The Forgotten Fifth Avenue South of Washington Square Park
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, … Continued
Washington Square Park, Once the Land of the Lenape
Today we’re highlighting the rich Indigenous history of our neighborhood. This is crucial both to understand and respect the full history of the land we live on, and to recognize … Continued
The Bubble Man in Washington Square Park
This is one in a series of posts marking the 50th anniversary of the designation of the Greenwich Village Historic District. Click here to check out our year-long activities and … Continued
From Parking Lot to Car Free Washington Square Park
Today is Earth Day, first celebrated in NYC in 1970, and you may notice some of the streets around the city harkening to a quieter era. Legislation passed in the City … Continued
An 89-Year Tradition Continues in Washington Square Park
Last week, all eyes were on Rockefeller Center for the lighting of that famous Christmas tree. But did you know that the tree lighting in Washington Square Park was a … Continued
This July, Music fills Washington Square Park
Last night, the 55th Washington Square Music Festival held its first of four free concerts in Washington Square Park. The music festival is sponsored by the Washington Square Association, an … Continued
Barefoot in Washington Square Park
On May 25, 1967, the film Barefoot in the Park, based on the Neil Simon play, was released. It’s fun to watch this film now, to see how some things … Continued
Winter Wonderland in Washington Square Park
The settling in of cold weather has us here at GVSHP feeling a little nostalgic for snowfalls past. Images from the GVSHP archive of Washington Square Park covered in snow … Continued
More Than Dizzy and Duke: Jazz Legends South of Union Square
“I had spent many years pursuing excellence, because that is what classical music is all about… Now [jazz] was dedicated to freedom, and that was far more important.” – Nina … Continued
Christopher Park: A Small Space with a Long History
In the early 1800s, the area around modern-day Christopher Street was suffering from overcrowding, following the migration of residents from lower Manhattan after the yellow fever outbreak of 1822 that … Continued
Beyond the Village and Back: Hamilton Fish Park
In our blog series Beyond the Village and Back, we take a look at some great landmarks throughout New York City outside of Greenwich Village, the East Village, and NoHo, celebrate … Continued
The Battle Over Hudson River Park’s Air Rights
On July 18, 2013, Village Preservation publicly signaled the alarm over legislation passed in Albany with little community input but with massive potential impact for the West Village and communities … Continued
#SouthofUnionSquare — The Social Reform Club at 45 University Place
In 1900, the Social Reform Club hosted a lecture by labor leader Edward King.
#SouthofUnionSquare — James Renwick, Jr. Tour
James Renwick was one of the most influential, accomplished, and skilled American architects of the 19th century.
#SouthOfUnionSquare Tour — Libraries and The Formation of the NYPL
In 1754, there was no library in New York. Can you believe it? Today we are taking a wonderful journey through our neighborhoods to trace the beginnings of the New … Continued
Jackson Square Library: An Exquisite Building, and once a church of ‘Exquisite Panic’
Jackson Square Library, one of New York City’s first free circulating libraries, was a gift of George Washington Vanderbilt, III.
Publishing giants, radical literature, and women’s suffrage: More secrets of Union Square South
The area south of Union Square, on the border between Greenwich Village and the East Village, is changing. The approval of the new 14th Street Tech Hub south of Union Square combined … Continued
If the Washington Square Hotel Could Talk (or Write, or Sing)
This is one in a series of posts marking the 50th anniversary of the designation of the Greenwich Village Historic District. Click here to check out our year-long activities and … Continued
Tompkins Square Park Through the Years
Over the years, Off the Grid has featured many posts about Tompkins Square Park, including The Young Lords Start in Tompkins Square Park, The Tompkins Square Park Riots of 1988, … 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…
July 9, 1819: Slavery, Gentrification, and the Last Execution in Washington Square
This is a re-posting of a piece written by GVSHP’s Matthew Morowitz. Sunday, July 9th marked the 198th anniversary of the last execution that took place in Washington Square – … Continued
Edith Wharton vs. Washington Square
This Saturday and Sunday, expert tour guide Joyce Gold will lead tours celebrating the radical, notorious women of Washington Square. The square and its environs have a long been home … Continued
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
On this Day: Washington Square Village Found Eligible for State and National Registers of Historic Places
On this date in 2011, the New York State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), presented a “Resource Evaluation” that agreed with the Landmarks Preservation Commission’s earlier finding that the complex known … Continued
Happy Birthday, George Washington (sort of)
George Washington was born on February 22nd, and his birthday was unofficially celebrated by Americans on that date throughout the 19th century. February 22nd finally became a federal holiday in … Continued
99 Years Ago: The Washington Square Arch Conspiracy, January 23, 1917
The Washington Square Arch in Washington Square Park is in some ways the heart of the Village. The white marble structure was designed by renowned architect Stanford White and built … Continued
The Tree of Heaven in Washington Square
I recently read the novella Washington Square for the first time, eager to see how this 1880 work by Henry James might paint the Square of olden days. Although the … Continued
Parks and Gardens
It’s summer and the flowers are in bloom! We are so lucky to have so many parks and gardens in Greenwich Village and the East Village, where we can enjoy … Continued
Slavery, Gentrification, and the Last Execution in Washington Square
On July 9th, 1819, Rose Butler was executed in the Potter’s Field located in what is now Washington Square Park in Greenwich Village. Rose, a nineteen year old black female … Continued
Celebrating Washington’s Birthday
This post is the third in a three-part series about holidays held in the Village, a collaboration between GVSHP and the students in NYU’s Fall 2014 Intro to Public History … Continued
Looking Up: The Washington Square Arch
This post is part of the Looking Up series, which explores the unique architectural and historical stories that can be discovered when we raise our gaze above the sidewalk, … Continued
Washington Square Arch: Then AND Now
One of the many tools historic preservationists use in their work is historic images. They are an invaluable resource in seeing firsthand how our built environment has changed and stayed … Continued
The March on Washington and the Village
On August 28th, 1963, one of the most iconic and transformative events of the civil rights movement took place, the ‘March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom.’ One of the … Continued
Sir Winston Churchill Square: 2013 Village Award Winner (and one of my favorite places!)
If you have ever spent time in the area where Bleecker Street meets Sixth Avenue, then you know it’s a busy place with lots of people, cars, buses, bicycles, strollers, … Continued
A Walk in the Park Leads to Our Village House Tour!
Warm, sunny days in the Village have us here at GVSHP looking forward to our annual house tour, which takes place this Sunday, May 5th. There’s still time to buy … Continued
Then & Now: Washington Mews
A familiar site to New Yorkers and visitors alike, the charming Washington Mews sits just one block north of Washington Square Park. There are a few street names in New … Continued
Tompkins Square tree offers more than good cheer
Two weeks ago, Off the Grid featured a notice announcing the lighting of the tree in Tompkins Square Park. At this year’s lighting ceremony on December 9th, a plaque was … Continued
Fashion in the Park
With Fashion Week ending yesterday, we thought we’d wrap up our week with a look at some fashions of yesteryear in which the Village played a supporting role. The urban … Continued
Take a Stroll Through the History of our Neighborhoods’ Parks
Jonathan Kuhn, a long-time Village resident who is also the Director of Art & Antiquities at the Department of Parks and Recreation, has curated an exhibition at Central Park’s Arsenal … Continued
On This Day: Washington Square Arch
On this day in 1895 (that’s 117 years ago if you’re counting), Washington Square Arch was dedicated. The above image shows what the arch looked like that year. Designed by … Continued
Tonight — The Hudson Square Rezoning and You
Trinity Real Estate, the major property owner in the Hudson Square neighborhood, is proposing to rezone more than a dozen blocks in Hudson Square, stretching from Houston to Canal Street, … Continued
This Day in History: Abingdon Square Becomes a Public Park
One of the most interesting things about New York City’s public parks is the rich history that lies beyond the grass and trees. Abingdon Square, bounded by 8th Avenue, Hudson … Continued
Washington’s Arch
With Presidents’ Day, celebrating George Washington’s birthday (among other things) just around the corner, we thought we would take a brief look at one of the Village’s most conspicuous monuments … Continued
My Favorite Things: Washington Square North
The iconic early 19th century rowhouses that flank the north side of Washington Square Park are in many a passersby’s mind synonymous with the early history of the neighborhood. Originally, … Continued
The History of Sheridan Square
On this day, August 1, in the year 1864 during the Civil War, General Philip Sheridan was appointed by Ulysses S. Grant as commander of the Army of the Shenandoah, … Continued
Intersectionality and the Past, Present, and Future of Activism in Our Neighborhoods
After the Supreme Court Decision DOBBS v.JACKSON WOMEN’S HEALTH ORGANIZATION overturning Roe v. Wade was released on Friday, June 24, people took to the streets. It was no surprise that people hoping to make their voices heard looked to our neighborhoods as a gathering place. Two of the many protests and rallies that took place in New York City were held in Washington Square Park and Union Square. These protests were organized by intersectional advocacy groups across Labor, Defund the Police, Housing, Immigration, and LGBTQIA+ movements.
Ghost Signs Abound in Our Historic Image Archive
A year or two into my career as a historic preservationist, I was accused (in good humor) of being a warden of “the ephemera of New York.” I tended toward … Continued
Filomena: the thirteen-year-old martyred virgin once celebrated in the South Village
The veneration of a martyred-thirteen-year old virgin once brought residents of the South Village together in celebration every August 11th. A special mass would kick off the event, which was … Continued
Hip Hop’s 2nd Birthplace: Greenwich Village & the East Village
Hip Hop at 50This is the first in a series of posts that celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Birth of Hip Hop. Our exploration takes us to the seminal … Continued
Time Traveling with The Villager
It is well known that newspapers were once the place to go for everything: international news, an apartment, weekend plans, and maybe even a date. They might no longer play … Continued
Jean Shepherd: Village Raconteur
Jean Shepherd (July 26, 1921 – October 16, 1999) is probably best known as the voice of the beloved and relatively new holiday classic, A Christmas Story. But he was … Continued
Yayoi Kusama’s Infinite Influence
Many of the most revered artists of the past century were profoundly impacted by their time in and around our neighborhoods. Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama has risen above even those … Continued
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 … Continued
Ice Cream and a Scoop of History
There’s a particular exuberance in the air as spring gives way to summer in the Village. We love June around here for many reasons: seeing all the people and pets … Continued
Thank You and Goodnight, Mrs. Maisel!
For five seasons, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel had us slapping our knees and laughing from our bellies with its quick-witted humor and whimsical absurdity. Each character seemed to move at … Continued
In Memory of Ralph Lee (1936-2023), Village Wizard
Humans, anthropocentric as they are, project their emotive capacity onto the inanimate world. If you’re throwing away an old pair of shoes, and you stare at them long enough, they … Continued
Ai Weiwei and The Two East Villages: Part One
This special two-part series explores Ai Weiwei’s experiences in two different East Villages — one in New York and the other in Beijing — both of which were hubs of … Continued
Jazz and Jewelry: The Life of Art Smith
Art Smith was an influential American jewelry designer who gained popularity in the mid-20th century for his bold and abstract designs. At his studio in Greenwich Village, Smith created unique … Continued
In Memory of Mimi Sheraton (1926-2023), Quintessential Villager
Greenwich Village lost one of its most eloquent voices with the passing of food critic and author Mimi Sheraton (1926-2023). She was a champion of her neighborhood, where she lived … Continued
The Best Birdwatching in Greenwich Village and the East Village
There comes a time each spring when one can’t help but marvel at the sights and sounds of our neighborhoods. The blooming magnolias and budding leaves are made even more … Continued
The Painters of 108 through 114 Waverly Place
108, 110, 112, and 114 Waverly Place are a curious collection of houses. They are all that remain of nine houses built in 1826 for city comptroller Thomas R. Mercein. … Continued
The Women of Village Preservation’s Online Archives
Since our founding in 1980, Village Preservation has cultivated a staggering collection of historic research and resources. Among the jewels of this collection are our Historic Image Archive and our … Continued
Ada Louise Huxtable: Democratizing Architectural Discourse in Greenwich Village and Beyond
Ada Louise Huxtable (March 14, 1921 – January 7, 2013) was arguably the most formidable critical voice regarding architecture of the second half of the 20th century. Huxtable, who became the … Continued
Edith Lyons’ Oral History: Protecting the “Jewel” of Greenwich Village
Our oral history collection contains many incredibly compelling stories about our neighborhoods’ histories, told from a first-person perspective by those who were in the center of the action. Perhaps no … Continued
“The Sign in Sidney Brustein’s Window” and Lorraine Hansberry’s 1960s Greenwich Village
Many of us may daydream about being transported back to the bohemian Greenwich Village of the 1960s. Beyond our own imaginations, one particularly effective way to do that is via … Continued
Doris Diether Oral History: Activist and Zoning Maven
Occasionally referred to as the “Grand Dame of Washington Square Park,” Doris Diether (January 10, 1929 — September 16, 2021) was a critical figure in the early preservation battles of … Continued
Joan Baez: The Queen of Folk Merges Music and Social Justice
Since the late 1950s, Joan Baez (b. January 9, 1941) has had a storied career, releasing over 30 albums in six languages, often using her music as a platform for … Continued
The Weight of Demolition Waste
In 2016, we revisited Washington Square Park and the radical fight to go completely “car-free”. At the time, it was a matter of preventing power broker Robert Moses from devastating … Continued
One Summer in 1888, Three Milestones for the Italian-Americans in the South Village
In the latter half of the 19th century, Manhattan and Brooklyn became centers of everyday life for thousands of Italian immigrants entering the United States. Their numbers started off small … Continued
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 … Continued
VILLAGE VOICES II Launches September 18th
Village Preservation is pleased to announce the 2nd year of VILLAGE VOICES, an outdoor public art exhibition produced by Village Preservation that celebrates and illuminates the artistic, social, political, and cultural … Continued
Oral History: Ralph Lee’s Halloween
Ralph Lee’s interest in puppetry and theater began as a young boy in his family’s home in Middlebury, Vermont. An early creative spark launched him on a career that ultimately took him to the role he’s most often recognized for, as the “father” of Greenwich Village’s annual Halloween Parade.
Remembering the Critical Role of Locals in the Women’s Suffrage Movement on Women’s Equality Day
Greenwich Village Congressmember Bella Abzug (D-NY) urged congress in 1973 to designate August 26 as “Women’s Equality Day.” The date was selected to commemorate the 1920 certification of the 19th … Continued
The Art of the Steal! Thrifting in Greenwich Village, the East Village, & NoHo
Thrift shopping is one of the favorite past-times in our neighborhoods, whether by longtime locals, newcomers, or visitors. Who could possibly resist the allure of spending a weekend browsing the … Continued
Three Takeaways from Escape from New York: The 1822 Yellow Fever Outbreak and the Creation of Greenwich Village
us through our history with insights that help us understand our own times as much as we begin to understand the past. We hope you check out James and Michelle’s work and continue to come along such journeys through Village Preservation’s programming.
Greenwich Village: Immigrant Mecca
Any time of year is a good time to explore our nation’s rich and enduring immigrant history. Fortunately for us, we don’t have to travel far to honor the spirit … Continued
Dave Van Ronk: Ally at the Stonewall Uprising
Dave Van Ronk has been called a “folk singer’s folk singer.” He personified the image of the Greenwich Village artist and musician as the “local” who didn’t forsake his roots … Continued
North America’s First Free Black Settlement In Our Neighborhoods
According to historian Christopher Moore, the first legally emancipated community of people of African descent in North America was found in Lower Manhattan, comprising much of present-day Greenwich Village, NoHo, … Continued
‘Seven to Save’: Did It Work?
Village Preservation’s proposed South of Union Square Historic District was recently named one of 2022-2023’s “Seven to Save” — the biannual list of the most important endangered historic sites in … Continued
Celebrity Trees of Our Neighborhoods
New York City’s trees shade us in the summer, beautify our neighborhoods, help reduce noise, clean our air, counteract heat islands, absorb rainwater, and support important urban wildlife, among an … Continued
Our Dutch Legacy, Four Hundred Years Later
On May 4th, 1626, Dutch Explorer Peter Minuit landed on the island known to its indigenous population as Manahatta, orchestrating what has often been referred to as the “purchase” of … Continued
Remembering Christopher Moore and Honoring New York City’s Whole History
Christopher Moore (b. January 20, 1952, d. March 13, 2022, of complications from COVID and pneumonia) was a curator, archivist, author, storyteller, researcher, and the longest-serving member of New York … Continued
The Long Road To Our Landmarks Law
On April 19, 1965, New York City passed its landmarks law. While credit for passage of this law is often attributed to the demolition of Penn Station, the tragic loss … Continued
Preserving the Past is Female!
Historic Preservation is a field where we seek to preserve communities and history through the built environment. The field requires knowledge of architecture, planning, law, and culture, among other areas. … Continued
Sylvia Rivera: A Controversial But Powerful and Enduring Activist for LGBTQ+ Rights
Sylvia Rivera (July 2, 1951 – February 19, 2002, She/Her) was a trailblazing advocate for the rights of transgender individuals and LGBTQ+ communities. A vocal opponent of racism and transphobia … Continued
Woman Crush Wednesday: Jane Jacobs
Who says you can’t fight City Hall? During these particularly troubling and divided political times, it is rewarding and inspiring to look to Jane Jacobs for encouragement. Jane redefined urban … Continued
9/11: The Days After — Marjorie Zien Collection
In honor of the 20th Anniversary of 9/11, Village Preservation has assembled nearly 1,000 donated images documenting the World Trade Center, the terrorist attacks of 9/11, and the days and … Continued
Romare Bearden and the Formation of An African American Artistic Identity Downtown
Groundbreaking artist, intellectual, and activist Romare Bearden (September 2, 1911 – March 12, 1988) was born in Mecklenberg County, North Carolina. When Bearden was about 3 years old, his parents Bessye … Continued
Draper’s Observatories: Moongazing Up and Down the Hudson
In the village of Hastings-on-Hudson, a short train ride away from Manhattan’s Grand Central Terminal, lies a nationally landmarked building known as Observatory Cottage. The charming two-floor cottage was once … Continued
127, 129, and 131 MacDougal Street: Architecture, Artists, African Americans, and “Alternative Lifestyles”
On June 8th, 2004, 127, 129, and 131 MacDougal Street, three 1829 Federal Style houses, were landmarked — the first three of thirteen Village Preservation and the NY Landmarks Conservancy jointly proposed and campaigned for landmark … Continued
Beyond the Village and Back: Federal Hall, 26 Wall Street
Federal Hall at 26 Wall Street is one of New York City’s — and the nation’s — most historic locations. Known as the “Birthplace of American Government,” it’s the site where George Washington took the oath of office as our first President. It was also the site of the first Congress, Supreme Court, and Executive Branch offices.
Asian-American History in Greenwich Village and the East Village
The Asian-American and Pacific Islander community has a more than 150-year-long history in the United States, dating back to the first wave of Chinese and Japanese immigrants settling on the … Continued
Celebrating the Preservationists of the Greenwich Village Historic District
The Greenwich Village Historic District is one of New York City’s oldest historic districts.
Samuel F.B. Morse: A Brilliant Artist and Inventor With A Complicated, Troubling Legacy
Samuel Finley Breese Morse was an artist, inventor, and would-be-politician. While there was much to admire about his legacy and accomplishments, there was also much to condemn and deplore. Reading … Continued
Bernard Malamud: Evocative Novelist, and Villager
Novelist Bernard Malamud is considered by many critics to be one of the finest American novelists of the 20th century. Born on April 26, 1914, in Brooklyn to a poor Russian … Continued
(Even More) Artists, Theaters, and Advocates for Civil Rights and Social Justice in Our Neighborhoods
Few places in America have made more significant contributions to civil rights and social justice struggles.
A Move To Allow New York City To Save Its Landmarks
On April 6, 1965, the New York City Council approved the bill granting the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission the power to designate and preserve New York City’s landmarks. … Continued
“Amended,” a Podcast Going Deeper on Women’s History
There are many important takeaways from Village Preservation’s 19th Amendment Centennial StoryMap; there are a remarkable number of people and places in Greenwich Village, the East Village, and NoHo who … Continued
More Historic Images: The Pryor Dodge Collection
It just never stops growing…Village Preservation’s Historic Image Archive, that is. The latest addition is the Pryor Dodge Collection, a collection taken between 1966 and 1967. They provide a wonderful … Continued
Business of the Month: NoHo Juice Bar, 208 Mercer Street
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, … Continued
