently, one of them was attacked in a high traffic online forum, sparking widespread outrage…
The House of Death
14 West 10th Street is a Greek Revival house near Washington Square Park with a dark history. It is probably most well known for being a one-time residence of Mark … Continued
Happy Birthday, Issac Mizrahi!
On this day in 1961, fashion designer, author, and friend of GVSHP Issac Mizrahi was born in Brooklyn.
Village Parks and Gardens Round-Up
Autumn is in the air here in the Village! As the leaves start to change and the air becomes cooler and more crisp, what better way to enjoy than out … Continued
Unrecognizable: Former Village Institutions and what has taken their place
It’s no secret that the Village has changed. However, due to rising demand for real estate, hyper-gentrification threatens the unique and special fabric of our neighborhoods. It’s not just small and … Continued
Merchant’s House Round-Up!
This year marks the 80th anniversary of the founding of the Merchant’s House Museum. The museum is the only historic house museum in the Greenwich Village/Soho/NoHo neighborhoods, and is considered one of … Continued