Richard Morris Hunt, born on on October 31, 1827, is usually remembered for the grandiose mansions, museums, and monuments of the Gilded Age such as the Lenox Library, grand Fifth Avenue homes, the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty, and the façade of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. But his fingerprints are also on a […]
As New York City heads toward the 2025 general election, we are making sure that historic preservation and thoughtful urban planning remain front and center in public debate. Our Elections 2025 webpage offers an invaluable civic resource. While the mayoral race tends to draw the headlines, the decisions made by City Councilmembers and Borough Presidents […]
Explore Transit History in Greenwich Village, the East Village, and NoHo with Village Preservation’s Blog While much about the present and future may preoccupy us, today we’re going to take a look back about 200 years. The story of modern rail transport is often traced to September 1825, when a small steam locomotive, known as […]
On July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress declared independence from Great Britain, and in New York City the news quickly electrified both Patriots and Loyalists. Only five days later, on July 9, General George Washington had the Declaration read aloud to his troops assembled at the Commons (today’s City Hall Park). The mood turned fiery: […]
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 […]
When the Singer Building rose in stages between 1897 and 1908, it briefly crowned the Lower Manhattan skyline with one of the city’s most ornate vertical statements: a richly detailed, slender tower designed for the Singer Sewing Machine Company by the Beaux-Arts architect Ernest Flagg. Less than sixty years later, the tower was intentionally demolished […]
While they may no longer be large foldout papers that you can never seem to fold back together, maps remain incredibly important, even if they are now digital tools on our smartphones. Take a moment and think if this has this happened to you: you’re zooming in on Google Maps on your phone trying to […]
Long before the soft hum of a window unit or the whisper-cool breezes of central air, residents of Greenwich Village and the East Village faced the full force of the city’s steamy summers head-on. For wealthy New Yorkers the most obvious way of dealing with the heat was to escape it. They headed to Newport, […]
Martin Wong (July 11, 1946 – August 12, 1999) was one of the most affecting and visionary artists to emerge from New York City’s East Village and Lower East Side art scene in the late 20th century. A painter, archivist, and chronicler of the marginalized, Wong transformed crumbling walls on the Lower East Side into […]
In the 19th century, the Lower East Side including what we now call the East Village was home to one of the largest German-speaking communities in the world outside of Europe. Known as Kleindeutschland, or “Little Germany,” it was a thriving cultural enclave that shaped much of New York City’s early immigrant history. Today, though […]
The Chrysler Building is one of the most iconic and beloved skyscrapers ever built. With its soaring spire, chrome-plated gargoyles modeled after 1929 Chrysler hood ornaments, and gleaming, terraced crown, it was the epitome of Art Deco design: elegant, futuristic, and unapologetically modern. Its dazzling lobby welcomed its first visitors when the Chrysler Building opened […]
Village Preservation is proud to honor Forbidden Planet as a 2025 Village Awardee! Join us in recognizing Forbidden Planet and the five other remarkable awardees at Village Preservation’s Annual Meeting and Village Awards on Wednesday, June 11th, at the historic Great Hall at Cooper Union. Registration is free and open to all. Click here to register. At […]
The month of May bursts with meaning in New York City, and nowhere is that more apparent than in the historic and diverse neighborhoods of Greenwich Village, the East Village, and NoHo. May is Haitian Heritage Month, Asian American And Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Lower East Side History Month, Jewish American Heritage Month, and National […]
In an age where access to information is just a click away, digitized archives are becoming essential tools for researchers, students, journalists, and curious minds alike. When organizations make historical materials publicly accessible online, they’re not just preserving the past—they’re actively connecting it to the present and future. Village Preservation’s digitized archive of the Village […]
New York City is home to what is arguably the most diverse and vibrant cultural scene anywhere in the world. Within that vast intellectual, artistic, and expressive mosaic there lies a hidden gem—a group where creativity, conversation, and camaraderie come together over an hot cup of America’s favorite caffeinated beverage. That gem is the Coffee […]
Every neighborhood has its own unique story, a tapestry woven from the experiences, struggles, and triumphs of its residents. These stories are often passed down from one generation to the next, shaping the very identity of the place. In a world where rapid urbanization, technological advancements, and cultural shifts often leave little room for reflection, […]
Each year, Village Preservation celebrates the individuals, organizations, and businesses that have made a significant positive impact on Greenwich Village, the East Village, and NoHo with our Village Awards. Since 1980, Village Preservation has worked tirelessly to protect and promote the architectural and cultural heritage of our historic communities. The Village Awards, an annual tradition, […]
For most of their history, Greenwich Village, the East Village, and the Lower East Side have had an intimately interconnected life and history. These parts of New York have been crossroads and hotbeds of cultural and intellectual innovation. The East River and Hudson River waterfronts have linked these neighborhoods to global networks of trade and […]
Greenwich Village has long been a hub of creativity, activism, and cultural exchange, and its Black history is deeply woven into the neighborhood’s identity. From the early days of New York City’s African American communities to the Civil Rights Movement and beyond, Black residents have shaped the social, artistic, and political fabric of the Village. […]
On January 21, 1955, the literary world was introduced to one of its most unforgettable characters: Auntie Mame. Patrick Dennis’s rollicking novel, Auntie Mame: An Irreverent Escapade, became an instant bestseller, enchanting readers with its outrageous humor, sparkling wit, and heartfelt message about embracing life’s adventures with open arms. Auntie Mame Dennis is the flamboyant, […]
Greenwich Village has long been celebrated as a cultural and artistic hub, attracting writers, poets, and thinkers from around the world. Among the luminaries who found inspiration in the Village’s vibrant and unconventional atmosphere was Kahlil Gibran, the Lebanese-American poet, writer, and philosopher best known for his timeless masterpiece, The Prophet. Born on January 6, […]
On August 8, 1848, an Act of Congress played a significant role in shaping the landscape of New York City’s commerce and infrastructure: it granted part of the land to help establishment of the Gansevoort Farmers’ Market and the West Washington Market. This helped lay the groundwork for what would become one of the most vibrant and essential markets in all of New York City.
In 1858, a retail revolution began at the bustling intersection of 6th Avenue and 14th Street in New York City. Rowland Hussey Macy opened a dry goods store that would eventually become one of the most recognizable names in retail: Macy’s. This unassuming shop was the beginning of a retail empire and cultural legacy that […]
Dogs have been known as ‘man’s best friend’ for ages. However, no animal has probably done more for, and been more intertwined with, human development than the horse. In realms of farming, warfare, and transportation, the horse has played a critical role in shaping the world we live in today, especially New York and our […]
Miloš Forman, the celebrated director known for masterpieces like One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest and Amadeus, made his mark with a debut that was deeply rooted in the counterculture ethos of the 1960s. This moment in film history aligns serendipitously with the rebellious and eclectic spirit of New York City’s East Village — a […]
The Village Preservation YouTube channel is an outstanding resource for those interested in the history, culture, and architectural heritage of Greenwich Village, the East Village, and NoHo. With a wide range of content that is both free and accessible to all, the channel serves as an educational treasure trove, especially for teachers and anyone who […]
New Yorkers are practical, busy, and no-nonsense people. The scariest thing for most is missing that subway connection when trying to get to an important meeting on time. We simply don’t have time for ghosts and spirits. But they seem to have time for us, especially in New York’s spookiest neighborhood. Greenwich Village is no stranger […]
From New Amsterdam to New York City, the shores of Manhattan and the surrounding harbor — one of the best natural harbors in the world — connected a fledgling colonial port to a global economy. As our great cosmopolitan metropolis grew through the nineteenth century, it remained a maritime city, becoming the world’s busiest port […]
William Alciphron Boring was a prominent architect whose work played a significant role in shaping the architectural landscape of New York City, especially in areas tied to the immigrant experience and maritime life. Born on September 9, 1859, he was known for his design of key structures like the Ellis Island Immigration Station and what […]
Greenwich Village, known for its bohemian atmosphere, artistic communities, and rich history, was also a quiet epicenter of Cold War espionage. In the mid-20th century, amid the colorful cafes and intellectual debates that made Greenwich Village world-renowned, a darker narrative unfolded — one of Soviet spies operating in the heart of New York City. Alleged […]
Greenwich Village, the East Village, and NoHo, with their charming streets, historic landmarks, and vibrant culture, are neighborhoods that beg to be explored on foot. Whether you’re a seasoned New Yorker or a curious visitor, there’s no better way to soak in these incredible neighborhoods’ rich history and artistic energy than by taking a walking […]
On August 8, 1848, an Act of Congress played a significant role in shaping the landscape of New York City’s commerce and infrastructure: it granted part of the land to help establishment of the Gansevoort Farmers’ Market and the West Washington Market. This helped lay the groundwork for what would become one of the most […]
New York City summers are not easy. The heat, the humidity, and, of course, the smells. Put this together with street traffic and delayed subways, and it’s enough to make anyone dread traveling around the city during the its steamy season. But for all the problems we have with today’s mass transit system, especially this […]
Fitz-Greene Halleck, a 19th-century American poet, is best known for his witty and satirical verse. His connection to Greenwich Village is an intriguing aspect of his life, highlighting the cultural vibrancy of the area during his time. However, while he was once known widely as the American Byron in his lifetime, today he is a […]
It is the first National Monument designated to mark LGBTQIA+ history. President Obama designated the Stonewall National Monument on June 24, 2016, becoming official on June 27, 2016. The road to designation was a long one. In the 1990s Village Preservation, then known as Greenwich Village Society for Historic Preservation (GVSHP), along with the now-defunct […]
The Women’s House of Detention, which once stood where we can now enjoy the beautiful Jefferson Market Garden, was more than just a prison. Opened in 1932, the Art Deco-style building was a prominent, though controversial, landmark in the area for nearly four decades. It was the only women’s prison in Manhattan, housing inmates ranging […]
Greenwich Village, the East Village, and NoHo sit at the heart of New York’s LGBTQ+ history and culture, which as some might be surprised to hear, stretches back to the earliest days of New York. Perhaps most prominently, well over a century before the Stonewall Inn, Julius’ Bar, The Pyramid Club, and many other important […]
New York City is a treasure trove of architectural marvels, each telling a story of its own. Nestled in the heart of Manhattan lies the NoHo Historic District, a testament to the city’s rich history and vibrant culture. Designated in June of 1999, this district was created to protect and preserve the architectural heritage of […]
As the dawn of May 1, 1915, bathed the skyline of New York City in a golden hue, the bustling harbor was witness to an event that would soon echo through the annals of history—the departure from Pier 54 of the RMS Lusitania for her final voyage. For the passengers aboard, it was a journey […]
Mosaics may conjure up images of the ancient world, or closer to home, of several beautiful artworks in stations across our subway system. But if you zoom in even more closely, there is a strange little triangular plot of land in our midst with a mosaic on it that is legendary in its own right […]
The area now known as the East Village was historically part of the Lower East Side, which was one of the most densely populated and ethnically diverse neighborhoods in the city, especially during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. At that time, it was primarily populated by immigrants, particularly from Eastern, and to a […]
It is sometimes hard to imagine that the East Village was once farmland, but so was nearly everything in Manhattan at one time or another that lay north of the city that was once concentrated on the far southern tip of the island. What makes the East Village special is that it was once all […]
Amidst the bustling streets and historic architecture, our neighborhoods’ numerous independent pharmacies stand as critical community pillars of health. These establishments aren’t just places to pick up prescriptions; they are integral parts of the neighborhood, providing essential healthcare services and advice. Every year National Pharmacist Day celebrates our unsung heroes in healthcare – our pharmacists. […]
A city “utterly devoid of harmony” — that is how the controversial Swiss-French architect Charles-Édouard Jeanneret, better known as Le Corbusier, described New York without actually having ever visited when he made this statement. Le Corbusier would eventually come to New York for the first time in 1935, and didn’t change his mind. There is […]
Greenwich Village, with its cobblestone streets and historic brownstones, stands as a testament to the rich architectural heritage that defines New York City. Among the many architects who left an indelible mark on this iconic neighborhood, Calvert Vaux emerges as a visionary whose designs seamlessly blend with the bohemian spirit of Greenwich Village, including its […]
Nestled in the vibrant streets of New York City’s East Village at 135 Second Avenue, the Ottendorfer Library stands as a testament to the multicultural and linguistic tapestry that has woven itself into the city’s history. Founded by a visionary immigrant, the library has played a pivotal role in fostering diversity, education, and cultural exchange. […]
In the heart of Greenwich Village, a historic theater emerged as a cradle of creativity and a crucible for groundbreaking theatrical experiments—the Provincetown Playhouse. Established in 1915 in Provincetown, Massachusetts as the Provincetown Players, this group of creatives moved to New York in 1916 and opened what became the permanent home for the Playhouse at […]
The East Village and Greenwich Village have long been bastions of progressive thought and hotbeds of radical social movements. The Industrial Workers of the World (IWW), or “Wobblies” as they are also known, found a home for its radical vision of industrial unionism in the East Village. The November 15, 1919, raid on the IWW […]
Since 1973, New York City has hosted one of the most extravagant and enchanting Halloween celebrations in the world: the Village Halloween Parade. Its beginnings in the early 1970s were quite humble compared to todays internationally renowned affair, starting as an informal gathering of friends and family brought together by Westbeth Artists Community resident and […]
Fiorello (Italian for ‘Little Flower’) LaGuardia is remembered today as one of New York City’s greatest mayors. A progressive who guided New Yorkers through the Depression and World War II, he was the first Mayor to serve three terms, and the first of either Italian or Jewish descent. It was LaGuardia’s achievements as mayor, and his birth in the South Village, that prompted the Friends of LaGuardia to commemorate LaGuardia with a statue on October 19, 1994.
A city “utterly devoid of harmony” — that is how the controversial Swiss-French architect Charles-Édouard Jeanneret, better known as Le Corbusier, described New York without actually having ever visited when he made this statement. Le Corbusier would eventually come to New York for the first time in 1935, and didn’t change his mind. There is […]
If New York City streets had their own royal court, Broadway would be the old king and Fifth Avenue would be its fabulous queen. Just saying Fifth Avenue evokes glamour, iconic stores, incredible museums, and beautiful parks. Beginning here in Greenwich Village at the entrance of Washington Square Park, Fifth Avenue passes the Flatiron Building, […]
New York is an immigrant city. It has concentrated populations of various immigrant groups making it the largest city in the world for many groups, or sometimes the largest outside of their countries of origin. New York has the largest Jewish population of any city in the world, and at 30% of its population, New […]
