There was a time when the warm glow of neon signs scattered our neighborhood with abundance. Beckoning to passersby, these cheerful emblems promoted all sorts of businesses, from music venues … Continued
Your input is needed! Today we feature our latest Business of the Month — help us to select the next. Tell us which independent store you love in Greenwich Village, the East Village, … Continued
Enacted into law in October 1919, the Volstead Act took effect January 16, 1920, enforcing the then-newly established 18th Amendment and thereby prohibiting the manufacture and distribution of alcoholic beverages. … Continued
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 … Continued
Have you ever considered that among Manhattan’s central avenues, Fifth Avenue is the only one without a dedicated subway line? There’s the A/C/E for 8th Avenue, 1/2/3 for 7th, B/D/F/M … Continued
Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney was an iconoclast in every sense of the word — an heir to one of America’s greatest fortunes who defied the expectations of her social class to … Continued
In November, 2024, Village Preservation released a report detailing the extensive artistic history of the area South of Union Square. Part of our ongoing campaign to designate this area as … Continued
The new year brings with it plenty of fresh opportunities to explore and enjoy. For Village Preservation, that includes the latest issue of our semi-annual newsletter, jam-packed with new content, … Continued
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 … Continued
Carol Greitzer is in so many ways the embodiment of a true New Yorker and Greenwich Villager. Born January 3, 1925, in Manhattan—on 15th Street, in a long-gone hospital—Greitzer grew … Continued
Will technology destroy the world or save it? This recurring conundrum has provided fertile ground for speculation; and it was precisely this sort of speculation that once gave rise to … Continued
This blog post was originally published on June 16, 2023, and is a favorite of ours from among the more than 200 we publish every year. To stay current on … Continued
This blog post was originally published November 27, 2024, and is one of our favorites among the more than 200 we’ve published over the last year. To stay current on all … Continued
With the passing of former President Jimmy Carter on December 29, 2024, we look back on the important role he played for more affordable housing in the 1980s East Village … Continued
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.
This blog post was originally published on January 10, 2024, and is one of our favorites among the more than 200 we’ve published over the last year. To stay current … Continued
The year is 1944, and in a brick row house by a lush Greenwich Village garden lives a “shy little black cat” named Jenny Linsky with her caretaker, the old sailor Captain Tinker. While the particular adventures and fanciful musings of this feline may have come from the creative imagination of author and illustrator Esther Averill, the cat, her owner, and the Village locations where these tales are set were all quite real.
In the 1960s, a group of dancers convened at Judson Memorial Church, 55 Washington Square South, to exchange and present ideas. The collective became known as Judson Dance Theater, and through a series of workshops and performances, they redefined what could be considered dance.
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 … Continued
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 … Continued
Village Preservation has declared December to be South Village Month! Why, you ask? Well, we kicked off our campaign to seek landmark designation for the entire South Village and its … Continued
Your input is needed! Today we feature our latest Business of the Month — help us to select the next. Tell us which independent store you love in Greenwich Village, the East Village, … Continued
On September 20, 1955, the world of theater witnessed the opening of a stunning revival of The Threepenny Opera, a work by Bertolt Brecht and Kurt Weill that had already … Continued
Our Historic Images from Landmarks Applications collection is one of the most extensive in our historic image archive. It is regularly updated with additional historic images that are included in … Continued
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 … Continued
We’ve all seen them: signs tucked under the official names of local streets, honoring a neighborhood notable with a “Way,” “Place,” or “Corner.” Unfortunately, more often than not the people … Continued
Christmastime in the city is like no other; rosy cheeks from ice skating at the many outdoor rinks throughout the city, arms overflowing with a festive bounty of gifts and … Continued
This is one of a series of blog posts which highlights the Village Independent Democrats collection in our Preservation History Archive. Two parts of this collection have been published. Part I, documents the club’s … Continued
Eileen Myles (they/them) is many things; An acclaimed poet and novelist. A dog lover. A lesbian and transgender icon. An East Village local. A political commentator. A photographer. A feminist. … Continued
In honor of the incredible strides made in preserving the South Village over the past two decades, Village Preservation has named December “South Village Month” in honor of our kicking … Continued
The Adams Administration’s proposed City of Yes of Housing Opportunity is the latest attempt by the City to tackle the affordable housing crisis by relaxing zoning controls. The hope is … Continued
We’ve designated December as South Village Month, and we’ve got good reason to do so! In December 2006, Village Preservation submitted our landmark proposal for the South Village. Two years … Continued
Join us via Zoom Webinar on December 4th for a special evening with landscape architect and historic preservationist John T. Krawchuk, in conversation with Village Preservation’s Andrew Berman and Dena … Continued
A rock star, a legend, a genius, Jimi Hendrix was one of a kind. He carried a generation and pushed music to never-before-seen, electric limits. The Rock and Roll Hall … Continued
This is one of a series of blog posts which highlights our new Village Independent Democrats collection in our Preservation History Archive. The Village Independent Democrats (VID) are a reform democratic club founded in 1956. … Continued
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 … Continued
In 1918, a small but revolutionary event took place in the heart of Greenwich Village, forever changing the landscape of American theater. The Provincetown Playhouse, a humble venue at 133 … Continued
This is the second part of our series on Margaret “Pi” Gardiner. Click here to read Part 1. Our new oral history explores the legacy of Margaret “Pi” Gardiner, Greenwich … Continued
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 … Continued
New York City has been experiencing a housing emergency since Tony Manero was strutting down the sidewalks of Bay Ridge in 1977’s “Saturday Night Fever.” This emergency consists of a … Continued
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 … Continued
Are Scorpios the most architecturally attuned astrological sign? This is the question that came to mind when I realized that three of New York City’s and the Village’s most celebrated … Continued
We’ve all seen them: signs installed under the actual names of local streets, recognizing a neighborhood notable with a “way,” “place,” or “corner.” While we sometimes know the honorees, more … Continued
Delia Ephron, the celebrated writer and longtime Greenwich Village resident known for her poignant and humorous storytelling, is now bringing her unique voice to the Broadway stage with Left on … Continued
The 1960s was an era defined by political unrest, civil rights protests, and the re-popularization of American folk music. Author David Browne’s book, Talkin’ Greenwich Village: The Heady Rise and … Continued
Our new oral history published in October of 2024 celebrates the legacy of Margaret “Pi” Gardiner, Greenwich Village native and long-time executive director of the Merchant’s House Museum. Published this … Continued
Your input is needed! Today we feature our latest Business of the Month — help us to select the next. Tell us which independent store you love in Greenwich Village, the East Village, … Continued
On this day after Election Day, presidential history marches on. And that history has often marched through Greenwich Village and the East Village, as denizens of both the White House … Continued
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, … Continued
We are excited to see the Landmarks Preservation Commission publish the designation report for the Jacob Day House, Manhattan’s newest landmark, located at 50 West 13th Street. This followed a … Continued
“Becoming Fifth Avenue” is a series of posts in celebration of the bicentennial of the avenue, which was first laid out in 1824. The first segment, in Greenwich Village between … Continued
“Becoming Fifth Avenue” is a series of posts in celebration of the bicentennial of the avenue, which was first laid out in 1824. The first segment, in Greenwich Village between … Continued
It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s flying puppets on Sixth Avenue? The beloved Village Halloween Parade is an annual, time-honored tradition known for its avant-garde costumes, floats, and street … Continued
This is the third in a multi-part series. Women photographers have played a pivotal role in shaping the visual narrative of our neighborhoods, as evident in Village Preservation’s historic image archive. … Continued
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 … Continued
On October 25, 2011, the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission landmarked Westbeth Artists Housing, located on the block bounded by West, Bethune (hence the name “Westbeth”), Washington, and Bank Streets — … Continued
Today we welcome a new small business to our neighborhoods — help us welcome the next. Tell us which new independent store in Greenwich Village, the East Village, or NoHo … Continued
October is known for the autumnal changing of the leaves, Halloween, and of course Archtober, the month-long celebration of all things architecture across the five boroughs. Village Preservation, an event … Continued
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, … Continued
Arshile Gorky, an influential figure in the earliest inception of the Abstract Expressionist movement, is celebrated for a unique style that merges surrealism with a profound emotional depth. One of … Continued
“Becoming Fifth Avenue” is a series of posts in celebration of the bicentennial of the avenue, which was first laid out in 1824. The Greenwich Village segment, between Washington Square … Continued
Oscar Wilde (October 16, 1854 – November 30, 1900) was a playwright and poet, a native Irishman turned British transplant, and, of course, a maverick and icon whose work and legacy continues … Continued
Gothic architecture originated in Europe in the 12th century. As engineering developments allowed for the construction of significantly larger buildings, the pointed (Gothic) arch rose to prominence and was used … Continued
Your input is needed! Today we feature our latest Business of the Month — help us to select the next. Tell us which independent store you love in Greenwich Village, the East Village, … Continued
The subway is our city’s circulation system, one that needs to work efficiently and grow and evolve to meet the needs of all New Yorkers. After years of expansion in … Continued
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 … Continued
While less than a square mile in size, the East Village has a rich immigrant history more varied than entire cities many times its size. The neighborhood has been home … Continued
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 … Continued
“O hushed October morning mild,Thy leaves have ripened to the fall;Tomorrow’s wind, if it be wild,Should waste them all.” — Excerpt from the poem “A Boy’s Will” by Robert Frost, who … Continued
Loisaida is a robust and varied community that includes creatives, activists, and mavericks who cultivated a richly diverse neighborhood. It’s also the subject of one of the many ‘guided tours’ … Continued
This is the second in a multi-part series Photography has long been a powerful medium for documenting history, shaping narratives, and preserving memory. Women photographers have played a crucial role … Continued
French highwire artist and street performer Philippe Petit rose to prominence following a series of unauthorized tight-rope walks across some of the world’s most iconic landmarks. First, in 1971, Petit … Continued
The 1960s and 70s were challenging times in the East Village and Lower East Side. Due to the City’s looming financial crisis and the exodus of many wealthier New Yorkers … Continued
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 … Continued
