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Author: Sam Moskowitz

Celebrating #Landmarks60

The New York City Landmarks Law was signed into law on April 19, 1965 by Mayor Robert Wagner. Since then, about 38,000 NYC properties have been protected under the law. Many of the landmarks designated in Greenwich Village, the East Village, and NoHo were highlighted as part of our celebration of Landmarks50, the 50th anniversary […]

    Behind the Historic Image Archive: Women Who’ve Captured History, Part III

    Countless women have made important contributions to the arts in Greenwich Village, the East Village, and NoHo. Many have made direct contributions of their art to Village Preservation’s Historic Image Archive, documenting decades of architectural and cultural history. These women were not just artists or photographers, but often advocates or architects, and served in many […]

      Behind the Historic Image Archive: Women Who’ve Captured History, Part II

      Countless women have made important contributions to the arts in Greenwich Village, the East Village, and NoHo. Many have made direct contributions of their art to Village Preservation’s Historic Image Archive, documenting decades of architectural and cultural history. These women were not just artists or photographers, but often advocates or architects, and served in many […]

        Behind the Historic Image Archive: Women Who’ve Captured History

        Countless women have made important contributions to the arts in Greenwich Village, the East Village, and NoHo. Many have made direct contributions of their art to Village Preservation’s Historic Image Archive, documenting decades of architectural and cultural history. Today we explore some of the earliest contributions to our archive. These women were not just artists […]

          The Transformation of the Hudson River Waterfront

          Tom Fox’s photos from the 1970s, 80s, and 90s reveal a time when the Lower West Side waterfront was in a state of neglect, and then, as detailed in his book, “Creating the Hudson River Park,” how it was transformed into the public park we know today. In the 1970s and 80s, Manhattan’s Hudson River […]

            Picturing our Neighborhoods Streetscapes Before Landmarking

            Evelyn G. Haynes (1909–2001) was a dedicated preservationist and a member of the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission during its earliest days. Following her passing, her family donated a collection of her records to Village Preservation. We have now reorganized and digitized Part 1 of the collection, which can be seen here. The archive contains many hand-drawn […]

              Karen Cooper: Film Forum Director Extraordinaire

              Karen Cooper spent fifty-one years involved with the Film Forum, leading its growth from a one- projector screening space on the Upper West Side to its iconic four-screen institution on West Houston Street. In late, 2024, we released an oral history with Karen. Highlights of the interview include her memories of each of Film Forum’s […]

                Handouts to Big Real Estate, and a Festivus for the Rest of Us!

                The ‘holiday’ of Festivus was developed as an alternative to the commercialization of the Christmas season and is celebrated annually on December 23rd. First celebrated in the mid-1960s by author and editor Daniel O’Keefe (father of Seinfeld writer Dan O’Keefe), it was popularized on Seinfeld’s December 18, 1997 episode “The Strike,” in which Kramer refuses to work […]

                  So Much To Be Thankful For In 2024!

                  Village Preservation has a lot to be thankful for this year. We often embark on yearslong campaigns to research and document history and to advocate for historic preservation. Today we look at some of the reasons we are thankful this Thanksgiving week of 2024: Landmarking of 50 West 13th On October 22, 2024, following a […]

                    Ragtime: The Turn of the 20th Century in the East Village

                    The movie Ragtime, directed by acclaimed filmmaker Milos Forman, follows the stories of several historic and fictional characters through turn of the 20th century New York, New Rochelle, and Atlantic City. Released on November 20, 1981, it was nominated for eight Oscars, seven Golden Globes and a Grammy for best original soundtrack, but didn’t win […]

                      The Cast and the Curious 3: South of Union Square

                      The neighborhood South of Union Square is one of New York City’s great centers of cast iron architecture. This area includes some of the city’s earliest surviving fully cast-iron buildings, as well as predominantly masonry buildings with distinctive and elaborate cast iron ground floors or ornament. Our South Of Union Square Cast Iron Tour includes […]

                        Cast Iron Architecture, South of Union Square Part II

                        The neighborhood South of Union Square is one of New York City’s great centers of cast iron architecture. This area includes some of the city’s earliest surviving fully cast-iron buildings, as well as predominantly masonry buildings with distinctive and elaborate cast iron ground floors or ornament. Our South Of Union Square Cast Iron Tour includes […]

                          Cast & Curious: Cast Iron Architecture, South of Union Square Part I

                          The area south of Union Square is one of New York’s great centers of cast iron architecture. This neighborhood includes some of the city’s earliest surviving fully cast-iron buildings as well as predominantly masonry buildings with distinctive and elaborate cast iron ground floors or ornament. Our South Of Union Square Cast Iron Tour includes 32 […]

                            Bleecker Street Highlights from the Susan De Vries Collections

                            In 1995, the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) asked Village Preservation (then known as the Greenwich Village Society for Historic Preservation) to conduct a photo survey of Federal-era buildings of Lower Manhattan based on a list they provided. The survey ended up being a sprawling project that extended well beyond the original scope of what the LPC […]

                              Remembering September 11th through Images

                              Our Historic Image Archive highlights the history of the people and built environment of Greenwich Village, the East Village, and NoHo, and New York City in general. Today we explore three of our nine collections that highlight the World Trade Center, the tragic events of 9/11, and the days and months that followed. 9/11 Tiles […]

                                Public Art in Our Historic Image Archive

                                Our Historic Image Archive includes thousands of photos documenting New York City neighborhoods, people, and buildings. Public art is important part of our streetscapes, and can be found throughout our Historic Image Archive. One of NYC’s most well-known and beloved sculptures is “the Alamo” on Astor Place. Installed as a temporary exhibit in 1967, the […]

                                  Exploring the Agnes Balcer Image Collection

                                  The Agnes Balcer Collection of our 4,700 piece (and growing!) historic image archive is one of our smallest collections, but the photos it contains have an outsize story to tell relating to the family that donated them and Greenwich Village history. Agnes Balcer was from Bemidji, Minnesota, and worked as an executive secretary in Washington, D.C. […]

                                    The Gay Liberation Front’s Impact on LGBTQ+ History

                                    In June 1969, a police raid on the Stonewall Inn in Greenwich Village was met with a resistance that launched the modern Gay Liberation Movement. Following decades of mostly discreet and targeted gay rights activism led by the Mattachine Society, the events set forth at Stonewall launched the movement into the popular consciousness. There was no […]

                                      Remembering Vincent Livelli

                                      Greenwich Village resident Vincent Livelli was a music and dance director who helped helped revolutionize the cruise ship industry. He was born on April 10, 1919 and died at age 104 on June 21st, 2024. Born in Brooklyn to Sicilian and Genovese immigrant parents, Livelli moved to Greenwich Village at three months old where he […]

                                      Remembering Dorothy Lichtenstein

                                      Dorothy Lichtenstein, wife of groundbreaking American artist Roy Lichtenstein, was a proud patron and philanthropist of the arts and friend of Village Preservation. She was born on October 26, 1939, and died at age 84 on July 4th, 2024. Brooklyn-born Dorothy Herzka grew up in Crown Heights and attended Midwood High School. After college, she […]

                                        The Village Awards — A Tradition Since 1991!

                                        Each year Village Preservation proudly honors about six remarkable people, organizations, businesses, and restorations at Village Preservation’s Annual Meeting and Village Awards. We’ve been doing so since June 10, 1991, when we held our very first Village Awards. That year the awardees were Anglers & Writers Café; Paul Egita; First Presbyterian Church Restoration; Jefferson Market […]

                                          Remembering Activist Debby Lee Cohen

                                          Many in the community have been following the landlord-tenant dispute at 310 East 12th Street and 305 East 11th Street. Some residents were allegedly evicted after these connected properties were purchased by an investment firm in August, 2022. Others reportedly received huge rent increases and fearing displacement, immediately organized. The tenants organized. They held a […]

                                          2024 Village Awardee: Bus Stop Cafe, 597 Hudson Street

                                          Village Preservation is very proud to honor Bus Stop Cafe as a 2024 Village Awardee! Join us in recognizing Bus Stop Cafe and five other remarkable awardees at Village Preservation’s Annual Meeting and Village Awards on Wednesday, June 12th at the historic Great Hall at Cooper Union. The awards ceremony will be emceed by legendary musician, […]

                                            2024 Village Awardee: Penny Arcade

                                            Village Preservation is very proud to honor Penny Arcade as a 2024 Village Awardee! Join us in recognizing Penny and five other amazing awardees at Village Preservation’s Annual Meeting and Village Awards on Wednesday, June 12 T the historic Great Hall at Cooper Union. The awards ceremony will be emceed by legendary musician, writer, producer, and […]

                                              Exploring Virtual Village Voices, Part 8: Jackson Pollock, Leontyne Price, and Robert Rauschenberg

                                              In 2021 and 2022, Village Preservation developed an innovative outdoor public art exhibition displayed throughout Greenwich Village, the East Village, and NoHo. VILLAGE VOICES featured photographs, artifacts, and soundscape recordings to celebrate and honor the artistic, social, political, and cultural movements that have grown in our neighborhoods, and the people who gave them voice.  We have now […]

                                                Edward Hopper’s Greenwich Village Historic District

                                                Here at Village Preservation, we celebrate April as “Greenwich Village Historic District Month,” since it was on April 29, 1969 that the district was landmarked, culminating a years-long battle to achieve this milestone. Join us as we celebrate the wonders and the history of what is one of New York’s oldest, largest, and most treasured […]

                                                  Exploring Virtual Village Voices, Part 7: Joan Mitchell, Joe Papp, and Charlie Parker

                                                  In 2021 and 2022, Village Preservation developed an innovative outdoor public art exhibition displayed throughout Greenwich Village, the East Village, and NoHo. VILLAGE VOICES featured photographs, artifacts, and soundscape recordings to celebrate and honor the artistic, social, political, and cultural movements that have grown in our neighborhoods, and the people who gave them voice.  We have now […]

                                                    Exploring Virtual Village Voices, Part 6: Larry Kramer, Helen Levitt, and Edna St. Vincent Millay

                                                    In 2021 and 2022, Village Preservation developed an innovative outdoor public art exhibition that was displayed throughout Greenwich Village, the East Village, and NoHo. VILLAGE VOICES featured photographs, artifacts, and soundscape recordings to celebrate and honor the artistic, social, political, and cultural movements that have grown in our neighborhoods, and the people who gave them voice.  We […]

                                                      Exploring Virtual Village Voices, Part 5: Billie Holiday, Edward Hopper, and Jane Jacobs

                                                      In 2021 and 2022, Village Preservation developed an innovative outdoor public art exhibition that was displayed throughout Greenwich Village, the East Village, and NoHo. VILLAGE VOICES featured photographs, artifacts, and soundscape recordings to celebrate and honor the artistic, social, political, and cultural movements that have grown in our neighborhoods, and the people who gave them […]

                                                      Exploring Virtual Village Voices, Part 3: cummings, Cunningham, and Draper

                                                      In 2021 and 2022, Village Preservation developed an innovative outdoor public art exhibition that was displayed throughout Greenwich Village, the East Village, and NoHo. VILLAGE VOICES featured photographs, artifacts, and soundscape recordings to celebrate and honor the artistic, social, political, and cultural movements that have grown in our neighborhoods, and the people who gave them voice.  We […]

                                                        Exploring Virtual Village Voices Part 1: Abbot, Auden, & Baldwin

                                                        In 2021 and 2022, Village Preservation developed an innovative outdoor public art exhibition, VILLAGE VOICES. Exhibits throughout Greenwich Village, the East Village, and NoHo featured photographs, artifacts, and soundscape recordings to celebrate and honor the artistic, social, political, and cultural movements of our neighborhoods and the people who gave them voice.  We have now made […]

                                                          New Buildings Approved for Construction Within the Greenwich Village Historic District Since Designation

                                                          On January 3rd, 2017, Village Preservation released the first version of our report: New Buildings Approved for Construction within the Greenwich Village Historic District Since Designation. The report has been regularly updated to reflect additional new buildings approved for construction within the district. Amazingly, prior to the issuance of the report, there was no source […]

                                                            STOMP’s Long Run at the Orpheum Theatre

                                                            On February 27, 1994, STOMP,  the “international sensation and iconic New York theatrical landmark” opened at the 347-seat Orpheum Theatre at 126 2nd Avenue between 7th Street and St. Marks. Since then, over three million people have viewed this off-Broadway show about how ordinary household objects and the human body can create a physical theatrical […]

                                                            Hip Hop’s 2nd Birthplace, Part 5: Negril Nightclub

                                                            Hip Hop at 50This is the fifth in a series of posts that celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Birth of Hip Hop. Our exploration takes us to the seminal places of Hip Hop’s early days in our neighborhoods and introduces some of the instrumental figures in the downtown world of Hip Hop. Negril Nightclub: 181 2nd Avenue […]

                                                              The New York City Work Horse

                                                              New York City was powered by horses for almost three hundred years. At its peak, well over 150,000 horses and by some estimates up to 200,000 lived in the city. Related businesses such as blacksmiths, carriage manufacturers, feed suppliers, stables, auction houses, and more were a huge part of the local economy. There are many […]

                                                                The American Seamen’s Friend Society Sailors’ Home and Institute

                                                                By the early nineteenth century New York City had developed as the largest port in the United States and one of the largest in the world. This growth of New York City also coincidentally overlapped with the era of the “Second Great Awakening,” when evangelical organizations throughout the United States and abroad were working to […]

                                                                  Cappuccino: Introduced to America in Greenwich Village, Still Going Strong

                                                                  Cappuccinos are made from equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and foam. While this recipe is not debatable, the origin story is. Various Italian, French, Turkish, Viennese/Austro-Hungarians lay claim to all or part of the histories of espresso and/or cappuccino. Also not debatable is that there are a wide variety of high-quality cappuccino purveyors, both old […]

                                                                    Remembering the boy bar

                                                                    In the late 19th century the term “boy bar” referred to what we would now call a “gay bar”. This is not to be confused with the boy bar, which was a bar located at 15 1/2 St. Marks place from the early 1980s to mid 1990s. It was well known for its regular drag […]

                                                                      A History of Protest and the Marjorie Zien Collection

                                                                      Greenwich Village resident and photographer Marjorie Zien has spent the last several decades chronicling life in her neighborhood and city. In 2021 she donated a collection of photos to Village Preservation taken throughout our neighborhoods in the aftermath of 9/11. In 2023 she donated to us a new collection of photos, which you can view […]

                                                                        Meet the Fall 2023 Interns!

                                                                        Village Preservation’s team is a strong one – we’re lucky to have a group of interns who are looking to gain experience in historic preservation in a non-profit environment. We usually have one or two new interns at a time, but this September we are excited to welcome five amazing new interns to the team! Not […]

                                                                          Hip Hop’s 2nd Birthplace, Part 5: Negril Nightclub

                                                                          Hip Hop at 50This is the fifth in a series of posts that celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Birth of Hip Hop. Our exploration takes us to the seminal places of Hip Hop’s early days in our neighborhoods and introduces some of the instrumental figures in the downtown world of Hip Hop. Negril Nightclub: 181 2nd Avenue […]

                                                                            Hip Hop’s 2nd Birthplace, Part 4: Fun Gallery

                                                                            This is the fourth in a series of posts that celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Birth of Hip Hop. Our exploration takes us to the seminal places of Hip Hop’s early days in our neighborhoods and introduces some of the instrumental figures in the downtown world of Hip Hop.

                                                                              Hip Hop’s 2nd Birthplace, Part 3: Webster Hall

                                                                              Hip-Hop at 50This is the third in a series of posts that celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Birth of Hip Hop. Our exploration takes us to the seminal places of Hip Hop’s early days in our neighborhoods and introduces some of the instrumental figures in the downtown world of Hip Hop. The Ritz Party @ Webster Hall, […]

                                                                                Historic Block Slated for Demolition

                                                                                In August 2023 news broke that a row of six historic buildings on 3rd Avenue south of Union Square were scheduled for demolition. 50-52, 56, 58, 60, and 64 3rd Avenue comprise almost the entire block between 10th and 11th Streets. Dates of construction of the buildings date from the early 19th to the turn […]

                                                                                  SoHo’s Cast Iron Landmarks: 1969 and Today

                                                                                  Edward LaGrassa was an architecture student in 1969 when he photographed hundreds of cast iron buildings and structures, largely in SoHo and Tribeca, but also in Harlem and Upper Manhattan. He took the pictures for a school project, and luckily, the negatives were scanned and donated to Village Preservation, becoming the stunning “Edward LaGrassa’s Cast […]

                                                                                    Expanding Preservation Under Beverly Moss Spatt, Part II

                                                                                    Beverly Moss Spatt (1924-2023) was a leading figure in New York City planning and preservation for over fifty years. She served on the City Planning Commission from 1966-1970 and the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) from 1974-1982, where she was the first woman chair from 1974-1978. During her tenure leading the agency, so many important […]

                                                                                      Expanding Preservation Under Beverly Moss Spatt

                                                                                      Beverly Moss Spatt (1924-2023) was a leading figure in New York City planning and preservation for over fifty years. She grew up in Brooklyn where she helped form that borough’s first reform Democratic club. She served on the City Planning Commission from 1966-1970 and the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission from 1974-1982. She served as […]

                                                                                      Mystery Photos — 90s Drag Scene Edition

                                                                                      Many of the donated images in our Historic Image Archive were received with little identifying information. We often think, who are these people? Where is this location? When was this picture taken? Sometimes we figure it out all on our own, like this one. Other times, it’s a bit more difficult, as in this case where […]

                                                                                        Time for Summer!

                                                                                        There’s no better place to enjoy summer than the East Village, Greenwich Village, and NoHo! There is something for everyone, including amazing local ice cream, live music, community gardens and even bird watching — all captured for posterity in our historic image archive. Volunteers at the Jefferson Market Garden in the mid 1980s, from the […]

                                                                                          Local Landmark: Church of the Immaculate Conception and Clergy House, 406-412 East 14th Street

                                                                                          One of the East Village’s earliest designated but perhaps least well known landmarks, is the Church of the Immaculate Conception and Clergy House, located at 406–412 East 14th Street between First Avenue and Avenue A, and designed a NYC landmark June 7th, 1966, just 8 months after the city’s Landmarks Preservation Commission began designating landmarks, showing how highly they thought of […]

                                                                                            2023 Village Awardee: The Red Door Place, 201 West 13th Street

                                                                                            Village Preservation is very proud to honor The Red Door Place as a 2023 Village Awardee. Join us in recognizing The Red Door Place and these five other worthy awardees at Village Preservation’s Annual Meeting and Village Awards on Tuesday, June 13. Registration is free and open to all! The Red Door Place is an […]

                                                                                              Celebrating National Great Poetry Reading Day

                                                                                              Great Poetry Reading Day is celebrated each year on April 28. Poetry is one of humankind’s oldest art forms. In ancient times, prior to written alphabets and other forms of literary prose, poetry was used to convey historical facts, culture, and traditions from generation to generation. When written language was invented, poetry was one the […]

                                                                                                April in the Archives

                                                                                                April is a wonderful time in New York City, as we transition into spring with flowers blooming and people filling the streets once again. Today we explore April through our Historic Image Archive — a carefully curated collection of nearly 4,000 images of our neighborhoods and New York City from the late 18th through the […]

                                                                                                  Oklahoma! Meets Greenwich Village

                                                                                                  On March 31, 1943, the classic musical Oklahoma! opened on Broadway at the St. James Theatre. It ran for five years, setting a record with its 2,212 performances before closing on May 29, 1948. Oklahoma! was a groundbreaking show in several ways, and one of its stars lived right here in Greenwich Village in the two years […]

                                                                                                    Evelyn Haynes: Insights from the Archive of a Preservation Pioneer

                                                                                                    Evelyn G. Haynes (1909–2001) was a dedicated preservationist and a member of the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission during its earliest days. Her family donated a collection of her records to Village Preservation, which are now available on our website. You can also see her contribution of many beautiful pictures of historic buildings of Lower Manhattan […]

                                                                                                      Redefining Downtown: One Chase Manhattan Plaza

                                                                                                      Our Historic Image Archive includes thousands of images from the late 18th through the early 21st centuries. While most of our images show Greenwich Village, the East Village, and NoHo, we have a wide range of images from across the five boroughs, particularly of historic landmarks around the city. Today we focus on one of […]

                                                                                                        January Favorites from the Archive

                                                                                                        The Village Preservation Historic Image Archive highlights the history of the people and built environment of Greenwich Village, the East Village, NoHo, and New York City in general. All the images provide a unique perspective reflecting on the time and location of when and where the photo was taken. Looking at just a few images […]

                                                                                                          Explore Local Korean American Restaurants!

                                                                                                          On January 13, 1903, one hundred and two Korean immigrants arrived by ship to Hawaii — the first Korean immigrants to this country. That number grew over the years, especially after the Immigration Reform Act of 1965, which lifted the restrictions on immigrants from Asia, Latin America, and other places outside of Northern and Western […]

                                                                                                            It’s Festivus: Time for Our Airing of Grievances!

                                                                                                            The ‘holiday’ of Festivus was developed as an alternative to the commercialization of the Christmas season and is celebrated annually on December 23rd. First celebrated in the mid-1960s by author and editor Daniel O’Keefe (father of Seinfeld writer Dan O’Keefe), it was popularized on Seinfeld’s December 18, 1997 episode “The Strike,” in which Kramer refuses to work […]

                                                                                                              Celebrating National Pastry Day

                                                                                                              National Pastry Day is celebrated on December 9th to salute one of the world’s favorite baked goods. Pastries can be traced as far back as the ancient Mediterranean, with treats such as paper-thin, multilayered baklava and Phyllo dough. This tasty indulgence spread throughout the Mediterranean, and pastry-making began in Northern Europe after the return of […]

                                                                                                                Remembering the Provincetown Playhouse

                                                                                                                On November 22, 1918, the first performances were staged at the Provincetown Playhouse’s new home at 133 MacDougal Street. Founded in Massachusetts three years prior as the Provincetown Players, the theater company moved its performances to an apartment at 139 MacDougal Street in Greenwich Village in 1916. Seeking more space, they leased a 19th-century former stable and […]

                                                                                                                  The American Indian Community House

                                                                                                                  The American Indian Community House (AICH) is a nonprofit community-based organization serving the needs of Native Americans residing in New York City. Comprised of Native Americans from 72 different tribes, its mission is to improve the status of Native Americans and to foster inter-cultural understanding. The AICH began as “Shunatona’s American Indian Store” at the […]

                                                                                                                    The Evolution of the Lichtenstein Studio

                                                                                                                    The Greenwich Village Historic District is one of NYC’s oldest and largest, encompassing over 100 blocks and 2,200 buildings. One of those buildings plays a role in history much greater than suggested by the meager two-sentence description provided in the 1969 Designation Report. The entry for 741-745 Washington Street between Bank and Bethune Streets simply […]

                                                                                                                      Celebrating The Taco

                                                                                                                      Americans reportedly consume over 4.5 billion tacos each year. Once merely a staple of the diet of our neighbors to the south, and later a cornerstone of the cuisine of the American Southwest, tacos have become a national obsession, celebrated each year with National Taco Day on October 4 in the United States. Thankfully, there […]

                                                                                                                        The Largest School in the World

                                                                                                                        Designed by Charles B.J. Snyder, P.S. 188 opened on September 21, 1902, taking up the entire city block bounded by East Houston and what was then Lewis, Manhattan, and East Third streets. A 1902 New York Times article deemed this building “the largest public school in all the United States, and probably the world.” Designed […]

                                                                                                                          Meet the Interns — Fall 2022 

                                                                                                                          Village Preservation’s team is a strong one – we’re lucky to have a group of interns who are looking to gain experience in historic preservation in a non-profit environment. Interns assist our growing, dynamic, community‐oriented team of staff to take on educational, programming, advocacy, research, administrative, and fundraising projects. Not to brag, but we know that […]

                                                                                                                            The Star Spangled Banner and the Village

                                                                                                                            After witnessing twenty-five hours of heavy bombardment of Fort McHenry on September 14, 1814 during the War of 1812, lawyer and amateur poet Francis Scott Key was sure that when dawn came, the British flag would be flying over Baltimore. That was not the case, and when he saw the American flag still flying, he wrote the first verse […]

                                                                                                                              September 1st, 1939

                                                                                                                              On September 1st, 1939 German troops invaded Poland, starting Word War II, the costliest war in terms life and destruction in human history. Although the United States would not officially enter the war until more than two years later, national mobilization which began in 1940 required engagement in the war effort from all segments of […]

                                                                                                                                Bret Harte and 14-16 Fifth Avenue

                                                                                                                                On May 11th, 2021, the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission, in a highly unusual split decision, voted to approve the demolition of the historic, landmarked 170+-year-old building at 14-16 Fifth Avenue and replace it with a 213-ft-tall tower. While we were deeply disappointed by and adamantly opposed the Commission’s decision, we were glad that our advocacy and that of […]

                                                                                                                                  The Ramones and CBGB: Forever Linked

                                                                                                                                  The Ramones and CBGB were so integral to the development of the punk rock music genre in the mid-1970s that you can’t think of one without the other. The two first came together on August 16, 1974 the Ramones played their first gig at CBGB, arguably launching the punk era. While this wasn’t the Ramones’ […]

                                                                                                                                    Village Cemeteries Part V, NoHo Edition

                                                                                                                                    Moving westward across the Village through our Cemeteries of the Village series, today we explore one former cemetery site in NoHo and one just north of the NoHo corridor, both with extensive ties to New York City history. Saint Thomas Church Vaults Saint Thomas Church and its burial vaults were located on the block-long site […]

                                                                                                                                      Julys Past From Our Historic Image Archive

                                                                                                                                      Our Historic Image Archive provides a snapshot of our neighborhood’s past. From summers on the piers to drag shows at the Pyramid Club and an important archeological dig, you can almost feel the summer heat emanating from some of these photos. Sheridan Square Dig In July and August of 1982, Regina Kellerman, Executive Director of […]

                                                                                                                                        Hot Dog History in the Village Preservation Historic Image Archive

                                                                                                                                        July is National Hot Dog Month (as designated by the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council) and we have a few savory slices of NYC hot dog history in our Historic Image Archive. Nathan’s Famous was founded by Polish immigrant Nathan Handwerker in 1916. The original still stands in Coney Island on the corner of […]

                                                                                                                                          Meet the Interns — Summer 2022 Edition

                                                                                                                                          Village Preservation’s team is a strong one – we’re lucky to have a group of interns who are looking to gain experience in historic preservation in a non-profit environment. Internships are paid, and our interns come from all educational and life backgrounds. Not to brag, but we know that our intern team is the best […]

                                                                                                                                            LGBTQ+ Pride Through The Decades

                                                                                                                                            Our Historic Image Archive includes thousands of photos documenting the people and architecture of the Greenwich Village, the East Village, and NoHo, as well as New York City, from the late 18th to the early 21st century. In honor of Pride, today we explore some of our LGBTQ+ digital photo archives. In 2021, longtime Greenwich […]

                                                                                                                                              Celebrating Flag Day!

                                                                                                                                              Flag Day is celebrated to commemorate the adoption of the flag of the United States on June 14, 1777, by resolution of the Second Continental Congress: “Resolved, That the flag of the thirteen United States be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation.” While not an official […]

                                                                                                                                                The First Ever Village Awards!

                                                                                                                                                1991 was a memorable year. The Cold War ended as the Soviet Union collapsed. The Gulf War was waged. We watched Murphy Brown and slow danced to Bryan Adams. And the Giants won the Superbowl! But perhaps most notably, on June 10, 1991, Village Preservation held its first Annual Village Awards! Since 1991, we have […]

                                                                                                                                                  2022 Village Awardee: Razom for Ukraine, 140 2nd Avenue

                                                                                                                                                  Each year, Village Preservation honors the invaluable people, businesses, and organizations that make a special contribution to our neighborhoods at our Annual Meeting and Village Awards. This year, on June 14, 2022, at 6 PM we will be celebrating seven outstanding awardees — RSVP HERE to attend in person and HERE to participate virtually via livestream. New York City is […]

                                                                                                                                                    2022 Village Awardee: Astor Place Hair Stylists, 2 Astor Place

                                                                                                                                                    Each year, Village Preservation honors the invaluable people, businesses, and organizations that make a special contribution to our neighborhoods at our Annual Meeting and Village Awards. This year, on June 14th, 2022 at 6 PM we will be celebrating seven outstanding awardees —  RSVP HERE to attend in person and HERE to participate virtually via livestream. […]

                                                                                                                                                      East Village Building Blocks Tour: African American History

                                                                                                                                                      People of African descent have lived in the area now known as the East Village since the mid-17th century, when semi-freed African slaves of the Dutch West India Company in New Amsterdam were granted farmland here in the area that lay between the established Dutch settlement south of Wall Street and the lands still populated […]

                                                                                                                                                        Nikola Tesla: Retracing the Visionary’s Lost Legacy in Our Neighborhoods

                                                                                                                                                        Arguably the most important “father of electricity,” Nikola Tesla spent 13 years developing some of his most famous inventions critical to the future of electricity in laboratories located in Greenwich Village, NoHo, and the edge of today’s Chinatown. Emblematic of the way in which the far-sighted Tesla’s legacy and contributions to science were largely undervalued […]

                                                                                                                                                          Picturing the World Trade Center

                                                                                                                                                          The twin towers of the World Trade Center dominated the New York City skyline for almost thirty years, from their grand opening on April 4, 1973, until their destruction on September 11, 2001. They were visible from almost all corners of the city, and on a clear day, one could see them from up to […]

                                                                                                                                                            The Irish Emigrant Aid Society’s Greenwich Village Roots

                                                                                                                                                            On March 22, 1841, the Irish Emigrant Aid Society was established “to afford advice, information, aid and protection to emigrants from Ireland and generally to promote their welfare.” The Society was founded by Bishop John Hughes and Dr. Robert Hogan, president of the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick, and leading Irish merchants, philanthropists, and politicians. […]

                                                                                                                                                              Suffragists of Greenwich Village

                                                                                                                                                              “The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex.” Following decades of activism, the 19th Amendment was adopted on August 18, 1920. Unsurprisingly, many people and organizations located in Greenwich Village, the East Village, and NoHo […]

                                                                                                                                                              Suffragists of the East Village

                                                                                                                                                              “The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex.” Following decades of activism, the 19th Amendment was adopted on August 18, 1920. Unsurprisingly, many people and organizations located in Greenwich Village, East Village, and NoHo played […]

                                                                                                                                                                Charles Lindbergh & The Village

                                                                                                                                                                Charles August Lindbergh was born on February 4, 1902, in Detroit, Michigan to a Swedish immigrant and U.S. Congressman of the same name and chemistry teacher Evangeline Lodge Land Lindbergh. He was fascinated with the mechanics of motorized transportation at a young age. Lindbergh dropped out of college in 1922 to begin flight training, and […]

                                                                                                                                                                  National Cheese Lover’s Day

                                                                                                                                                                  National Cheeselovers Day is celebrated on January 20th each year. Not to be confused with National Cheese Day (celebrated on June 4) or National Wine and Cheese Day (celebrated on July 25th), this day is for those of us who love to celebrate all that is cheese! In honor of this glorious occasion, today we highlight […]

                                                                                                                                                                    Welcome to Our 2022 Interns!

                                                                                                                                                                    Village Preservation’s team is a strong one – we’re lucky to have a group of interns who are looking to gain experience in historic preservation in a non-profit environment. Internships are paid, and our interns come from all educational and life backgrounds. We work together to tailor internship experiences to fit an intern’s skills and […]

                                                                                                                                                                      Handouts to Big Real Estate, and a Festivus for the Rest of Us!

                                                                                                                                                                      This holiday of Festivus was developed as an alternative to the commercialization of the Christmas season and is celebrated annually on December 23rd. First celebrated in the mid-1960s by author and editor Daniel O’Keefe (father of Seinfeld writer Dan O’Keefe) it was popularized on Seinfeld’s December 18, 1997, episode “The Strike” when Kramer refuses to […]

                                                                                                                                                                        Small Business, Big History: Tudor Rose Antiques

                                                                                                                                                                        Tudor Rose Antiques has been part of the fabric of Greenwich Village since 1978. The shop specializes in antique sterling silver decorative items and fine jewelry, and is a great place to find a unique and highly personal gift or addition to your home. The store is located at 43 Greenwich Avenue between Perry Street […]

                                                                                                                                                                          Celebrate National Espresso Day Locally

                                                                                                                                                                          Espresso is a brewing method many of us take for granted, but which is a relatively recent invention in the history of coffee. We can trace espresso back to an 1884 invention by Angelo Moriondo, from Turin. His device was the first that controlled the supply of steam and water separately through the coffee. In […]

                                                                                                                                                                            David Amram: Artist, Composer, and Beloved Villager

                                                                                                                                                                            David Werner Amram III is an American composer, arranger, and conductor of orchestral, chamber, and choral works, many with jazz flavorings. He plays piano, French horn, Spanish guitar, and pennywhistle, sings, and is passionate about teaching music to newer generations. In 2014, Village Preservation conducted an oral history with Amram that explores his childhood, adolescent inspirations, young adulthood in Greenwich Village, amazing […]

                                                                                                                                                                            Eat Vegan and Support Local Businesses!

                                                                                                                                                                            No matter where you are in Greenwich Village, NoHo, or the East Village, you are within walking (or ordering) distance of a wide range of culinary options. There are dozens of vegetarian and vegan venues here, some of which opened when the term “vegan” was still unfamiliar to most, while others are new to the […]

                                                                                                                                                                              Celebrating World Pasta Day

                                                                                                                                                                              Not to be confused with National Pasta Day on October 17th, World Pasta Day was established on October 25th, 1995 by forty pasta producers from around the world gathered at the first World Pasta Congress. Two areas in our neighborhoods were hubs of Italian immigration and settlement in the late 19th century. The South Village, […]

                                                                                                                                                                              Meet the Interns, Fall 2021

                                                                                                                                                                              Village Preservation’s team is a strong one – we’re lucky to have a group of interns who are looking to gain experience in historic preservation in a non-profit environment. Internships are paid, and our interns come from all educational and life backgrounds. We work together to tailor internship experiences to fit an intern’s skills and […]

                                                                                                                                                                                The Northern Dispensary and God’s Love We Deliver

                                                                                                                                                                                For decades, the Northern Dispensary on Grove Street and Waverly Place has sat vacant. A deed restriction requires the building to serve the poor and infirm, limiting possible uses and occupants. Plans to revive it over the years have failed, until now, as it was recently announced that God’s Love We Deliver has leased the […]

                                                                                                                                                                                Announcing the Arthur A. Levin Internship

                                                                                                                                                                                Art Levin has been a valued member of the Board of Trustees since 1998, and served as President of the Board from 2011 to 2021 — the longest tenure of any president in the organization’s history. We are proud to announce the board had welcomed Art as President Emeritus, the first in Village Preservation history, […]

                                                                                                                                                                                  Celebrating Hispanic Heritage

                                                                                                                                                                                  Hispanic Heritage Month, which is celebrated to recognize the achievements and contributions of Hispanic Americans, runs from September 15th through October 15th. There is a reason for this oddly scheduled “month.” On September 15th, 1821, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua declared their independence from Spain. Mexico and Chile celebrate their 1810 declarations […]